Games Played: Domaine
Gamers: Jimmy, Geno, Marianne, Chip
When I arrived, there was already a game of Risk 2210 AD (or something) at the other table.
DOMAINE (1:22)
Jimmy: 22
Chip: 21
Marianne: 19
Geno: 16
We went over the rules quickly, placed our castles on the board and started in.
It wasn't long before I realized that I had placed most of my castles next to the same types of mines, limiting my potential income. Fortunately, everyone else had a similarly unprofitable arrangement.
As before, I tried to get a mine or two early. With the combined help of Geno (who suggested that Marianne place a border piece to help me) and Marianne (who complied), I was able to complete a domain shortly after Marianne finished hers.
After establishing my first domain, I was debating between concentrating my efforts on that single area or developing my other castles. My best games have always neglected one or two of my castles. For the sake of trying something different, I spread out, and defined all three domains. In retrospect, it didn't really buy me much.
Most of the game was very balanced and friendly. We all developed our domains by claiming neutral territory, rather than encroaching upon our neighbors. As such, almost every square was part of some domain, benefiting the players with castles in the center of the board. In fact, Marianne was able to claim a 15-point domain (although most of it was ripped away shortly thereafter).
The scores varied drastically throughout the game, which adds to the appeal of this game. In addition to Marianne's uber-domain, Geno had a very solid lead on the rest of us for most of the later half of the game. The last few rounds saw some vicious treachery and expansion into others territories, as we all opted to playing some cards (while greedily eying the "most gold" end-game bonus).
Domaine is my new favorite game, so I was happy when everyone agreed to play it. I'll be bringing it again soon, I'm sure. It seemed to be a hit with Geno and Jimmy, and even Marianne has said that she'd be willing to play it again.
posted by FlyingSheep @ 2:33 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home