The BoardGameGeek Podcast

Bi-weekly casual conversations with passionate gamers who geek out about board games, the mechanisms behind them, and the people who create them.

Episode 71: "Thematic" Abstract Strategy Games for 2 Players, with Ruel Gaviola

June 20, 2025 • BoardGameGeek • Episode 71

Ruel Gaviola joins Candice to discuss abstract strategy board games with a hint of theme, that play well with 2 players.

00:00:00 Introduction
- 00:01:51 LFG Con
- 00:07:03 Ticket to Ride 20th Anniversary video
00:09:42 Fresh Plays
- 00:09:59 Conservas
- 00:13:16 Hot Streak
- 00:20:15 Hits & Outs (Baseball Highlights: 2045, Kaosball)
- 00:25:44 Typeset
- 00:30:04 Chakra
- 00:37:44 Coloretto
00:39:22 Abstract Strategy Games w/ a Hint of Theme for 2 Players
- 00:44:05 DONUTS
- 00:48:08 Ironwood
- 00:51:32 Miyabi
- 00:54:24 Tash Kalar
- 00:57:48 Azul
- 01:00:44 War Chest
- 01:04:38 Spirits of the Wild
- 01:06:53 Toy Battle
- 01:10:42 Samurai
- 01:14:03 Mythic Mischief
- 01:17:34 Santorini
- 01:20:34 Bonus Mentions (Summoner Wars, Project L, Leaders)
01:23:27 Sign-off

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