My friends and I love sports. Most of us watch the four major American sports and we probably talk about sports more than board games. Football is probably the most universally loved by my friends and with the college season kicking off in about a week, our fantasy football drafts are upon us. I have been in the same fantasy football league since 2005, way before I got into board games, but there are similarities between the two. Fantasy football is a drafting, press your luck, economic game with trading and hand (or in this case, roster) management. You have to plan for the long and short term. You have to mitigate risk. You have to have the right strategy at different phases of the season. I know board game fans and sports fans have a pretty small intersect in a Venn diagram, but really, they’re not so different. Also, there’s definitely a case to be made about fantasy football being a nerdier activity than playing board games.
My friend Chance came up with the idea to do a board game draft. Four of us will draft ten games as if we were starting a collection from scratch. Just like a fantasy football team, there are certain categories that have to be drafted. This guaranteed a variable collection for each person, so that they could have games for almost any situation. You had to draft a card game, a 2-player game (this rule was broken once), a party game, a deduction game, and a cooperative game. Some games can fall into multiple categories. I considered any game that can be played with more than 5 as a party game. The five categories had to be filled, but the other five roster spots could be filled with any game of your choosing.
Chance and I have the most exposure to board games, so we had a bit of a leg up, but even Alex, who has played the least amount of games, has played over 50. I will share some text messages that were sent during the draft, as well as some commentary after the fact from each person. I present you with the 2019 board game collection draft.
Round 1
Kyle – Arboretum (card game)
Alex – Lords of Waterdeep (flex)
Chance – Castles of Burgundy (flex)
Chris – Gloomhaven (flex)
Kyle says: Alex and Chance took their favorite games, fine. I passed on my favorite game to get a game I loved from a weak category. It’s like drafting a running back. Is Christian McCaffery better than Patrick Mahomes? No. But he’s more valuable because the depth of the position. Chris took Gloomhaven, which he has never played before…so that’s bold.
Alex says: Not only is it my favorite game, but I knew it wasn’t getting back to me in round 2. Easy pick.
Chance says: This is a top 5 game all-time for me so I had to make sure I got it before somebody else. Love the mechanics, love how it scales, love making the combo moves to score big on a turn. A no brainer pick; my new collection is off to a solid start.
Chris says: I’ve never played this. I hear it takes 100 hours to play through the campaign. My core gaming group typically doesn’t like games this heavy. My wife hates games that are too dark in artwork/theme. I’m too cheap to buy this for myself to play a solo campaign. I’ll probably never play this. But for some reason, I thought it would be good to spend my first round pick on this game. I have no doubt I would enjoy this.
Round 2
Chris – Scythe (flex)
Chance – Carcassonne (flex)
Alex – Terraforming Mars (flex)
Kyle – Legendary: Marvel A Deck Building Game (cooperative)
Kyle says: DANGIT!!! I missed out on Scythe and Terraforming Mars. I can’t panic. My strategy was to worry about the mandatory categories first, plenty of games to fill the flex spot. I was able to fill cooperative with a game these other three love and would definitely take. I like my cooperative games, like I like my other games…competitive.
Alex says: Relatively new game for me, but I’ve loved it each time I’ve played it. Again, didn’t think it would get back to me in 3. I’d rather pick two games I love for flex spots than try to cater to the categories.
Chance says: Another favorite of mine that is a must have for the new collection. I own The River and Inns & Cathedrals expansions but will still sometimes play just the OG base game. Easy to teach (farms aren’t complicated, Kyle) and always fun to play. Just stay away from my farm.
Chris says: This was probably my only actual strategic pick. I had a bit of a rough experience with Scythe. It took me way too long to get the dynamics of the game and develop a coherent strategy. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the Rise of Fenris campaign I played with this group. I knew there was no way this game would get back to me in round 3; I was surprised it wasn’t the #1 overall pick honestly. It was a strong pick and a game I enjoyed that I knew everyone loved, therefore it was my pick at the turn.
Round 3
Kyle – Azul (flex)
Alex – Pandemic (cooperative)
Chance – Fox in the Forest (2-Player)
Chris – Splendor (flex)
Kyle says: I was able to snag another game that everyone in the draft loves. I knew I couldn’t wait on it. Azul is perfect for any collection because it’s a light rule set, with meaningful decisions. Drafting is my favorite mechanic. Chris started with Gloomhaven and Scythe and followed it up with Splendor. That’s like taking Saquon Barkley in the first, but then taking Eli Manning in the second. Chris is building the Giants of board game collections
Alex says: I decided to start focusing on categories, and figured this would be a popular co-op pick. I’ve played this multiple times and enjoyed it, but it might honestly be the least likely to be on my shelf if I got to start a collection from scratch.
