Tension! Why is it so vital to the board game experience and what are some of our favorite tense games & moments? Clef from Punchboard Paradise joins James as we discuss this and recent plays of Pax Pamir 1e, Inis, Manila, Aladdin's Dragons, Tichu, Shark, and so much more! Enjoy the show! :38 Chatting with Clef 11:55 DoaMcoN 7 Announcement 14:30 Disc Golf Weather 18:50 Pax Pamir 1e 27:13 Inis w/Nemed Expansion 33:56 Manila 42:13 Aladdin's Dragons 52:14 Tichu 58:26 Shark 1:03:00 Main Topic: Tension in Games 1:24:58 Disc Golf Talk to the end! DoaMcoN 7 Signups are live! August 18-22, 2027!…
The game night is scheduled, the players are accounted for, but now...how do we pick the game? James is joined by Steve as we discuss our personal methodology, considerations, and what works for our group when it comes to choosing the games we play at game night. Also recent plays of Guards of Atlantis II, 1894, Kaivai, Boomtown, and Rise & Fall. Enjoy the show! 3:55 Guards of Atlantis II 13:22 Boomtown 20:53 1894 36:31 Revisiting: Medieval Merchant & Freya's Folly 46:04 Kaivai 53:56 Rise & Fall 59:05 Main Topic: Choosing a Game to Play DoaMcoN 7 Announcement Coming Soon!…
It's the DoaMcoN Wrap Up Episode! After a full week of gaming at our 6th annual con, James & Derek sit down to discuss memorable moments and iconic plays. Special correspondent Dylan joins live from the past with attendee interviews as we relive some of their favorite games from the event as well. Enjoy the show! No Timestamps for this one, far too many games to mention! But you'll hear about Mega Medina, late night DoaMcoN nonsense, James' return to train games, Derek and the ghost of the COIN Collectors, Negotiation & Trolling, Splotters & Wehrle Love, and so much more! Interviews in…
Vincent joins James as we discuss the insatiable need for modern publishers to "fix" games when they rescue them from obscurity and reprint them. Why is this so common? Who are the good guys doing it right and the bad guys blowing it every time? Also recent plays of some reprinted games such as Container, Gold Country, Medieval Merchant, Waddle, and so much more. Enjoy the show! 1:18 Hellas: The DoaM Knight Rises 5:19 Full DoaMcoN VI Hype Train 8:20 Medieval Merchant 17:33 Container 26:48 Tales of the Arabian Nights 32:53 Waddle 37:57 Decko 44:56 Freya's Folly 51:34 Die Saulen von Venedig…
James is joined by Camden as we open up the haterade and talk about the DoaM Darlings that the community loves - but we just don't. We'll examine what keeps us from falling in line on some of Dads on a Map's favorite titles. Also recent plays of Cross Bronx Expressway, Nokosu Dice, Owner's Choice, Capital Lux 2, and Wolfel. Enjoy the show! 7:45 Cross Bronx Expressway 22:00 Paths of Glory 31:02 Owner's Choice 39:35 Nokosu Dice 46:25 Wolfel 58:50 Capital Lux 2 1:03:37 Main Topic: Dissing DoaM Darlings http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon:…
A nice full month of gaming means a nice full show full of game talk! James is joined by Steve to talk recent plays of Archipelago, John Company, Pax Pamir 1E, Shadow Hunters, Intrigue, and so much more! We're down to our last few lodging spots for DoaMcoN VI, live in Kansas City on August 19-23. Sign up now! :51 Get to know Steve 12:35 The Old Prince 1871 17:52 Archipelago 24:53 Pax Pamir 1E 30:47 Intrigue 38:08 Bad Bets 41:21 Nur Peanuts 46:59 Santiago 49:28 Bohnanza 55:03 Bauernschlau 57:00 John Company 1:02:36 Shark 1:06:05 Shadow Hunters 1:16:24 Magical Athlete & Hot Streak 1:21:49…
James is joined by his 2 boys Colton & Corbin for the traditional Father's Day Episode. Fresh off of a family vacation filled with some rare gaming time, hear all about plays of Puerto Banana, Panda Royale, I'm The Boss, Cozy Stickerville, and a 19 player game of Blood on the Clocktower. Happy Father's Day DoaM! 1:30 New Patron Shivan, DoaMcoN Signups 2:49 Get to know the boys 16:12 Family Vacation! 17:35 Cozy Stickerville 23:45 Escape Room in a Box? 29:58 Puerto Banana 31:58 Epic Universe - Nintendo World 41:28 Tampa w/ DoaMer Brandon 42:28 Panda Royale 47:56 I'm The Boss 7P 51:05 Bohnanza…
