Geoff Burkman
United States
Kettering
Ohio
"Punk is not dead" by daughter, Emily
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This one took place a number of weeks ago, once more on-site at our soon-to-be-closed-and-lamented FLGS. We’re still wondering and debating about where we’ll shift once the shifting is upon us, but that’s still in the future (even at this writing/posting), and in the meantime there’s a game to be played. This was a deal five each of everything (G-Deck and base Ocks, and G-Deck, “FotM,” and base game Minors), boil down to the regulation 7&7. Matt gets the button by random selection.
Round One/MIMI
Matt – Occ/Family Counselor^
Geoff – RSf
Ron – SB(PF)
Brian – FT(2W)
Matt – 2C(2)
Geoff – HF(1f)
Ron – 3W(3)
Brian – SP + House Goat
Geoff – 2W(2)
Ron – 1G
Brian – DL(2f)
^Matt – (1f)
Matt opens with a now well-established G-Deck favorite, a consistent and reliable food source on a par with House Goat and minimal downside. I thrift, Ron and Brian specialize, and Matt scoops up clay. I snack, Ron hauls lumber, and Brian snags the button to activate—what else?—the House Goat. I nip a bit of wood, Ron picks up a grain, and Brian hits up the DL. Matt’s Ock pays off its first bonus and we’re underway.
Current Status
Brian – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 5f, 2W, 1 MnImp, 3M/4F
Geoff – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 5f, 2W/1R/1S, 3M/5F
Matt – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f, 2C, 1 Ock, 3M/5F
Ron – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f, 3W, 1G, 1 PF, 3M/4F
Round Two/Sow & Bake
Brian – Occ/Reed Collector (4R> )
Matt – 1R(2)
Geoff – 1H
Ron – SB(PF)
Brian – HF(1f)
Matt – 3W(3)
Geoff – MIMI/Peat-Charcoal Kiln (-1S)
Ron – SP + Field> (PF –1f)
Brian – FT(2W) –2f
Geoff – 1C(2) ?
Ron – 1C(2)
Brian – Occ(-1f)/Wood Carver
^Matt – (1f)
Brian pops his first Ock, and suddenly reed has been devalued, but that certainly doesn’t stop Matt from taking his fair share. I corral a horse, Ron and Brian deal with the remaining specials, and Matt settles for some lumber. I execute the Kiln gambit,* Ron sets the Field in motion with a button heist, and Brian surprisingly forks over the premium for some spare wood. I now miscue with a clay grab, overlooking that I’ve been sussed by Ron, who copycats. Brian puts another Ock into play that will serve him well, and Matt ends the Round with his next Counselor payoff. Courses of action are taking shape.
*It got a fair trial.
Current Status
Brian – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f, 4W, 2 Ock, 1 MnImp, 3M/3F
Geoff – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 5f, 2W/2C/1R, 1h, 1 MjImp, 3M/5F
Matt – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 4f, 3W/2C/2R, 1 Ock, 3M/5F
Ron – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 2f, 3W/2C, 1G, 3 PF, 3M/3F
Round Three/Fences Brian – (1R)
Ron – MIMI/Fp2 (-2C)
Brian – 2W(4)
Matt – FT(2W)
Geoff – CP(3+2fl)
Ron – HF(1f)
Brian – SP + Wildlife Reserve (-1W)
Matt – RSf
Geoff – 3W(3)
Ron – Fish(3f)
Matt – 1W(3)
Geoff – TP(3f)
^Matt – (1f)
Ron secures his coveted cookery, spending the remainder of the Round gathering foodstuffs. Brian bides his time doubling up on lumber and a button swipe, garnering himself some cheap animal storage. Matt assembles more building materials. I fuel up high-test, scrounge some wood, and then fill my larder to overflowing. The expansion dance is about to begin.
