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This is a continuation of a series of which board games a newcome to the hobby should consider. Stone Age and Twice as Clever are as good as it gets. Stone Age is a classic worker placement and Twice as Clever is a roll and write like Yahtzee that’s quick to learn and SO much fun. Read on to learn of other great games.

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STONE AGE

What is it?

I did it didn’t I.…

I threw a nerdy term right at you and didn’t even warn you. “Worker Placement”.

What do I mean by a “worker placement game?” If you’ve only played those old school games like Monopoly, Sorry, Risk, etc – you’ve really only ever played a “Roll and Move” game. “Roll and Move” being another nerdy term – but I’m guessing you’ve decoded that one.

In its most simplest terms – in a “Worker Placement” game – your action often doesn’t start with the roll of a dice. In lieu of a dice throw it often starts by taking a token/marker (very often called a Meeple) and claiming a “spot” on a board. The spot on the board may give you specific resources or it may have you take a particular action. Almost equally important is the inverse to that action. By you taking that worker placement action on a particular spot – you are at the same time often denying your opponents that same action. That can be equally or more important than you yourself collecting the benefit.

That whole system consisting of taking a meeple and claiming a spot has spawned a genre of games called “Worker Placement” games.

Stone Age is one of the first, and arguably the best, worker placement game to start with. – Let’s see why…

What a Turn is like

In Stone Age, using this Worker Placement action, you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from on your turn. Using your workers, and scanning the board will allow you to make strategic decisions that shape the outcome of the game. You’ll start by assigning your tribe members (workers) to different locations on the board, such as the hunting grounds, the toolmaker, or the agriculture field. Each location offers different resources or benefits, so you’ll need to carefully consider your priorities and the long-term goals of your tribe. Speaking for myself – I try and balance the growth between them, but drilling down on one over the other is a viable strategy as well.

Managing your resources efficiently becomes crucial as you strive to strike a balance between short-term gains and long-term sustainability. Using a clever dice rolling system you’ll collect based not only on how many workers you place, but how high your dice roll was. Each worker you place on a spot equates to one die you get to roll – so placing multiple workers to a single spot can be important. You will need food, gold, wood, and the game’s namesake – stone.

In addition to gathering resources, you’ll also have the opportunity to invest in artifacts, tools, and construct buildings. These actions provide various advantages, such as improved resource production, special abilities, or victory points. Planning and optimizing these investments can give you a significant edge over your opponents, allowing you to adapt your strategy and out maneuver them as the game progresses. Often being aware of the routes your opponents are going, will direct the choice you make on your turn. It is often fairly easy to see what exactly you will need to score points – In the image below you can see to score the far left card, you need to have collected 1 “wood”, 1 “brick” and 1 “stone”

Why I picked it

Overall, playing Stone Age is a light breezy game easy to get into. You will start small, but you can gain more workers and be able to but/earn more rewards as you expand. The game strikes a good blend of strategy, resource management, and avoids adverse player interactions, creating a sense that you’ve furthered your little tribe.

Compared to Risk, which involves intense battles and territorial conquest, Stone Age offers a more peaceful and focus on individual growth to advance the gameplay. It provides opportunities for advance planning, strategic blocking, and observing your opponents’ moves to gain a competitive edge. The engaging and accessible nature of Stone Age makes it a fantastic gateway game that can captivate both new and experienced players.

Twice as Clever

Even among the most staunch “non-boardgamers” – I’d venture to say that most people have heard and likely have even played the game Yahtzee. If I really want to date myself Kismet was the one my parents had in the house. It was essentially still Yahtzee, but with a casino/poker flare thrown into it – anyway – I digress

Imagine this: you’ve got this tidy score sheet in front of you, and you’re rolling these colorful, chunky dice. With each roll, you’re faced with an array of numbers and choices. What’s exciting about “Twice as Clever” is that it blends strategy and luck in a way that doesn’t overwhelm newcomers. The premise is simple: use the dice results to strategically fill in your score sheet and rack up points. It’s like a puzzle-solving adventure with just the right amount of challenge.

Now, let’s talk about what sets “Twice as Clever” apart from Yahtzee and my old memory of Kismet. While both games involve dice and score sheets, “Twice as Clever” adds a layer of strategic thinking that keeps you on your toes. You’re not just rolling dice and filling in numbers; you’re making choices that ripple through your subsequent turns. When you go to score a die, you may end up taking away another scoring opportunity that round. AND THERE AREN”T THAT MANY ROUNDS! The decisions you make early on influence what you can do later, and that’s where the game’s appeal lies. It’s like predicting the outcome of a series of events, and seeing your strategies play out is incredibly satisfying.

What A turn is Like

A turn in this game involves rolling dice and selecting combinations to mark off on a score sheet. The score sheet is divided into various colors, that match the dice as well. Generally speaking the more you area able to mark off in a particular area, the higher score you will receive. The challenge lies in making optimal choices to maximize points in various categories while considering the potential consequences for future decisions. Going heavy into one can be beneficial, but one of the key bonuses rely on having more of a balanced score in each area.

What sets this game apart are the bonus actions available to players. After each roll, you can choose to use a certain bonus action, such as rerolling specific dice, filling in extra spaces, or doubling the value of certain categories. These bonus actions introduce a layer of tactical complexity, as players need to decide when to use them for maximum advantage. Some of the areas you score will trigger bonuses in other areas of the score card, which can be VERY satisfying when you kick off 3 or 4 scoring opportunities off of a single roll.

The game offers diverse scoring categories, each with unique rules and considerations. Players must balance immediate point gains with long-term planning, deciding whether to focus on specific categories or aim for more balanced scoring. The interplay of luck and strategy keeps the game exciting, while the bonus actions add versatility and unpredictability to each turn.

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Why I chose It

If you’re thinking, “Why switch gears and try something new?” I get it. Familiarity can be comforting. But here’s the beauty of “Twice as Clever” – it’s a quick, accessible game that doesn’t demand hours of your time. It’s the kind of game you can casually introduce into your routine – a break from the usual, a chance to explore something different. You don’t have to commit to marathon gaming sessions; it’s more about a relaxed mental workout that still leaves you feeling accomplished.

And here’s a fun thought – remember those Sudoku puzzles you enjoy? “Twice as Clever” offers a similar kind of satisfaction. Just like solving a puzzle, you’re piecing together a strategy that suits your style. It’s like creating your own puzzle masterpiece, except this time you’re the artist and the strategist.

What’s great about “Twice as Clever” is that it’s versatile. Whether you’re flying solo or hosting a game night, it fits seamlessly. You can play at your own pace, taking the time to weigh your options or indulge in spontaneous decisions. It’s not just a game; it’s a pocket of entertainment that you can share with friends or family. And let’s be real – it’s always a win-win when you can introduce loved ones to something enjoyable. There is a great downloadable iOS app as well – I think it was like $2.99. Very affordable and a great way to fill dead time. I played it a bunch on a recent flight!

So, my friend, here’s my pitch – “Twice as Clever” is an opportunity to step into a different realm of gaming without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a refreshing take on dice games that won’t consume your time but will definitely pique your curiosity. Plus, if you enjoy strategic thinking and decision-making, and this game aligns perfectly with that. Give it a shot, and who knows – you might just find yourself immersed in a whole new gaming adventure that adds a sprinkle of cleverness to your life.