TOP 10 Jelgava board games

For the second year already, the Jelgava Board Games Club has been voting for our favorite board games. The games were voted on by club members who are also big game enthusiasts. Each poll participant had the opportunity to vote for their favorite 20 games and depending on the position, the game received a corresponding number of points (1-20), and each game received 5 additional points for each replay. A total of 110 different games were voted on.

Here are the TOP 10 best games.

10th place – Istanbul

Last year in 25th place
A rise of 15 places

A dynamic, fluid game, where each player controls his Turkish merchants, which activate individual cardboard locations. Players have to be very efficient and see the best ways to move, but often there is already an opposing dealer in front of them, which independently forces them to change their plans and adapt to the situation.

9th place – Ticket to Ride

Last year in 18th place
A rise of 9 places

Everyone's much-loved modern classic, where players collect cards, build their own railway routes, and every once in a while someone catches their head because they see trains of a different color being placed on the route they are watching. A game that excites young, old and big game enthusiasts alike.

8th place – I sle of Skye: From Chieftain to King

Last year in 16th place
An increase of 8 places

The game is also called "Gamer Carcassone", which is not at all similar to the named game. Isle of Skye is a very interesting auction game where each player sets a price for squares and then the others have the opportunity to buy these squares to build beautiful Scottish provinces. Different things count in each game, so game to game is very different, but always strategic.

7th place – Rising sun

New in the top

The massive Kickstarter blockbuster about Japanese clans, monsters and deities. Players try to reach a political agreement among themselves, but if that fails, then fight for control in feudal Japan. The mechanics of the game are very different from the usual ones, they encourage intrigue and unexpected, but quite tactical turns. Also, the game is indescribably gorgeous, with charming figures and good, functional graphics.

6th place – Seasons

3rd place last year
Drop by 3 places.

The action takes place in a fairy forest, where a wizarding championship is planned, during which it will be determined who will be the most successful wizard. The game is gorgeously illustrated, bright and colorful. In order to win, players must see the best combinations, create the best synergies between the 9 selected cards and use every resource given.

5th place – Azul

New in the top

The very beautiful, abstract game that became a world hit this year is also loved in Jelgava. During the game, players build mosaics of Portuguese tiles, but in order to build them, you have to make a lot of difficult decisions, you have to choose the tiles you need, but you also have to independently look at your opponents and try to "pick up" what you need from them.

4th place – Dice Forge

Last year in 23rd place
An increase of 19 places

One of the first games where the faces of the dice are purposefully changed. During the game, every turn involves each player rolling both dice, and one of the players can improve their dice to achieve even better results in the future. The unique concept and dynamic nature of the game ensures its popularity in the gaming club.

3rd place – Cosmic Encounters

Last year in 5th place
Up 2 places

Each player controls one extravagant alien race that has a special ability. During the turn, one of the players has the opportunity to attack someone else, but the real game begins when the players try to negotiate allies. Alliances are constantly changing in the game, who is betrayed, but the player or players who know how to perform the best diplomatic maneuvers win.

2nd place – Viticulture: Essential edition

7th place last year
Up 5 places

Players manage the wine industry in Tuscany, grow grapes, produce wine and build their own small family business. The game is based on the mechanic of placing workers, to win you have to think far-sightedly and take into account the economy of your moves.

1st place - Scythe

In the beautiful alternative 20th century. the opening map is an epic battle for land and influence, players manage very limited resources and try to gradually expand both territorially and economically. The game has something to do for everyone, from those who want to build their economic empire, to those who like to go on adventures, and to those who have a tendency to ask for trouble and go into battle.

Author: Kristaps Auzāns

Pictures: Board game geek