Chance says: I was hoping to pick Azul here but some degen from upcountry nabbed it before I could. Instead I landed one of my favorite two-player games in Fox in the Forest. I play a lot of two-player games and having been raised on trick-taking games like Euchre, 7-Up & Down, etc., this was an immediate hit.
Chris says: After my first two picks being heavier games (in terms of what my group plays (I get that it’s not “Campaign for North Africa”), I needed something lighter to balance out the collection. I’ve always had a good time playing splendor and I love the artwork.
Round 4
Chris – Brewcrafters (flex)
Chance – Telestrations (party)
Alex – Citadels (card)
Kyle – Clans of Caledonia (flex)
Kyle says: Chance selected by far the best party game. I would’ve thought about Telestrations here. I may have reached a bit on Caledonia, but it’s a game I know I wanted to have, especially missing out on some of my other favorites that are medium-heavy weight.
Alex says: I have no idea if I had to worry about getting this game or not, I just love it. It’s the Chris Godwin of games.
Chance says: While trying to think of a party game to draft I realized party games have a lot of buts. So many buts. As in, “yeah Secret Hitler is fun, BUT, there can be games when you don’t get to participate” or “I like playing Dixit, BUT, clues and cards tend to be similar. So many ‘Harry Potter’ clues”. I’ve never not enjoyed a game of Telestrations. I drafted the game that gets the most laughs; I see this as an absolute win.
Chris says: I’ve played this once and I was reprimanded for this pick. This game is going to rank higher for me than others. Worker placement is one of my favorite mechanics, it feels like the perfect length, and I absolutely love cool/immersive theme. This theme is great, the game is well made, the moves don’t feel stale (says the guy after 1 play), and did I mention the theme is great? You brew beer. And it’s not crappy Miller Lite. You brew the good stuff.
Round 5
Kyle – Cryptid (deduction)
Alex – Secret Hitler (deduction)
Chance – Libertalia (flex)
Chris – Power Grid (flex)
Kyle says: I don’t really like social deduction games as much as others, so I know I wanted to get Cryptid as my deduction game. I think it would’ve been pretty close to Chance’s pick in the category. Alex taking Secret Hitler would’ve been my other selection for deduction, so looks like I made the right call.
Alex says: Easily my favorite deduction game, and I figured it would be a popular pick. I’m honestly surprised I got it this late.
Chance says: I’m not sure if anybody else would have drafted this game but this was one of my first favorite games. I think it’s the first microbadge I ever had on BGG. I really like how the players start the game with the same deck but it will be different by round 3. Saving that Brute from round 1 to play in round 3 when nobody expects it? Just make sure you don’t ‘Brute’ yourself out of the booty. Fun story: I was somewhat new to the hobby and my brothers, not being board gamers, wanted to get me a game for Christmas. They got me Libertalia and told me they found it by googling “adult board games”. That could have ended poorly.
Chris says: Look, this was a bad pick and honestly I don’t have a justification for it, so let’s just move on.
Round 6
Chris – Charterstone (flex)
Chance – Codenames (deduction)
Alex – Camel Up (party)
Kyle – Deception: Murder in Hong Kong (party)
Kyle says: Deception was an obvious choice for my party game after Telestrations and now Codenames. Since I determined that party games are anything that can be played with a large player count, Deception fills it, although not a conventional party game.
Alex says: I could have probably gotten this game in round 10 (or off waivers), but I just love it. I have no claim to being a big game player, but I am certainly a degenerate gambler. Camel Up scratches that itch.
Chance says: Solid game that fills my deduction spot. Not my favorite but seems to be a big hit with others so I’m always willing to play. This game can be frustrating when things just aren’t clicking between partners but when they’re on the same wavelength this game can make you feel invincible.
