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: The LOOP

The LOOP cover
The LOOP is a fantastic game where mastering character abilities, managing the time loop, and controlling vortexes are key. With a mix of strategy and fun, understanding the game's mechanics, optimizing team synergies, and adapting your game plan are crucial. It's all about balancing strategy with fun and adaptability.

How To Play: QE

QE - Q.E., BoardGameTables.com, 2019 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
This guide dives headfirst into the exciting world of QE, offering a hilarious yet insightful look at gameplay, strategies, and those oh-so-important tactics of bidding and economic balance. After many game nights, I've learned the ropes and shared here how to outsmart your friends and have a blast doing it.

How To Play: Luna

Luna: Box Cover Front
Our Luna guide dives deep into temple actions, island strategies, and the cunning timing of the Apostate. From setup to winning strategies, we've covered the essentials with a sprinkle of humor and personal anecdotes. With our guide, you're set to master Luna and impress your friends at game night!

How To Play: Element

Element - Element, Rather Dashing Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
This guide covers the essentials for winning at Element. It includes understanding and mastering the Element tiles, tactical blocking of opponents, and wisely conserving your resources. Key strategies involve knowing tile abilities, strategic placement, and adaptation. Mastery comes with practice and a deep understanding of the game's dynamics.

How To Play: Conan

Conan - Conan, Monolith, 2016 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
This Conan guide covers everything from setting up the board, mastering unit strengths and weaknesses, to advanced strategies like resource management and enemy anticipation. Dive deep into the gameplay mechanics and winning tips, offering a comprehensive overview for both new and experienced players to conquer the world of Conan.

How To Play: Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre cover
Just wrapped up a lively session of 'Cuba Libre' with my mates, and boy, do I have tales to tell! This game's a riot of strategy and alliances, demanding you juggle resources, negotiate like a pro, and master your faction. Perfect for a night of laughs and brainy challenges.