Current Status
Brian – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f, 7W/1R, 2 Ock, 2 MnImp, 3M/3F
Geoff – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 8f/5fl, 5W/2C/1R, 1h, 1 MjImp, 2M/5F
Matt – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 6f, 8W/2C/3R/1S, 1 Ock, 3M/4F
Ron – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 6f, 3W, 1G, 3 PF, 1 MjImp, 3M/3F
Round Four/Sheep Brian – (1R)
Brian – CP(3fl)
Matt – Occ(-1f)/Clay Deliveryman (9C> )
Geoff – 2C(4)
Ron – 1R(2)
Brian – HF(1f)
Matt – FT(2W)
Geoff – RSf
Ron – CP(3fl) –2f
Brian – SP + Flatboat (4fl/3h> -3W)
Matt – MIMI/Grain Cart (-2W)
Ron – BR(0) + 1s (-2W)
Brian – PF
Compelled by the gods of the moor, Brian fuels up. Matt ocks again, cheapening clay considerably, but I snag the immediate pile regardless. Ron hauls critical reed, Brian and Matt polish off the specials, and I make the only play I can to prep for construction. Ron coughs hard to fuel up, Brian unlimbers a nice Minor while stepping on the button, and Ron perplexes us a bit by building a lone stable. Brian plows. Harvest is by the book with the exception of Matt’s burning a 2Wood for heating.
*Constant Reader knows what he’s up to, don’t you, Constant Reader?
Current Status
Brian – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 1f/1fl, 4W/2R, 1 PF, 2 Ock, 3 MnImp, 2M/3F
Geoff – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 5f/3fl, 5W/6C/2R/1S, 1h, 1 MjImp, 2M/5F
Matt – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 1f, 6W/2C/3R/1S, 2 Ock, 1 MnImp, 3M/3F
Ron – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 0f/1fl, 1W/2R, 1G, 3 PF, 1s, 1 MjImp, 2M/3F
Round Five/Stone Brian – (1fl/1R)
Brian – 3W(6)
Matt – SB(PF)
Geoff – 2W(4)
Ron – SP + Remodeling> (BR(1) –1W/1R/1s)
Brian – BR(1) + 2s (-8W/2R)
Matt – BM/Malthouse (-1W/2C)
Geoff – FT(2W)
Ron – Sheep(2)burn1
Matt – RSf
Geoff – 1C(4)
Matt – 1G + 2G
^Matt – (1f)
Brian claims the waiting lumberyard, Matt turns a first field, and seeing that I am likely trumped, I settle for more wood as well. Ron claims the button, rewarding himself with the “FotM” version of the Wooden Hut Extension, to which Brian responds with a room of his own, replete with anticipatory stables. Matt works another special to put out a helpful little Minor,* I use the last special, and Ron harangues the woolies to their detriment. Matt thrifts, I hog more clay, and Matt loads up on grain, happy to rake in another Counselor bonus.
*Malthouse permits conversion of one grain to a 4food whenever its owner cuts peat, no cookery required. Most convenient.
Current Status
Brian – 3Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 1f/2fl, 2W/1R, 1 PF, 2s, 2 Ock, 3 MnImp, 2M/3F
Geoff – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 5f/3fl, 11W/10C/2R/1S, 1h, 1 MjImp, 2M/4F
Matt – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f, 5W/4R/2S, 3G, 1 PF, 2 Ock, 2 MnImp, 3M/2F
Ron – 3Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 2f/1fl, 1R, 1G, 1sh, 3 PF, 1 MjImp, 2M/3F
Round Six/Renovation + MIMI Brian – (1H/1R) Matt – (1C)
Ron – SP + Hired Helpers° (-1f)
Brian – 2C(4)
Matt – CP(3fl) + (4f-1G)
Geoff – BM/Firewood (1fl –1fl/1W)
Ron – (b1sh) 1H
Brian – MIMI/CH4 (-4C)
Matt – Occ(-1f)/Merchant
Geoff – RSf
Ron – Fish(3f)
Matt- 1S(2)
Geoff – PF
Growth fails to materialize, but Ron is undeterred; he steps on the button to maintain the edge, playing a G-Decker which will sadly avail him little. Brian amasses bricks, Matt puts his new Minor to immediate task, and Ron cooks mutton to make room for a horse. Brian acquires first hearth, Matt plays still another Ock that will serve him well, and I thrift. Ron restocks supplies, Matt claims the rocks, and I settle for my first field, which will sadly lay fallow for the rest of the game.
