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: Pinnacle

Pinnacle - Pinnacle, Mixlore, 2019 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Pinnacle strategy guide covers card counting, bidding strategies, and team communication. It also explains setup, gameplay, and winning conditions. You’ll find tips on aggressive bidding, teamwork, and staying flexible. The guide encourages practice and highlights the 'How To Play Pinnacle' section for more tips.

How To Play: Milestones

Milestones - Milestones, AMIGO, 2021 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
In Milestones, understanding resource management, building efficient routes, and smart timing and planning is key. This guide includes game rules, strategies for winning, and components. For a successful game, plan ahead, balance resources, and adapt mid-game to stay ahead. Focus on these strategies to enhance your gameplay experience.

How To Play: Black Swan

Black Swan: Box Cover Front
In our journey around Black Swan, we uncovered the gold: mastering risk vs. reward, the art of resource management, and the Sherlock skills of opponent observation. Through my tales of glory (and some facepalms), I hope you grabbed a trick or two to dominate your next game night!

How To Play: Royals

Royals: Box Cover Front
In Royals, mastering strategy is key. Focus on optimizing character cards and controlling territories wisely. Knowing when to make power plays by watching opponents and managing your resources is crucial. Spread your influence strategically, anticipate moves, and adapt. Remember, success in Royals comes from planning, card management, and flexibility.