Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games

Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.

How To Play: Ingenious – Setup, rule summary and strategy

Ingenious - Ingenious, KOSMOS, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Ingenious requires a balanced approach, focusing on early scoring, controlling key positions, and adapting to opponents. Mastering the game involves reading opponents and making bold moves, all while keeping the gameplay fun and engaging. Understanding and leveraging the components, rules, and strategies are key to becoming an Ingenious master.

How To Play: London

London: Box Cover Front

How To Play London: Quick Summary

London is all about smart card play, managing poverty, and creating a clever city layout. Watch your timing, balance progress with risk, and keep an eye on rivals. Remember, a little planning can stop you being buried in poverty tokens. Play boldly, laugh often, win sometimes!

How To Play: Archipelago

Archipelago: Box Cover Front

Archipelago mixes resource management, exploration, and cooperative crisis management into an engaging board game experience. Success hinges on smart resource trading, strategic exploration, and effective crisis resolution. This guide breaks down the essentials of how to play Archipelago, ensuring players can navigate the challenges and compete for victory with confidence.