Current Status
Brian – 3Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 1f/2fl, 2W/2R, 1h, 1 PF, 2s, 2 Ock, 1 MjImp/3 MnImp, 2M/3F
Geoff – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 6f/3fl, 10W/10C/3R/2S, 1h, 1 PF, 1 MjImp/1 MnImp, 2M/4F
Matt – 2Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 6f/3fl, 5W/1C/4R/4S, 2G, 1 PF, 3 Ock, 2 MnImp, 2M/2F
Ron – 3Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 6f/1fl, 1R, 1G, 1h, 3 PF, 1 MjImp/1 MnImp, 2M/3F
Round Seven/Family Growth + MI Brian – (1fl) Matt – (1C)
Ron – FG + x
Brian – 3W(6)
Matt – SP + Wooden Hut Extension> (BR(1) –5W/1R)
Geoff – BM/Wooden Hut Extension> (BR(1) –5W/1R/1fl)
Ron – CP(3fl)
Brian – Sheep(2)burn2
Matt – 2W(4)
Geoff – RSf
Ron – FT(2W)
Geoff – Ren>C (-3C/1R) + Cookhouse (-6C)
Ron – 1W(4)
^Matt – (1f)
Ron finally gets first growth, but has no playable Minors left to attach to the move. Delighted, Brian hauls another 6Wood, while Matt happily swipes the button to unleash the real McCoy of expansion theft. I burn off a fuel to set myself up for the next theft. Ron fuels up, Brian morosely dines on wooly flambé, and Matt reloads his woodpile. I thrift yet again,* Ron utilizes the unexpected special, and I opt for renovation and the first outright purchase of a Cookhouse that I’ve witnessed in a long time. Ron clears the last timber from the board, Matt collects his bonus food, and the only thing out of the ordinary at harvest-time is my expenditure of a lone wood for heating (cf. Firewood). The midgame awaits…
*Rule of thumb in most 4-player games: when in doubt, thrift.
Current Status
Brian – 3Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 2f/0fl, 8W/2R, 1h, 1 PF, 2s, 2 Ock, 1 MjImp/3 MnImp, 2M/3F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f/2fl, 4W/1C/2R/3S, 1h, 1 PF, 2 MjImp/1 MnImp, 2M/4F
Matt – 3Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f/0fl, 4W/2C/3R/4S, 2G, 1 PF, 3 Ock, 2 MnImp, 2M/2F
Ron – 3Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 1f/1fl, 6W/1R, 1G, 1h, 3 PF, 1 MjImp/1 MnImp, 1M/2F
Round Eight/Vegetables Brian – (1H) Matt – (1C)
Matt – FG + Clay Pit
Geoff – SP + Moor Enclosure (-1S)
Ron – TP(5f)
Brian – FT(2W)
Matt – CP(3fl) + (4f-1G)
Geoff – HF(1f)
Ron – 2C(4)
Brian – RSf
Matt – MIMI/Stone Oven (4f-1C/3S/1G) + Heating Stove (-2C/1S/1f)
Geoff – 1C(3)
Ron – 1S(2)
Brian – Fences(7) (-6W)
^Matt – (1f)
Matt hires on, adding a Minor that will prove key to his game plan. Needless to say, I commandeer the button, tacking on an “FotM” Minor that will prove less key to mine.* Ron fills his larder with cheap food, and the rest of us make short work of the specials, Matt being especially happy to put the Malthouse through its paces again. Ron hauls clay for eventual renovation, Brian thrifts, and Matt exercises the Merchant to excellent effect. I stock up on clay, Ron absconds with the rocks, and Brian fences a pair of pastures (cf. Wood Carver) to facilitate animal husbandry. Matt’s Counselor pays off for the sixth time out of eight Rounds, affirming its utility beyond question.