Chris says: Currently working through the campaign and it’s been possibly my favorite gaming experience. It’s a game where you are nearly in full control of your actions, but there is still player interaction, but not enough to ever feel “picked on.” The first time this game was opened up, I knew my wife would like it due to the art and coloring. It’s a big deal to me when my wife likes the same games as me because our interests in games don’t always overlap (she likes Stone Age and Carcassonne- gross.) Only downside of this game is that it’s done after the campaign, though I guess you can buy the recharge pack and replay it once through again. I’d love to do this with all 6 charters being active (currently playing as 4)
Round 7
Kyle – Concordia Venus (flex)
Alex – Alhambra (flex)
Chance – Dominion (card)
Chris – Jaipur (2-player)
Kyle says: Concordia is another game I knew I wanted to have somewhere. It’s the quintessential euro. Deliciously dry theme, but with an easy rule set, unique mechanics and depth beyond belief. The other picks are fine in this round. But Concordia takes a giant dump on them. This was a steal because only Alex has played it besides me. I did the best job recruiting.
Alex says: This is a pretty boring pick, and I’m not sure anyone else would have taken it, but it’s a game I enjoy every time I play it. This game is Philip Rivers.
Chance says: Another classic that finds a home in my new collection. One of the first games I bought and I still play it all the time. Not much to say about Dominion that hasn’t already been said. I recently traded my copy of Ex Libris to Chris for his copies of Dominion: Seaside and Dominion: Prosperity. Fleeced ‘em.
Chris says: I generally don’t enjoy playing games as two player only. I also complain that I don’t get to play games enough because my friends aren’t always available, so if I just bucked up, I could play more 2 player games with my wife. Jaipur is pretty fun considering it’s a 2 player game and of course, I gotta rep my country of birth.
Round 8
Chris – The Resistance (party)
Chance – Watergate (flex)
Alex – Welcome To (2-Player*)
Kyle – Root (flex)
Kyle says: I really enjoy direct conflict game. Games with some battles in it. This really came down to Root, Inis or Blood Rage and I just like Root more. It’s a harder barrier to entry than the other two, but that’s ok for me. I can have one game like that.
Alex says: This is where not being an avid gamer paid off for me. I’ve literally never played a two player game, so because my wife and I plan to play this a lot together I got to slide it into my 2P category. Ironically, the max number of players is 100. That makes me happier than drafting the game itself, and I love the game.
Chance says: This is absolutely recency bias but I don’t care. I’ve never had as much anticipation for a game as I did for Watergate. I love the theme and the tug-of-war mechanic and the intimacy of the unique player decks. I’ve only played twice so far and lost both times as the Editor. It’s been a struggle but I know that first win will feel so damn good.
Chris says: I don’t actually own any of the games I’ve listed so far. I felt like I had to own a game I own already, and I still needed a party game. There were a lot of good party games, so I thought I could wait, but just like how he stole Lords from me, Alex also stole Secret Hitler from me. This was #2 on my list, so I was fine getting it. Its portable, quick, has a lot of engagement and bluffing and usually devolves into a crap show. Which is the goal of party games, right?
Round 9
Kyle – Quacks of Quedlinburg (flex)
Alex – Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra (flex)
Chance – Love Letter (flex)
Chris – Clank! In! Space! (card)
Kyle says: Quacks is my most recent obsession, so some recency bias here. It has press your luck and bag building, which fits in nicely since I don’t have either of those in the rest of my collection. This game is like Camel Up. It has its flaws, but it’s just fun. You don’t care if you get screwed or unlucky, because that’s what makes it great.
Alex says: A very new game for me, as I’ve only played it twice, and the first time I was abysmal. However, I love base Azul and think this version is even better. For my last two picks I firmly stuck to the mindset of “if I were starting a collection which games would I buy”, and this one was an easy choice.
Chance says: Fun filler game that I play all the time. I prefer the Archer version because of the different card effects. I’ll probably buy the 2019 version soon to replace the original. Every collection should have a game like this.
Chris says: Honestly not much to say here. Fun game, I like the theme and artwork. I’m not huge on card games even though at one point in time I owned about six different Dominions and their expansions. Once Legendary went, this was my second favorite card game left, so it is what it is.
Round 10
Chris – Scotland Yard (deduction)
Chance – Pandemic Legacy Season 1 (cooperative)
Alex – Sagrada (flex)
Kyle – 7 Wonders Duel (2-Player)
Kyle says: 7 Wonders Duel is hardly Mr. Irrelevant. 2-player specific was the only category that I didn’t worry about getting early because I knew I was getting this or Codenames Duet or Santorini. I think this is a perfect 2-player game. I am thrilled to round out my collection with it. Chance selected my favorite game of all time, but after just a little bit, his collection goes from ten to nine, which is why I ultimately ignored it.
