The Dice Tower

By Tom Vasel and Sam Healey

An Internet podcast in which hosts Tom Vasel and Sam Healey talk about board games, card games, wargames, miniatures, and much more. For more recent episodes, check out The Dice Tower website.

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The Dice Tower is Moving

Hello from the Dice Tower!  For the past seventy-five episodes, we’ve been trying to bring as much board gaming information and entertainment as we can fit into a podcast.  We’ve had many loyal listeners even though the show has undergone many changes.

Much of the Dice Tower’s success has been due to the help and support of Rick Thornquist, and we want to publicly acknowledge all that he’s done for the show, both in his segments and the support the Dice Tower has received from both GameFest and Boardgame News.  Rick is one of the best gamers I have ever had the privilege of working and gaming with, and it is with sorrow that we see him take a lesser role in the hobby.

But change comes, and it is with great pleasure that we announce that the Dice Tower will be moving to a new home at Funagain Games (http://www.funagain.com/control/viewblog?contentBlogId=TDT).  The show will retain much of its current format, but the move is simply part of the growing process of the Dice Tower.

Keith Blume, from Funagain, says “We are really excited to be working with Tom and The Dicetower.  We are big fans of Rick and Tom and appreciate everything you have done for the game community.  Rick we wish you the very best and thank you again for all of your hard work.  You make the game community a better place with your presence. 

We have had the pleasure of working with Tom in the past and are very excited to expand this relationship as we move forward.  One of our goals with the Funagain Games website is to provide and develop outstanding content and resources for people who enjoy games.  Hosting the Dicetower is another step in attaining this goal because it is a great program that is both fun and informative.  We are looking forward to a bright and successful future with Tom and the Dicetower”.

I am also glad to hear that Eric Martin, a writer I highly respect, will be taking over Boardgame News.  I’ve always read his articles with great interest, and look forward to see his direction with the site. And even though the Dice Tower will be moving - my reviews and other articles will continue to be posted on Boardgame News, where I will remain an active member.

And, as an incentive to check out the show, we will be running a contest that is awarding over sixty games in episode # 76!  Come check out this incredible array of games, and listen to the show this coming weekend to win yourself an entire game collection!

We have a new RSS feed,
http://www.funagain.com/control/viewblog.xml?contentBlogId=TDT

Once again, we’d like to thank Rick and Boardgame News, and wish them great success in the future!

Tom Vasel
“Real men play board games”
www.thedicetower.com

The Dice Tower: Episode 75 - Block War Games and Derk Solko

November 17, 2006

With one episode to go, another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, Rick talks about his experiences at BGG.con, and Moritz hails us with more German lessons.  Sam and I have a session report of Perikles, and discuss why it seems that I never win any games.  I have a talk with Derk Solko about the makings of BGG.con, and Jason White gives us his top ten block war games.  We continue our contest for Cluzzle and Wits and Wagers - only one week to go! We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 75

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 74 - Auction Games and Battlelore

November 10, 2006

With two episodes to go, another episode of the Dice Tower!

With reports from Rick, Moritz, and Jason, there is a lot of information in this slightly longer episode.  Sam gives his top ten auction games, and I talk about different auction styles.  We continue our contest for Cluzzle and Wits and Wagers, and I interview Mark Simmons about both Games Quarterly and National Games Week.  The highlight of our show is Sam and I giving a short review of Battlelore along with a session report.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 74

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 73 - Interview with NorthStar Games

By Tom Vasel and Sam Healey
November 3, 2006

With three episodes to go, another episode of the Dice Tower!

Moritz comes back in this show with some game reviews, and Tom also gives a review of Quest for the Dragonlords.  Speaking of that, we finish up our contest for Quest for the Dragonlords, and start a new contest for Cluzzle and Wits and Wagers.  David politely explains once again why I’m wrong, and Sam and I come up with our combined list of top ten games from 2005.  I interview Satish and Dominic from Northstar Games, and we answer a question, and even explain what a meeple is.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 73

Quest for the Dragonlords - www.questforthedragonlords.com

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

Top Ten list is here.

The Dice Tower: Episode 72 - Top Ten Games from Essen 2006

By Tom Vasel and Sam Healey
October 27, 2006

And from Germany and Korea, another episode of the Dice Tower!

Not so much regular news this week, but we continue our contest for Quest for the Dragonlords.  I review Take Stock, and we discuss our Hot Games of the Month.  We answer some questions, but the main part of our show is a special report from Rick Thornquist and Moritz Eggert - along with their top ten games from Essen 2006.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 72

Quest for the Dragonlords - www.questforthedragonlords.com

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

Top Ten list is here.

The Dice Tower: Episode 71 - Interview with Bud Sauer

By Tom Vasel
October 20, 2006

And not at Essen, another episode of the Dice Tower!

Sam comes back, and we talk about some of our recently played games.  We listen to some gaming political rhetoric, and continue our contest for Quest of the Dragonlords.  Moritz reviews a horrible game, Mike reviews a good one, and Doug discusses Essen.  We talk about the top ten themes that we wish were in board games, and finally finish up the show with an interview with George Sauer, who gives tips on how to run your own board game club.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 71

Quest for the Dragonlords - www.questforthedragonlords.com
Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 70 - Interview with Zev Shlasinger

By Tom Vasel
October 13, 2006

And flying solo, another episode of the Dice Tower!

