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: Evolution

Evolution: Box Cover Front

Evolution is all about managing species traits, balancing food supply, and adapting to opponents. Understand the rules, adapt quickly, observe opponents, and prioritize food sources. Play smart combos and stay flexible. Personal anecdotes add fun, and always keep the core rules in mind. Happy gaming!

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

Tribune - Tribune, Spielworxx, 2020 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Our comprehensive strategy guide dives into the heart of Tribune, unfolding strategies around Faction Control, Resource Management, and the nuanced art of Alliances and Betrayals. With insight into game setup, rules, and winning conditions, readers will discover paths to victory and ways to outmaneuver opponents.

How To Play: Cuba

Cuba: Box Cover Front

In Cuba, winning hinges on mastering resource management, influencing legislation, optimizing trade, and making smart building choices. The game challenges players with a mix of strategy and adaptability. Success comes from balancing economic growth with political savvy, ensuring your strategy aligns with current laws, market demands, and building an efficient engine.

How To Play: AuZtralia

AuZtralia - AuZtralia, SchilMil Games/Stronghold Games, 2018 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

AuZtralia packs farming, fighting, and weird tentacled horrors into one wild board game. Know the rules, watch your resources, and never underestimate the Old Ones. Master military, balance strategy, and plan your turns. How To Play auztralia? With wit, luck, and enough coffee to power a locomotive. Good luck!

How To Play: Mexica

Mexica cover

Mexica in a Nutshell

Mexica is all about smart district placement, clever canal building, and temple majority for big points. Grab control with timing, plan your moves, and keep opponents guessing. After lots of laughs and chaos with friends, I can say: learn How To Play mexica, then start scheming!