Meeple Nation Board Game Podcast Podcast By Nathan Howard cover art

Meeple Nation Board Game Podcast

Meeple Nation Board Game Podcast

By: Nathan Howard
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 Weekly, episodes about board games and the board game hobby. We dive in to a wide selection of game mechanics, themes, and reviews. We discuss game news, gaming highlights, and the people who make our games amazing. Come join us at the game table. Hosted by Nathan Howard, Andy Holliday, Douglas Stewart, David Holliday, and Logan Howard.Meeple Nation 2014
Episodes
  • MN 581 Open Drafting Games

    MN 581 Open Drafting Games
    Jun 4 2025
    Episode 581: Open Drafting Games Episode release date is June 4, 2025 Show Notes This week we kick off our discussion of open drafting games. So, we are going to line up a bunch of games and choose some to discuss. Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast Web Page Become a Chanameeple Links to Episodes SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast Bios Email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com Patreon Instagram @meeplenation Facebook Meeple Nation Facebook Group Meeple Nation Off Air X Meeple Nation Discord Meeple Nation Sponsorship Game Toppers SaltCON Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty) Nathan Doomlings Douglas Andy David In board game mechanics, open drafting is a specific type of drafting where players take turns selecting items (like cards, tiles, dice, or tokens) from a shared, visible pool of options. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics and how it differs from other drafting types: Key Characteristics of Open Drafting: Shared Pool: There's a central display or common area where all the items available for selection are laid out. Visibility: All players can see all the available options in the pool at all times. This is the defining feature of "open" drafting. Turn-Based Selection: Players take turns choosing and taking one or more items from this shared pool. Once an item is taken, it's removed from the pool (or sometimes replaced immediately, depending on the game). Strategic Interaction: Because everyone can see what's available and what others are taking, open drafting encourages a high level of player interaction and strategic depth. Players aren't just thinking about what they need for their own strategy, but also: "Hate Drafting": Taking an item that might not be optimal for you, but is crucial for an opponent's strategy, thereby "denying" them that piece. This can be a friendly jab or a crucial tactical move. Anticipation: Trying to predict what other players will take on their turns based on their visible boards or strategies. Adapting: Adjusting your own plans if a key item you wanted is taken by an opponent. How it Differs from Other Drafting Types: The main contrast to open drafting is closed drafting (often called "pick-and-pass" or "hand drafting"): Closed Drafting: Players typically receive a hand of cards (or a set of items) and select one (or more) to keep, then pass the rest of their hand to the next player. The key difference is that the pool of options available to the next player is unknown until they receive the new hand. Players don't see the full communal pool; they only see their current hand. Examples of Closed Drafting: 7 Wonders (the original), Sushi Go!, Blood Rage. Why Designers Use Open Drafting: Increased Player Interaction: Players are constantly engaged with the overall game state, not just their own limited hand. Tactical Depth: Decisions often involve weighing immediate personal gain against denying opponents. Transparency: All information about available items is public, allowing for more calculated and less luck-driven decisions regarding the draft itself. Emergent Strategy: The way the pool changes based on player choices creates dynamic and evolving strategic opportunities. Open Drafting Games Alchemist Land vs Sea Azul Azul Duel Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra Azul: Summer Pavilion Azul: The Queen’s Garden Storm Raiders Res Arcana Firefly: The Game Project L: Collector's Edition Altiplano P.I. Planet Unknown Truffle Shuffle The Gang 7 Wonders: Duel Faraway Thunderstone Advance Dominion Ticket to Ride: Europe Ticket to Ride Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game Gizmo Queendomino Clank!: Catacombs Nightfall Bootleggers Dice Forge Star Trek Deck Building Game: The Next Generation Doug’s Rapid Fire Mentions Cloud City The Witcher: Old World Revive Wonderland’s War Wingspan Wyrmspan 51st State Scarface 1920 Waste Knights Rurik: Dawn of Kiev Champion of Midgard
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • MN 580 May 2025 News Audio