The show has a slight change in format, and Sam once again can’t make it to recording.  We finish up our contest for Gifttrap and Twilight Imperium III, and start a new contest for Quest of the Dragonlords.  Rick gives us the news, Moritz reviews a few games, and I answer a few questions.  I give my top ten games for teaching English (ESL), and talk about a real life dice tower.  Finally, I finish up the show with an interview with Zev Shlasinger, founder of Z-man games (Reef Encounter).  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 70

Find more about Gifttrap at www.gifttrap.com.
Quest for the Dragonlords - www.questforthedragonlords.com
Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 69 - Interview with Christian Petersen

By Tom Vasel
October 6, 2006

And without Sam, another episode of the Dice Tower!

Because of the Korean holiday, we weren’t able to get our normal show recorded.  But there’s still great stuff!  In this episode we have the news from Rick and Moritz, and I review Gifttrap.  Most of the show, however, is an interview with Christian Petersen, head of Fantasy Flight Games.  We talk about his upcoming games and movie, and more.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 69

No top ten list this week, sorry…

Find more about Gifttrap at www.gifttrap.com.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 68 - Top Ten Rio Grande Games

By Tom Vasel
September 29, 2006

And with slightly better audio quality, another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we continue our contest for Gifttrap and Twilight Imperium 3, and listen to Jason’s take on the Golden Geeks.  Rick and Moritz give us the news, and Mike talks about the allure of Magic: the Gathering. We both review Fairy Tale, and talk about recently played games.  We round the show off with our top ten games from Rio Grande Games, and answer some random board game questions.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 68

The top ten list can be found here.

Find more about Gifttrap at www.gifttrap.com.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Special Episode 3 - Interview with Scott Alden

By Tom Vasel
September 24, 2006

And while you watch the weather change, a special episode of the Dice Tower!

This is a special episode of the Dice Tower in which I interview Scott Alden, founder and webmaster of www.boardgamegeek.com. We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Special Episode 3

The Dice Tower: Episode 67 - Top Ten Exploration Games

By Tom Vasel
September 22, 2006

And because board games rock, another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we finish up our contest for Ninja Galaxy and www.meeplepeople.com, and start a new contest for Gifttrap and Twilight Imperium 3.  Rick and Moritz give us the news, and Jason explains once again why I’m wrong. Tom reviews Memoir ‘44: Pacific Expansion, we mention our websites of the month, and have a session report of several games.  We round the show off with our top ten exploration games, and answer some random board game questions.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 67

The top ten list can be found here.

Find more about Gifttrap at www.gifttrap.com.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Special Episode 2 - Interview with Martin Wallace

By Tom Vasel
September 18, 2006

And because choices are good, a special episode of the Dice Tower!

This is a special episode of the Dice Tower in which I interview Martin Wallace, renowned game designer of many games, including Age of Steam and Runebound.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Special Episode 2

The Dice Tower: Episode 66 - Top Ten Reiner Knizia Games

By Tom Vasel
September 14, 2006

And because we’re busy, another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we continue our contest for Ninja Galaxy and www.meeplepeople.com, with Rick and Moritz giving us the news. We talk about a UK game convention, mention Battlelore, and I review Killer Bunnies: Quest for the Magic Carrot.  We answer several questions, and top off the episode with our top ten games that are designed by Reiner Knizia.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 66

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Special Episode 1 - Interview with Eric Hautemont (BattleLore)

By Tom Vasel
September 8, 2006

And because it’s still my birthday in America, a special episode of the Dice Tower!

This is the first in what will hopefully be a reacurring series of audio interviews.  This one is with Eric Hautemont, CEO of Days of Wonder.  We talk about some of their games, but spend a majority of the time talking about the upcoming BattleLore.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Special Episode 1

The Dice Tower: Episode 65 - Top Ten “One Hit Wonder” Games

By Tom Vasel
September 8, 2006

And because it’s my birthday, another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we continue our contest for Ninja Galaxy and www.meeplepeople.com, with Rick and Moritz giving us the news. Mike Hibbert talks about a UK boardgame convention, and Sam and I try to predict the winners of the Boardgamegeek awards.  We read a few comments, Sam reviews Iliad, and we give our top ten list for one hit wonder games.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 65

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 0 - Introductions

By Tom Vasel
September 4, 2006

And out of order, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

This is a special episode, in addition to our weekly episodes.  In this show, we introduce who we are, and talk about games for those who are newcomers to the hobby.  A lot of information is found in the show, and is capped with our Top Ten Games that New Players Should Buy, done my myself, Rick Thornquist, Sam Healey, Mortiz Eggert, David Fair, and Jason White.  In this show we also talk about our new DVD. If you are just starting to listen to the Dice Tower, this should be your first episode!  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 0

This show is longer than normal, so we’ve broken into two parts for download if you prefer:

