JeffCon 2018 Recap

We recently returned from our (six annual) JeffCon up at Lake Kachess.  We once again brought a mix of old classics and new games to try out. Here are some of the games we played this year:

• Five Tribes - Although we had previously played Five Tribes more than half a dozen times, in our game we realized we had missed a critical rule that totally changes how the game is played and approached.  Previously we had played that you could end by placing a meeple in an empty square as a valid action, (which meant you could activate the ability of a meeple without a meeple of a matching color in the square).  The actual rules make the game much more mancala-like and I'm excited to find out how the game will play differently when the game is played as intended.
• Kingdomino - I still find the Spiel des Jahres winner to be fast and fun.  I achieved my highest ever recorded total of 82, accomplished with a twelve space / six crown forest and a five space / two crown desert.  I was very fortunate to fly under the radar and be able to grab every forest crown domino....
• Star Wars: Destiny - We introduced the group to Star Wars: Destiny using a home-brewed co-operative, four-player game.  Roberge and I also played a number of two-player matches against one another.  The overall group was turned-off by the collectible aspect of the game, but we emphasized that the starter sets and common cards provide a fully realized experience, (and we've had no desire to ever buy a booster pack).  I find the game to be quick and enjoyable, and also have had fun constructing my different decks. 
• Stockpile - We played Stockpile once again, this time using the bond, commodity, and tax cards.  This added new aspects to the game that were needed to make it more enjoyable and different, as I think the original game is wearing a little thin after so many repeated plays.
• Werewords - I brought up Werewords and we probably played it a dozen or so times due to its tiny playtime of roughly 5 minutes.  It is a game of Twenty Questions with some Werewolf-like roles and elements thrown in.  Most of the fun is the discussion and accusations after the timer has run out.
• Unlock! The Tonipal's Treasure - We started this Unlock! game late in the evening and most of the group got through about half the mystery before heading to bed.  Juice and I finished it up and were able to complete it without needing more than a few clues, (although there was one clue where we were totally and completely lost).  We completed the final puzzle with just four seconds remaining on the clock, which made for an exciting finish.  I liked the adventure and would like to try out more of the Unlock! games.
• 1889: History of Shikoku Railways - This 18XX game was brought up by Sund and took most of one afternoon and evening, but was well worth the time invested.  Most of the time was spent on learning the rules and getting all six players through the first few turns.  Once everyone was up to speed, the game pace quickened.  I liked all the decisions and choices to be made, along with the stock aspects and route mapping.  I would like to try this (or another 18XX game) now that I'm up to speed on the rules.