Friends as opponents, Airport Trips, Playing Games with their designers:

Though the day is not yet over, I needed a break so I'm blogging right in the middle of the Big Room (small, usually quieter room is occupied).  I took the time to play the unpublished prototype that I played on Monday once again - it's currently called Heads of State - and MAN is it good.  Looks like it will get a publisher, so I'll be talking more about it when that deal is finalized.  It's my favorite game of The Gathering right now, though.

Greg Schloesser joined in on the game and enjoyed it quite a bit too, even if he (like me in my first play) came in last.  this time I was able to pull off a victory - very satisfying since Peter, the designer, was in on the game too.  Closely contested, and I love the ebb and flow and tension as the game progresses.

Greg and I then did a quick interview (I have Ted Alspach, Greg, and Zev Shlasinger on "tape") and I taught him Shanghaien, the Schacht game that I previously discussed.  He trounced me, but I still enjoyed myself quite a bit and this will be a definite buy when it hits the stores.

Derk Solko flew in early evening, so since I'm his chauffeur (picked him up at the airport when he was in CA too!) I headed down the road and grabbed him.  We then sat down for a game of Tribun with Karl-Heinz Schmiel himself (he's the designer and is also responsible for Die Macher, BTW).  Interesting game of claiming various cards (influence) each round in various ways, then using that influence to gain control of various factions which give you stuff.  For example, you could pay $$ for cards, trade cards for cards, bid against others, etc.  Also, each game can have different ending conditions that everyone chooses before you start.

More later....