Jamie and Ricky discuss what we've played and what games are leaving the shelf before exploring what gives a board game lasting appeal. We talk about the core elements that keep us coming back to the same titles, including strategic depth, player interaction, asymmetry, skill expression, and the satisfaction of learning and mastering a game over time.

We also unpack the difference between replayability and variability, and why more content does not always mean a better game. From emergent gameplay to group dynamics, we look at what really makes a game worth returning to.

To finish, our Wildcard Segment answers the big question: if you could only bring one game to a desert island, what would it be?

Got a question for us to answer on the show? Drop us a line at hello@thetabletopminimalist.com

Follow us on Instagram: @thetabletopminimalist

Timestamps: (00:20) - Intro & Recent Plays (10:05) - What Makes a Game Stand the Test of Time? (59:12) - Wildcard Segment: What's the One Game You'd Take to a Desert Island?

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Welcome to The Tabletop Minimalist!

In our very first episode, Jamie and Ricky introduce themselves and explore the philosophy of board game minimalism. What does it mean to have a small, carefully curated collection? How can minimalism help you enjoy your games more while avoiding the overwhelm of an ever-growing backlog and the constant wave of new releases?

We break down common misconceptions about minimalism, define what it means for us in the context of board gaming, and discuss Jamie’s Geeklist - a practical framework for curating a minimalist collection. Finally, in our Wildcard Segment, we challenge ourselves by revealing our guilty pleasures - games we love that don’t fit our minimalist philosophy.

Got a question for us to answer on the show? Drop us a line at hello@thetabletopminimalist.com

Follow us on Instagram: @theboardgamemimalist

Timestamps:

(00:20) - Introduction to the Podcast (05:12) - Who Is This Podcast For? (06:28) - What Minimalism Isn't (07:38) - What Minimalism Is (10:29) - Why We Chose Board Game Minimalism (14:44) - The Principles of Jamie's Geeklist (43:21) - Wildcard Segment: Games We Love That Don't Fit Our Minimalism Philosophy

Support The Tabletop Minimalist by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-tabletop-minimalist