Derek & Drew headed over to the DFW Airport to enjoy BGG Spring Con 2026! Listen in as we talk Cross Bronx Expressway, 1830, Euro Crisis, and many more! Enjoy the show! 0:00 - Opening Discussion 3:10 - Day One (Santiago, 1830, Snowp, Puerto Banana) 22:00 - Day Two (DNUP, Night Soil, Euro Crisis) 41:30 - Day Three (Cross Bronx Expressway, Tricktaker Event, Giants) 1:13:20 - Day Four (Baltic Empires, Manila, Late Night Madness) 1:35:00 - Day Five (Crits & Tricks, Die Verbotene Stadt) Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23:…
James & Tim link up at Punchboard Paradise Con and talk all about some of their favorite plays of the weekend. The Old Prince, Wiz War, Rocky Ventures, UR 1830, Aquadukt, Liberty or Death, Infamous Traffic and more! Enjoy the show! 2:41 Crokinole, Blood on the Clocktower, and Doppelkopf 5:56 The Old Prince 1871 14:15 Wiz War 16:21 Rocky Ventures 24:02 Bad Bets 27:27 1830 UR 30:55 Aquadukt 35:59 Kuhhandel Master 39:57 Liberty or Death 42:42 An Infamous Traffic 47:33 Bests & Worsts Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23:…
James is joined by Adam, one of our Hacendado patrons, and co-host of the new Cardboard Carnival podcast. Join us as we discuss Adam's unique experience starting a podcast with his young daughter. We'll also talk recent plays of Rayroads, Fukuzatsu, Panda Royale, and A Place for All My Books. Enjoy the show! :51 Welcome Adam 6:03 Rayroads 12:59 Panda Royale 18:18 Revisit: TI4 Async & Kuhhandel Master 22:10 A Place For All My Books 27:00 Fukuzatsu aka Taured Poker 39:26 The Cardboard Carnival and starting a podcast 54:55 Our Punchboard Paradise Con Want to Play Lists Check out The Cardboard…
James is joined for the first time by Jon as they talk all about building a game group. Impossible? Or are you just not trying hard enough. Hear their personal experiences and efforts to make a group that sticks. Also recent plays of Mexica, Gods & Mortals, Kuhhandel Master, Das Pferd Von Troja and more! Enjoy the show! :59 Meet Jon 4:00 Housekeeping: New Patron Ray, DoaM Madness, DoaMcoN 7:33 Gods & Mortals 14:55 Kuhhandel Master 22:11 Mexica 32:41 Peace 1905 38:00 Twilight Imperium IV Async 48:22 Das Pferd Von Troja 55:24 Main Topic: Building a Gaming Group Information & Signups for…
Joe returns from a long hiatus to join James and talk all about gaming with his growing kids. Hear his thoughts on TCGs, Arcs, and a surprising face turn on Knizia? Also recent plays of 1841, Razzia, and Mr Diamond. Enjoy the show! 2:35 Welcome Back Joe 14:10 1841 22:28 TCG Talk: Magic, Pokémon, Lorcana 37:17 Razzia 42:48 Khan of Khans and other Knizias 57:13 Mr Diamond 104:48 Arcs 1:17:22 Joe is back online Follow along with the DoaM Madness Tournament: https://challonge.com/DoaM26 Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23:…
Finally, Abstracts get their day on Dads on a Map! Trenton & Cody join James to talk all about this often ignored genre - what these games bring to the table, what makes them special, and some of their favorite recommendations. Also recent plays of Puerto Banana, Mamma Mia, Medina, & Ponte del Diavolo. Enjoy the show! 1:52 DoaM Madness Check In 8:24 Mahjong & Blood on the Clocktower 14:16 Mamma Mia 16:08 Ponte del Diavolo 20:15 Puerto Banana 26:50 Medina 33:24 GIPF 36:05 Main Topic: Abstract Games 51:43 Game Recommendations: Intro Games 1:04:33 Lifestyle/Community Games 1:15:21 Obscure…
James & handful of DoaM friends gathered in the midwest for a small "Cabin Con" - listen in as attendees talk some of their favorite plays and experiences. You'll hear from a host of people about Medina, Blood on the Clocktower, Dune: The Dice Game, Twilight Imperium, 18xx, Indonesia, Puerto Banana, and so much more! Want to join the next get together? Sign up for DoaMcoN VI below! Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap…
James & Derek bring you all 64 first round matchups from the upcoming DoaM Madness Tournament. See how DoaM's Top 128 games, chosen by the fans, fare against each other in a single elimination tournament with bragging rights and their place in history on the line. Also recent plays of Magna Grecia, Carrom, and Zoo Vadis. Enjoy the show! 2:15 Ruben's Mini Chips 7:25 Zoo Vadis 11:02 Magna Grecia 15:00 Carrom 21:08 DoaM Madness Tournament Preview Participate in DoaM Madness & win a free game: https://challonge.com/DoaM26 Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23:…
