In our most EPIC board game episode EVER, Joe is joined by board game aficionados Katie, Sean, and Daniel. The four of them dive into the world of board games—just in time for holiday gatherings! Whether you're hosting family, looking for a budget-friendly gift idea, or just want to create memorable moments, this panel has you covered.

The create two lists on today's show. The first includes their top 5 games with a money or economic component. From games about running economies, to running businesses, to buying real estate and more, the team comes through with some great recommendations, just in time for the holidays (check out our show notes for links to purchase any of the listed games!).

The second list helps ensure you don't waste money this holiday season on games that stink! If you're playing games this holiday season with friends and family, our panel lists off their top 5 games that you can find reliably in the Target or Walmart game aisle, your friendly local game store, or online. You're sure to find something you love on these lists. (Again, you can help the show AND enjoy your holiday season by purchasing from our show notes page!).

Overall, they share their top picks, including timeless classics and modern favorites, guaranteed to spark fun and foster connections. Along the way, the crew chats about the lessons these games can teach—strategy, teamwork, and maybe even a little patience when Uncle Doug gets competitive. Speaking of Doug, he’s back with a trivia segment on the popular game Carcassonne and its iconic wooden game pieces, the 'Meeples.'

If you’re looking to level up your family game nights or find the perfect holiday game, this episode is a jackpot!

Episode Highlights

Introduction and Black Friday Buzz – How board games fit into your budget-friendly shopping plans.
Meet the Panel – Katie, Sean, and Daniel share their board game obsessions and how they got started.
Top Picks from the Experts – From Katie’s family-friendly favorites to Sean’s fast-paced picks and Daniel’s strategic challenges.
Spotlight on Unique Games – Explore gems like The Zen of Takeo, Mr. President, and Juicy Fruits.
Holiday Recommendations – Perfect games for all ages, from casual party players to strategy enthusiasts.
Deep Dive on Popular Games – Learn about strategies for Catan, the charm of Ticket to Ride, and the quick thrills of Five Minute Marvel.
Trivia Fun with Doug – A game within the episode! Can you guess the answer to Doug’s Carcassonne trivia?

A Few of Our Panelists' Top Picks

Katie’s Favorites: Phase 10, Ticket to Ride, and more.
Sean’s Must-Haves: Azul and Five Minute Marvel.
Daniel’s Top Choices: Fishbowl, The Crew, and Cinco Lingo.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newbie looking to try something fun, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and plenty of game ideas to keep your holidays entertaining and affordable.

Got a favorite board game? Share it with us on social or call in—we’d love to hear your recommendations!

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/board-game-extravaganza-2024-1609

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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