    MN 580 May 2025 News Audio
    May 28 2025
    Episode 580: Meeple Nation May 2025 News - New Games, Announcements, & Crowdfunding! Release Date: May 28, 2025 Welcome to Episode 580 of Meeple Nation, The World's Okayest Podcast! This week, Nathan, Douglas, and Dave pull up a chair to the game table to dive into all the exciting news from the board gaming world for May 2025. We're covering a ton of ground, including: New Game Releases: Discover what's just hit the shelves and is ready for your game night!New Game Announcements: Get the scoop on upcoming titles that have the community buzzing.Crowdfunding Games: We'll highlight some intriguing projects currently seeking support on Kickstarter and Gamefound. In this episode, we chat about: Our Gaming Highlights: Nathan: Twilight Inscription Flip 7 Hadrian’s Wall Douglas: Arkham Horror Dave: Dominion Hot New Releases: Marvel Champions: Silk Hero Pack Marvel Champions: Black Panther Hero Pack (Suri) Cyclades: Legendary Edition Parks Second Edition Knitting Circle Zombicide 2nd Ed: PariZ Marvel Zombies Marvel Zombies: X-Men Resistance Santorini: Pantheon Edition Toy Battle Tiny Turbo Cars Dragon Eclipse Pokemon Critter Kitchen Emerald Skull Exciting Announcements: Battle for Hoth (Command and Colors) Risk GI Joe: Special Missions Risk Legacy 7 Wonders Dice Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth 7 Wonders Architects Slam Throne Pogs Sea Salt & Paper: Extra Pepper Lorcana: Reign of Jafar Grand Central Skyport Skyrise Cloud City The Anarchy Hadrian’s Wall Dry Erase Board SETI: Space Agencies Mystery of the Abbey In the Footsteps of Darwin: Correspondence 7 Empires Crowdfunding Spotlight: Kickstarter: Flamecraft Duels Gamefound: Aeon’s End: Beyond the Breach A huge shout-out to our amazing sponsors, Game Toppers and SaltCON! Whether you're a veteran gamer or just getting into the hobby, there's something for everyone in this action-packed episode. Join us for your essential dose of board game news and discussion! Connect with Meeple Nation: Website: Meeplenation.comSaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast: SaltPODEmail: MeepleNation@gmail.comPatreon: Meeple NationInstagram: @meeplenation Facebook Page: Meeple NationFacebook Group (Meeple Nation Off Air): Meeple Nation Off AirX (Twitter): @MeepleNation Discord: Meeple NationYouTube: Meeple Nation Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform!
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • SCPC - SaltPOD: SaltCON Summer 2025 preview.

    SCPC - SaltPOD: SaltCON Summer 2025 preview.
    May 28 2025
    SaltPOD 0005, SaltCON Summer 2025 Release date: May 27, 2025 Welcome gamers! If you are a board gamer, a social gamer, or someone who loves RPGs, SaltCON is a place for you. Welcome back to SaltPOD, your dedicated deep dive into the vibrant world of SaltCon and the incredible community that makes it tick! If you're new here, SaltPOD is your backstage pass, your insider scoop, your direct line to all things SaltCON. SaltCON – the biggest and best tabletop gaming convention in the Mountain West! We're here to explore the amazing games, the fantastic people, and the unforgettable experiences that make SaltCon a must-attend event year after year. Get ready to level up your excitement!" This episode we are discussing SaltCON Summer which is happening June 6th through the 8th at the Davis Conference Center, in Layton City. This event is smaller than the Spring event but still has three action packed days of events, tournaments, open gaming and amazing people. Vendor Hall The Gauntlet of vendors and wears and gaming goodies. Hot Games: Andromeda’s Edge Cat Blues: The Big Gig Creature Caravan Critter Kitchen Finspan House of Fado SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Slay the Spire: The Board Game Play to Win Games Friday and Saturday Gaming library A huge game library with over 2500 games to check out and play. Classic games, and new games alike. There were 278 different events the attendees could sign up for. 178 Total RPG events. 85 RPG events 26 Pathfinder events 67 Dungeons and Dragons Adventurers League events Game Swap Flea Market Saturday for 2-hours Tournaments Sabacc Events Broadway Murder Mystery - Groomed for Murder! Nebula: A 4X inspired Big Group Game Tichu around with Danny Blood on the Clock Tower Nine different event and one how to play event Mini Painting Seminar Saturday 1:30 64 total board game events Board Game Events 30 Board Game Events Meeple Nation events 34 Meeple Nation Board Game Events What a way to start the Summer of Gaming. So what is next? SaltCON End of Summer August 29-31 1000 badges Game library RPG area Hot Games Game swap Flea Market Miniature painting Vendors Reserved tables If you have any questions feel free to email us at MeepleNation@gmail.com. We are always excited to hear about new games and exciting times. And with that we have completed another deep dive into the salty goodness of SaltCon! We hope you're as excited as we are for all the fun and games. Remember, SaltPOD is your ongoing connection to these amazing events. But the board gaming adventure doesn't stop here! If you love in-depth discussions, diverse perspectives, and talking about all things board games, be sure to check out our other podcast, Meeple Nation! There we have episodes serving up fantastic content week after week. Until next time, keep rolling those dice, and we'll see you at SaltCon!"Thanks for listening.
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    26 mins
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Meeple Nation is really enjoyable to listen to. They have enough different tastes in gaming that the show covers a vast area of board gaming. It's not all about the newest game, there's a lot of podcasts covering the cult of the new. With all the games out there sometimes nice to hear about older games, they might even be on your own shelf of shame. You listen to them and you just want to play a game.

These are the guys you want at your table

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I have enjoyed strategizing and participating from a distance with these professional board gamers! Douglas Stewart is especially articulate and engaging!

Great podcast

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