James is joined by Derek as they jump head first into Board Game Con season by talking about what makes a great con game for them. What are our priorities and must haves at some of our favorite conventions. Also recent plays of Spectaculum/Gold Country, Bested Another Time, The Old Prince 1871, and Pacts. Enjoy the show! 7:23 Spectaculum/Gold Country/Trackgate 26:47 Bested Another Time 33:10 The Old Prince 1871 39:38 Pacts 44:45 Hitster 52:20 First Orchard 55:45 Derek goes to FlingCon 58:04 What makes a great Con game? Participate in DoaM Madness & win a free game:…
James is joined by Justin & Nahv of Tabletapas Games as they prepare for their Kickstarter launch of the new thematic economic game Stellar Ventures. We'll chat about the origin of their company, their experience in game development, and tie it all together with a discussion about satisfying game arcs. We'll also talk recent plays of Wiz War, Sol: Last Days of a Star, and For All Mankind. Enjoy the show! 00:47 Welcome Justin & Nahv 3:33 Stellar Ventures on Kickstarter now 7:52 Cube Rails meets 18xx? 16:35 Strong Cube Rails DNA 26:26 Components & Location challenges 36:36 Recent plays: Pax…
Auctions! James is joined by Chris to explore one of our favorite mechanics in board games. What is it that auctions do that really help to elevate the board game experience for us and what are some of our favorite auctions in games. Also recent plays of Shark, San Marco, Indonesia 3rd Edition, and more! 1:54 Welcome Chris 3:47 Holiday Gaming Trio - Crokinole, Kalimambo, Paku Paku 10:40 Imperial 20:25 Shark 30:40 Blood on the Clocktower 43:45 San Marco 49:34 Indonesia 3E 53:09 Main Topic: All About Auctions 1:14:53 Our Favorite Auctions Check out Chris on the Mobius Tubes Podcast:…
Wrap up the year with James, Tim, Dylan, and Derek as we take a look back at 2025. Our favorite new-to-us games, our top game of 2025, the 1 play that rose above all the rest, and our gaming resolutions for next year. Also recent plays of Scape Goat, Blood on the Clocktower, Kilauea, and Martian Rails. Enjoy the show, and Happy Holidays from DoaM! 4:22 A Special Thanks 6:14 Dylan plays Scape Goat 10:52 James plays TOP 1871 & Blood on the Clocktower 17:02 Derek plays Kilauea 22:03 Tim plays Martian Rails 26:03 Looking back on 2025 1:02:30 Dylan 2025 Gameshow Information & Signups for DoaMcoN…
Fresh off their time at BGG Con, RJ & Drew join James on the show to talk about their wild array of dusty, feisty, sometimes wacky and weird plays from their week in Dallas, Texas. Recent plays of Dune the Dice Game, West Riding Revisited, Nur Peanuts, Symbioz, VOC! and so much more. Enjoy the show! 3:21 BGG Con Vibes & Themes 12:18 Neuland 17:39 West Riding Revisited 25:55 Symbioz 33:48 Tracks to Titicaca 45:30 Nur Peanuts 56:03 Gibberers 1:02:52 VOC! 1:14:19 Dune The Dice Game 1:30:15 Attila 1:35:44 Bauernschlau Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI:…
All aboard the pain train! James is joined by Tim as they talk about the bad beats, bad vibes, and bad intentions that can lead to some of the best moments in all of gaming. Do you like "mean games?" Also recent plays of The Old Prince 1871, Innovation, Tal der Konige, and more! Enjoy the show! 3:55 Thanksgiving Question 8:04 The Old Prince 1871 14:50 Dinosaur Table Battles 19:05 Die Verbotene Stadt 27:38 Innovation 31:00 Tal der Konige 36:55 Auf Teufel Komm Raus Main Topic: Why are painful games fun? Listen to Tim on Punchboard Paradise's "2 Off The Top" Information & Signups for DoaMcoN…
James is joined by Dylan as we discuss the board game filler and it's role in our gaming collection and game days. What makes a good filler and what are some of our favorites for different situations. Also recent plays of Sternenhimmel, March of the Ants, Chicago 68, Verrat, and more! Enjoy the show! 1:21 Chatting with Dylan 9:49 Sternenhimmel 20:40 March of the Ants 29:48 Verrat 35:09 Chicago 68 44:35 Mahjong Mondays 48:20 Sol Last Days of a Star 58:27 Main Topic - Fillers Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI:…
Brandon joins James as the guys take a deeper look into the surprise hit of DoaMcoN this past year - Blood on the Clocktower. Including a briefing on what it is, what it isn't, the role of the storyteller, and both hosts' experiences playing the game with their local groups. Also recent plays of Torres, Thunder Road Vendetta, The Great Zimbabwe, and 1841. Enjoy the show! 4:26 Torres 10:25 The Great Zimbabwe 12:27 Thunder Road Vendetta 14:58 Indonesia/TGZ on OBG 17:00 1841 20:40 Blood on the Clocktower 30:13 The Storyteller 37:00 How to get into it? 39:20 Brandon's local group 53:15 James'…