Alex says: Another new game, but it fits the bill that I just mentioned. Also, I’m typically not great at games and I’m 2-0 in Sagrada. I like the drafting, I like the strategy, and I like feeling competent. It was the perfect way to end the draft.
Chance says: After Pandemic and Legendary: Marvel were drafted early I knew co-op was going to be a struggle. I considered Hanabi and Forbidden Island but ultimately the experience of PL:S1 was too great to pass up. Although my collection is essentially nine games after this campaign ends the rush and excitement of the PL:S1 plays make it worth it.
Chris says: Here’s the thing about Scotland Yard. It’s incredibly fun if you are Mr. X, and just meh if you aren’t. I happen to usually be Mr. X (it’s basically between Chance and I every time), so I almost always have a fun time with it. I also love the one vs. all aspect (this is a theme of my life, I honestly think most of my friends might actually hate me) *editor’s note: we do* That’s really all I got for this game. I like London too, I guess, but this isn’t really applicable.
Where Are We?
Chris: Obviously, we all think our draft is the best, but I grouped them in the categories and I had Alex and I winning every category
Alex: Chris and I are two peas when it comes to drafts
Kyle: Chris, your draft is literal garbage
Chance: Yeah, Chris, yours isn’t great haha. It’s like putting Brady on the Dolphins. You have the best game, but the rest is ugly
Kyle’s final thoughts: After the draft I realized that I didn’t have to take Arboretum one overall, so that’s really my only regret, because it lead me to missing out on Scythe. However, I’m ecstatic with how my collection turned out. I have deck building, abstract, war, drafting, press your luck, economic, area control, and hand management. The only thing I’m missing that I would’ve really liked to have is worker placement, but with only ten spots, something will get left out. I have close to 80 games right now, but if I lost them all except these ten, well I wouldn’t be happy. If I were starting a collection from scratch, this is a great start to a collection.
Alex’s final thoughts: Full disclosure, I don’t know much about games. I enjoy playing them and have a decent number of unique games played, but I’m certainly not as into the hobby as others. My approach in the draft was just to draft games I know I enjoy. My collection of games just grew exponentially within the past month, and the majority of games in my draft were games I now own. My mindset was similar to any fantasy football draft: I know who/what I want, and I’m going to take it when I feel like I won’t be able to get it next time. I would say that in almost every round, I “got my guy”, so here’s to hoping football can go this way as well.
Chance’s final thoughts: Other than missing out on Azul and being late to the party on a co-op game I think I won this draft. Lots of classic games that still see a lot of table time for me. This is a collection that’s great for introducing new people to the hobby but also has enough depth to keep things interesting. Games like CoB and Carcassonne and Dominion are older by comparison to a lot of top games but they’re still ranked well for a reason. This is a championship winning collection. Give me the trophy now.
Chris’ final thoughts: In retrospect, I wish I wasn’t held to the categories in this draft. It was the reason I drafted 3-4 of the games to begin with. Obviously you can’t get everyone you want, but I would have loved to have gotten Lords, Azul, Secret Hitler, and Legendary (replacing Power Grid, The Resistence, Scotland Yard, and Jaipur, respectively). But I guess you don’t get to have Saquon, McCaffrey, Kamara, OBJ, Hopkins and Kelce in a normal draft anyway.
| Kyle | Alex | Chance | Chris | |
| Card Game | Arboretum | Citadels | Dominion | Clank! In! Space! |
| 2 Player | 7 Wonders Duel | Welcome To | Fox in the Forest | Jaipur |
| Co-Op | Legendary: Marvel | Pandemic | Pandemic Legacy S1 | Gloomhaven |
| Party | Deception: Murder in Hong Kong | Camel Up | Telestrations | The Resistance |
| Deduction | Cryptid | Secret Hitler | Codenames | Scotland Yard |
| FLEX | Azul | Lords of Waterdeep | Castles of Burgundy | Scythe |
| FLEX | Clans of Caledonia | Terraforming Mars | Carcasonne | Brewcrafters |
| FLEX | Concordia Venus | Alhambra | Libertalia | Charterstone |
| FLEX | Root | Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra | Watergate | Power Grid |
| FLEX | The Quacks of Quedlinburg | Sagrada | Love Letter | Splendor |
NO ONE ASKED FOR THIS 