*Still, I enjoy the novelty of an expanded farmyard, along with the comfort zone of spare peat resources.
Current Status
Brian – 3Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 3f/0fl, 4W/3R/1S, 2h, 1 PF, 2(1x1)p, 2s, 2 Ock, 1 MjImp/3 MnImp, 2M/2F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 2 Peeps, 4f/2fl, 4W/4C/2R/2S, 1h, 1 PF, 2 MjImp/2 MnImp, 4M/4F
Matt – 3Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 11f/3fl, 4W/3R, 1 PF, 3 Ock, 2 MjImp/3 MnImp, 1M/2F
Ron – 3Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 6f/1fl, 6W/4C/1R/2S, 1G, 1h, 3 PF, 1 MjImp/1 MnImp, 1M/2F
Round Nine/Boar Brian – (1fl) Matt – (1C)
Geoff – FG + Night Pasture (-2C)
Ron – 3W(6)
Brian – CP(3fl)
Matt – BM/Stone Wagon (-2W/1fl)
Geoff – 1H
Ron – 2W(4)
Brian – SP + Remodeling> (BR(1) –1R/1s)
Matt – RSf
Geoff – MIMI/Museum of the Moors (-1C/1R/1S)
Ron – CP(3fl) –2f
Brian – Sheep(2)
Matt – DL(2f +3C/1S)
Ron – 1R(4)
Matt – Occ(-1f)/Apprentice
°Ron – Fish(3f)
^Matt – (1G)
I bolster my work force, adding some unusual animal storage.* Ron hauls the bargain lumber—hard to resist—Brian fuels up, and Matt reinforces the DL as his action of choice. I snag a stud for my mare, Ron hogs more wood, and Brian claims the button to take advantage of Ron’s previous generosity. Matt thrifts, no dummy he. I add the Museum to my holdings, Ron chokes out the vig to fuel up, and Brian herds the woolies onto his Reserve. Matt parties hearty at the DL in the first of what will prove to be five visits, Ron picks up the cheap reed, and Matt pops another useful Ock that will turn out to be a very nice food engine. Ron now leans on his Hired Helpers to gather needed supplies, and Matt collects his last Counselor bonus, a well-deserved grain. Brian’s newborn wooly has to live on the Reserve, poor thing, but at least it lives. I am forced to cook a horse, which is sort of what I was planning to do anyway, and expend another wood for heating, scrupulously conserving fuel. All else at harvest is normal, with Matt earning his first bonus food via the Apprentice.
*Night Pasture allows space for up to three animals of any type, plus one animal each for all opponents which will count toward your breeding capacity. Sadly, no one will deign to take advantage of my largesse.
Current Status
Brian – 4Wood Rooms, 2 Peeps, 0f/0fl, 4W/2R/1S, 3sh/3h, 1 PF, 2(1x1)p, 1s, 2 Ock, 1 MjImp/3 MnImp, 1M/2F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 3 Peeps, 1f/2fl, 3W/1C/1R/1S, 1h, 1 PF, 3 MjImp/3 MnImp, 4M/4F
Matt – 3Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 8f/1fl, 2W/4C/4R/2S, 1G, 1 PF, 4 Ock, 2 MjImp/4 MnImp, 1M/2F
Ron – 3Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 1f/1fl, 16W/4C/5R/2S, 1G, 1h, 3 PF, 1 MjImp/1 MnImp, 0M/2F
Round Ten/Cattle Brian – (1H) Matt – (1C)
Brian – 2C(4)
Matt – CP(3fl)
Geoff – Boar(2)
Ron – FT(2W)
Brian – HF(1f)
Matt – 1S(2)
Geoff – 1V
Ron – SP + Wooden Hut Extension> (BR(1) –5W/1R)
Brian – FG + Chimney Hood> (3f –1C)
Matt – MIMI/Pottery (-2C/2S) + Basketmaker’s Workshop (2R/2S/1f)
Geoff – 3W(3)
Ron – Ren>C (-4C/1R) + Basket Stall (-1R/1S)
Matt – DL(2f + 3C/1S)
Brian restocks clay, Matt fuels up for the last time, and I hustle piggies onto my Night Pasture. Ron and Brian dispense with the specials, Matt doubles up on stone, and I wipe the veggie negative. Ron pulls off another button extension gambit, while Brian finally adds his third worker, taking advantage of a rarely-seen “FotM” passing Minor.* Matt puts the Merchant to work again to great effect. I haul timber, Ron renovates and grabs the premier Stall, and Matt mines the DL yet again. The action count stands at Ron – 32, Matt – 30, Geoff – 29, and Brian – 28. Will these relative standings hold? Four more crucial Rounds will tell the tale.