Another year of Dads on a Map kicks off with our annual Top 20 Episode. James is joined by Derek as they run down their personal current Top 20 as well as the DoaM Community list, with input from over 100 DoaMers. 60 games, 3 list, and a great way to find out what the Dads on a Map community is all about. List show! DoaMcoN VI is August 19-23, 2026 in Kansas City, MO. For full information and signups, head here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show -…
We're all home from DoaMcoN V, another successful convention for the Dads on a Map community. Listen in to some live recordings from the event, and James will put a bow on things at the end with his Bottom 3 Plays, Top 3 New To Me Games, and Top 5 Plays of the con. Thanks to everyone who attended and help to continue to make DoaMcoN a rousing success! 6:05 Railheads: Midwest 21:03 Blood on the Clocktower 45:47 I'm The Boss, Dicke Damonen, Prussian Rails 56:28 Late night Shenanigans 65:30 Guessocracy? 74:48 Bottom 3 Plays, Top 3 New to Me, Top 5 Plays Stay tuned for info on DoaMcoN VI…
It's the final countdown to DoaMcoN V. Kunk joins James on the show to run down our personal Top 10 Must Play Games at the con, and to speedrun through the community's lists as well. We'll also talk recent plays of Sol, Hive, John Company, GIPF, Northern Pacific, and Chicago Express. Enjoy the show! 2:28 Sol: Last Days of a Star 8:24 Hive 13:55 John Company 21:21 GIPF 28:37 Northern Pacific 35:37 Chicago Express 42:12 DoaMcoN Top 10 Must Have Plays See you at DoaMcoN! http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap…
For years DoaM has endorsed playing online to get your fix, but what happens when you go too hard and ruin those online games for your real life experience? Vincent joins James on the show as they discuss this and also recent plays of Napoleon's Triumph, Ark Nova, Ace of Aces, and God's Playground. Enjoy the show! 1:30 DoaMcoN Sold Out! 3:40 Napoleon's Triumph 12:08 Ark Nova 18:30 Ace of Aces 26:23 Riichi Mahjong Tourney Play 35:51 God's Playground 44:50 Main Topic: Burning Out Online http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon:…
What if your favorite games went head to head in the larger than life world of pro wrestling? James is joined by Dylan as we assemble our Cardboard Supercard - fantastical matchups of some of our favorite board game titles that can only happen in our dreams. We'll also talk recent plays of Rise & Fall, Wizard, Art Society, and Reef Encounter. Enjoy the show! (1:45) Humble Brags (12:04) Rise & Fall (21:47) Wizard (31:22) Reef Encounter (35:47) Art Society (46:11) Main Topic: Cardboard Supercard Follow Dylan: https://www.youtube.com/@drstclair http://www.dadsonamap.com…
Riichi Mahjong! It's more than the latest DoaM phase, and Trenton joins James on the show to tell you why this lifestyle game is here to stay. Why is it great, how do you play in person and online, just what is happening in this traditional regional game, and how do you get in. We'll also talk recent plays of Votes for Women, Planet Steam, NXS, Big Shot, and Streetcar Suburb. Enjoy the show! 00:30 Welcome Trenton 7:06 DoaMcoN Last Chance! 12:36 Votes for Women 17:00 Planet Steam 23:06 NXS 28:08 Big Shot 34:32 Streetcar Suburb 39:19 Riichi Mahjong mahjongsoul.yo-star.com…
We've all done it before - F#!*ed it all up. Justin joins James to talk about screwing up the teach, screwing up your gameplay, screwing your neighbors, and how we deal with it, bounce back from it, and move on. Also recent plays of Conquest of Paradise, Toy Battle, and Up Too High, and much more! Enjoy the show! 00:37 Getting to know Justin 8:25 DoaMcoN Full Sponsors List 11:03 Conquest of Paradise 21:42 Tyrants of the Underdark 27:06 Up Too High 39:24 Toy Battle 46:13 Tichu 49:15 Ahoy 56:03 Main Topic: F#!*ing Up http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show…
About Dads on a Map
A board game podcast by Dads, for Everyone - talking 18xx, Cube Rails, COIN, the Pax series, and Old Dusty Euros.
Dads on a Map is a English leisure & travel podcast from Dads on a Map. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
