CHIPPENHAM BOARDGAMES CLUB – 07/07/2011

1.       11 in attendance at the start so we split into 2 tables. On table 1 Mike introduced 2 new members Cath and Richard , plus Lucy, to the game of “DURCH DIE WUSTE”. This is about building camel trains through the desert such that they connect to oases and water holes, which score the players Victory Points. The twist in the game is that there are 5 colours of camel trains and players cannot extend a train of the same colour next to one of a rival. Player turns are simple, you just select 2 camels of your choice from the stock and extend your camel trains in those colours, scoring points if you can. In addition to the scoring described above if a single camel train completely encloses an area the player will score 1 VP for each hex enclosed. The game ends when the supply of one colour runs out, and then game scoring is completed by awarding 10 VP’s to the owner of the longest chain in each of the 5 colours, with ties gaining 5 points each.  The game is easy to explain and plays quickly, around 45 minutes. The newcomers soon embraced the rules, so much so that Richard won the game by 2 points from Lucy. Well done Richard !!

2.       Table 1 then played a 5-player game of “UNION PACIFIC”, the train game of building track and laying down shares of 11 railroad companies. Players earn money for being the Majority and 2^nd majority shareholder in each company when scoring occurs, which is randomly encountered on 4 occasions, depending when the scoring cards are drawn from the large deck. A highly interactive game, driven by the players extending the length of a track, which increases its value. The owner of the majority shareholding is constantly changing as play progresses. In a tight finish Lucy managed to win with 78 points to Cath’s 76.

3.       Table 2 played a 6-player version of “INFINITE CITY” which has been reported upon before.  Robert continued his recent run of victories with another easy win.

4.       At this point 4 players left so the 7 remaining players played “THE GREAT DALMUTI” at Robert’s request. Paul was playing the game for the first time but he soon picked it up and emerged the winner. The game caused much hilarity in play, with the roles of Great Dalmuti and Great Peon changing hands frequently. A lightweight game, good fun for 30 minutes or so.

5.        With Geoff and Lucy departing the remaining 5 players played the ever-popular “7 WONDERS”. The scores for 4 of the players were quite close as can be seen below but Robert scored an enormous amount of points for his Science cards at the end, which resulted in an overwhelming victory. Final scores were 42; 46; 47; 49 and 73. Well done Rob !!

Games played and Winners were:

Durch die Wuste Richard Chapman;

Union Pacific Lucy Newbury;

Infinite City  Robert Piesse;

The Great Dalmuti Paul Bulpin;

7 Wonders Robert Piesse.