*Chimney Hood basically allows a clay to be baked as if it were a grain.
Current Status
Brian – 4Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 4f/0fl, 4W/3C/2R/1S, 3sh/4h, 1 PF, 2(1x1)p, 1s, 2 Ock, 1 MjImp/3 MnImp, 1M/2F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 3 Peeps, 1f/2fl, 6W/1C/1R/1S, 1V, 2b/1h, 1 PF, 3 MjImp/3 MnImp, 4M/4F
Matt – 3Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 10f/4fl, 2W/6C/2R/1S, 1G, 1 PF, 4 Ock, 4 MjImp/4 MnImp, 0M/2F
Ron – 4Clay Rooms, 3 Peeps, 1f/1fl, 13W/2R/1S, 1G, 1h, 3 PF, 2 MjImp/1 MnImp, 0M/1F
Round Eleven/Stone Brian – (1fl) Matt – (1C)
Ron – FG + x
Brian – FT(2W)
Matt – SB(PF)
Geoff – (b2b) Cattle(2)
Ron – Sheep(2)burn2
Brian – HF(1f)
Matt – CW/Ceramics Stall (-1C/1S/3f/1fl)
Geoff – 2W(4)
Ron – TP(3f)
Brian – Fences(4) (-3W)
Matt – 1W(4)
Geoff – 1C(3)
Brian – (b1sh) SP + Field> (PF –1f)
Matt – RSf
Brian – 1G
Matt – BR(1) + 2s (-5W/4C/2R)
Ron keeps comfortably ahead in the action race, Brian and Matt peel off two specials, and I roast unhappy piggies to make room for nervous cattle. Ron slaughters woolies unceremoniously. Brian nabs a quick snack, but Matt is unfazed, coughing up the vig to secure a Stall of his own. I pile up timber, Ron tops off food supplies, and Brian adds a two-by-one to his pasture array. More lumber to Matt, more clay to me, and Brian fries up lamb chops to pay for the Field he plays with a button heist. Matt thrifts, Brian takes a grain, and Matt amuses all by building room and a pair of brick stables. What a showoff!
At harvest, I heat with one wood, Ron burns two, and Brian three; Matt smirks as he parts with a single fuel. Now, “only” the endgame remains…
Current Status
Brian – 4Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 1f/0fl, 3C/2R/1S, 1G, 3sh/5h, 2 PF, 1(2x1)2(1x1)p, 1s, 2 Ock, 1 MjImp/3 MnImp, 1M/1F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 3 Peeps, 1f/2fl, 9W/4C/1R/1S, 1V, 3c/1h, 1 PF, 3 MjImp/3 MnImp, 4M/4F
Matt – 4Wood Rooms, 3 Peeps, 5f/2fl, 1W/2C/1R/1S, 1G, 2 PF, 2s, 4 Ock, 5 MjImp/4 MnImp, 0M/1F
Ron – 4Clay Rooms, 4 Peeps, 1f/0fl, 11W/2R/1S, 1G, 1h, 3 PF, 2 MjImp/1 MnImp, 0M/1F
Round Twelve/Family Growth w/o Matt – (1C)
Brian – FG + x
Matt – FG w/o
Geoff – 3W(6)
Ron – SB(PF)
Brian – 2C(4)
Matt – SP + Field> (PF –1f)
Geoff – 1S(2)
Ron – Fences(10) (-10W)
Brian – Ren>C (-4C/1R) + Clay Oven (5f –3C/1S/1G)
Matt – 1H
Geoff – Boar(2)burn2
Ron – Cattle(1)
Matt – HF(1f)
Ron – 1G
Matt – DL(2f + 3C/1S)
Ron – MIMI/Magic Beans> (1c>2V)
°Ron – S&B (2Gf/2Vf)
Brian and Matt waste no time leaving me in the dust, peep-wise, but I’m happy enough with the 6Wood. Ron turns another field, Brian’s clay holdings swell, and Matt retakes the button, keeping the Field in motion, to lock in final growth. I triple my rock collection, Ron puts that Round Nine lumber to use, and Brian executes a solid upgrade and oven-firing. Matt ropes in a horse, I decimate the piggies, and Ron herds the lonely cow. Matt snacks, Ron doubles up on grain, Matt raids the DL, and Ron closes things out with second use of Hired Helpers (and some beans) to fill up his fields. Alas, alack, it’s a gambit that will pretty much turn out to be superfluous.