The Dice Tower - Episode 0, part 1
The Dice Tower - Episode 0, part 2

The top ten lists can be found here, here, and here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 64 - Top Ten Games From 1994-1995

By Tom Vasel
August 31, 2006

And with a limerick, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we announce the winners from our Z-man Games/Viktory II contest, and start a new contest with three great prizes!  Rick and Moritz give us the news, and Ted Cheatham talks about Gen Con.  Tom interviews Peter Morrison, designer of Viktory II, and we talk about a Dice Tower fundraiser.  Finally, after reviewing Simply Catan and Lord of the Rings: Confrontation, Sam and I give our top ten games from 1994 and 1995.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 64

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 63 - Top Ten Games with Wooden Bits

By Tom Vasel
August 24, 2006

And with a riddle only six people have guessed correctly so far, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we continue our contest for Viktory II and Z-man Games, and open up with our top ten list of games with wooden components.  We listen to user feedback, talk about our forums, and listen to the news from Rick and Moritz.  Jason tells me that I’m wrong about Commands and Colors, and we ramble a bit.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 63

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 62 - Top Ten Ways to Pick the Starting Player

By Tom Vasel
August 17, 2006

Buried beneath a deluge of games, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we continue our contest for Viktory II and Z-man Games, and I review Viktory II.  We have a riddle, news from Rick and Moritz, and Jason discusses Mike Rinella.  Ted Alspach joins me for a top ten list of our favorite ways to pick the start player, and answers a few questions about his game designs - as well as his new creation: Start Player, a Kinda Collectible Card Game. We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 62

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 61 - Our Top Ten Games with Plastic Miniatures

By Tom Vasel
August 10, 2006

And in a new timeslot, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we introduce a new contest to win Z-man games and Viktory II.  There are three reviews, of Canal Mania, No Thanks!, and Loot!  Simon Hunt joins us and talks about his game Take Stock!  Mr. Whiney complains about second editions, Rick gives us the news, and Jason mourns the loss of Boardgamespeak.  Finally, we end the show with our top ten games with plastic miniatures. We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 61

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 60 - Michael Stackpole, Keith Blume, and 10 Games We Don’t Play Enough

By Tom Vasel
July 27, 2006

With Michael Stackpole, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, we announce the winners of our contest for Darter, and listen to David Fair rave about Tichu.  Moritz reviews a game, Jason tells us why multiplayer is no good, and Rick gives us the news as usual.  Sam and I discuss the top ten games we don’t play enough of; and the highlights of the show are an interview with Keith Blume from Eagle Games and Michael Stackpole talking about Origins. We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 60

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 59 - Top Ten Games with the Worst Themes

By Tom Vasel
July 27, 2006

Because I finally got Skype to work, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, I continue the contest for Darter, as well as listen to the latest news from Rick and Moritz.  Sam rejoins me, talks about his gaming in America - and Jason tells us why he prefers wargames.  We answer some questions, and Eric Burgess joins me to talk about our top ten worst themes in games.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 59

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 58 - What Makes a Great Game?

By Tom Vasel
July 20, 2006

Because I love my wife, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, I continue the contest for Darter, as well as listen to the latest news from Rick and Moritz. Yehuda Berlinger joins me for a top ten list of things we look for in a great game, and we have a preview of the World Boardgaming Championship by Jason White.  My wife, Mr. Whiney, and that Blighty guy also all join us.  We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 58

The top ten list can be found here.

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

Show notes:
2:33 - Rick’s news
8:34 - Short review of Thurn and Taxis
14:57 - Some questions for Laura
18:02 - Moritz Essay
23:18 - Contest Info
26:56 - Jason White - WBC
30:37 - Top Ten list of things we Look for in a Good Game
55:45 - Mr. Whiney’s Convention Advice
59:16 - Boardgaming from Blighty - El Grande and more
65:00 - Some requests

The Dice Tower: Episode 57 - Origins 2006 Review

By Tom Vasel
July 13, 2006

Because I wanted to do a review of Origins, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this Episode, Rick Thornquist, David Fair, Paul Tevis, and Jim Van Verth all join me to give our top ten lists from Origins 2006.  Also, Rick gives a ton of news, we finish up our Jolly Roger Contest, and start a new contest for Darter! We have the show available in .mp3 format, which you can download below by right clicking the link below, and selecting “save link as”.

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 57

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

The Dice Tower: Episode 56 - Animal Games

By Tom Vasel
July 7, 2006

Because I got to Rick to post this blurb for me, here’s another episode of the Dice Tower!

In this episode, Sam and I continue the Jolly Roger Games contest, and I preview Mental Floss, Ninja Galaxy, and 800: the Game of Verbal Perfection.  Moritz gives some insights on German gaming, and Mr. Whiney responds to some of his feedback.  Mike Hibbert reviews Football Tactics 2006, and while I gives my top ten animal games, Sam mentions his top ten games of all time!

Here’s the show!: The Dice Tower - Episode 56

Don’t forget, you can leave us a message at toll free 1-866-203-1407

You can see our top ten games from the show here.