Current Status
Brian – 4Clay Rooms, 4 Peeps, 6f/0fl, 1R, 3sh/5h, 2 PF, 1(2x1)2(1x1)p, 1s, 2 Ock, 2 MjImp/3 MnImp, 1M/1F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 3 Peeps, 7f/2fl, 15W/4C/1R/3S, 1V, 3c/1h, 1 PF, 3 MjImp/3 MnImp, 4M/4F
Matt – 4Wood Rooms, 4 Peeps, 7f/2fl, 1W/6C/1R/2S, 1G, 1h, 3 PF, 2s, 4 Ock, 5 MjImp/4 MnImp, 0M/1F
Ron – 4Clay Rooms, 4 Peeps, 1f/0fl, 1W/2R/1S, 0G/0V, 1h, 4 PF(6g/4v), 1(2x3)p, 2 MjImp/1 MnImp, 0M/0F
Round Thirteen/Plow & Sow Matt – (1C)
Matt – FG w/o
Geoff – 1S(3)
Ron – 2W(4)
Brian – CP(3fl)
Matt – 1G + 2G
Geoff – CW/Well (1f> -1W/2S)
Ron – P&S (PF)
Brian – FT(2W)
Matt – SB(PF) –2f
Geoff – Fences(6) (-6W)
Ron – Sheep(2)burn1
Brian – Cattle(1)
Matt – S&B (4Gf)
Geoff – (b1c) 1H –2f
Brian – SP + Magic Beans> (1c> 2V)
Matt – DL(2f + 3C/1S)
Geoff – MIMI/Village Church (2f –2W/4S)
Brian – 3W(3)
Brian – PF
Matt hires on his last peep, as expected, and I haul rocks, intent on piling up card points. Ron and Brian, suffering heating pressure, take wood and fuel up respectively, leaving Matt free to restock grain, and me to specialize the Well (cf. Museum). Ron now executes a toothless Plow’n’Sow, while Brian takes advantage of the remaining special. Matt turns a pricey field, I fence while I still can, and Ron torments the woolies, leaving one to roam his expansive pasture. Brian eliminates a negative, Matt fills his fields to overflowing, and I burn off a cow to pay for another stab at breeding horses. Brian duplicates Ron’s bean trick from last Round, Matt DLs another batch of goodness, and I appropriate the big kahuna. Brian concludes the action with a wood haul and a field, burning off a replaceable wooly at harvest. Matt sloughs a reed, I heat with a wood and tithe a fuel for a point, while poor Ron is forced to cook two veggies, slough a grain, and heat his house with a 3Wood. No doubt he’s regretting the failure to upgrade his cookery or establish an alternate food engine; his action lead has dwindled as well.
Current Status
Brian – 4Clay Rooms, 4 Peeps, 1f/0fl, 5W/1R, 2V, 3sh/6h, 3 PF, 1(2x1)2(1x1)p, 1s, 2 Ock, 2 MjImp/3 MnImp, 0M/0F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 3 Peeps, 5f/1fl, 5W/4C/1R, 1V, 3c/3h, 1 PF, 1(2x1)p, 5 MjImp/3 MnImp, 4M/4F
Matt – 4Wood Rooms, 5 Peeps, 3f/1fl, 1W/10C/1R/3S, 4G, 1h, 4 PF(8g), 2s, 4 Ock, 5 MjImp/4 MnImp, 0M/0F
Ron – 4Clay Rooms, 4 Peeps, 0f/0fl, 2W/2R/1S, 1G, 1sh/1h, 5 PF(4g/2v), 1(2x3)p, 2 MjImp/1 MnImp, 0M/0F
Round Fourteen/Renovation + Fences Geoff – (1f) Matt – (1C)
Brian – Fences(4) (-3W)
Matt – 1R(4)
Geoff – CW/Forester’s Lodge (-1W/1C/1f/1fl)
Ron – (b1sh) Boar(2)
Brian – P&S (PF + 2Vf)
Matt – DL(2f + 3C/1S)
Geoff – 1H
Ron – MIMI/Horse Slaughterhouse (-1R/1S)
Brian – Fish(5f)
Matt – Ren>C (-4C/1R) + Fences(10) (-10C)
Geoff – PF
Ron – Cattle(1)burn1
Brian – 3W(3)
Matt – 1V
Geoff – 1G
Ron – TP(3f)
Matt – Ren>S + x (-1R/4S)
Geoff – CP(3+2fl)
Geoff – Occ/Hermit
Brian completes a standard pasture array, locking Ron and me out of any further fencing. Matt hauls the bargain reed as Ron looks on sadly, and I snap up the Lodge. Ron’s final moves are mostly forced as he scrambles for food and what few points he can manage. Meanwhile, Brian farms, fishes, and grabs timber for heating, while Matt stocks up at the DL, renovates and knocks out the first all-clay fenced pasture we think we’ve ever seen, erases his veggie deficit, and closes out with an upgrade to the only stone hut in the game. I wrangle a last horse, happily eliminate my field and grain negatives, fuel up for bonus points, and end the game with my one and only Ock worth playing, the Hermit.* Matt breezes through harvest thanks to the Apprentice and Heating Stove, ruing only his dearth of animals.
*This play engenders a “What the…?” fusillade from Brian, the details of which will be explicated in “Bits & Pieces.”
Current Status
Brian – 4Clay Rooms, 4 Peeps, 1f/0fl, 2W/1R, 1V, 4sh/7h, 4 PF(2v), 2(2x1)2(1x1)p, 1s, 2 Ock, 2 MjImp/3 MnImp, 0M/0F
Geoff – 3Clay Rooms, 3 Peeps, 2f/5fl, 2W/3C/1R, 1G/1V, 3c/5h, 2 PF, 1(2x1)p, 1 Ock, 6 MjImp/3 MnImp, 3M/4F
Matt – 4Stone Rooms, 5 Peeps, 0f/0fl, 1W/1C/3R, 8G/1V, 1h, 4 PF(4g), 1(2x3)p, 2s, 4 Ock, 5 MjImp/4 MnImp, 0M/0F
Ron – 4Clay Rooms, 4 Peeps, 0f/0fl, 3G/2V, 3b/1h, 5 PF(2g), 1(2x3)p, 3 MjImp/1 MnImp, 0M/0F
Final Score (Ocks Played, Minors/Majors Played)(Wood taken/bonus)(Rounds as SP)(Total Primary(Special) Actions)(PPA*)(Food Spent)
Primary Actions are those first taken when a player claims a space with a family member. In sessions of Farmers on the Moor, special actions are counted as Primary actions, with their subtotal indicated in parentheses. * - Points per Primary Action.
Geoff – 47 (1 Occ, 4°/6)(24/0)(1)(46(11))(1.022)(36) ° all played Wooden Hut Extension
Matt – 44 (4 Occ, 6°*/5)(18/0)(3)(50(13))(0.880)(50)
Brian – 37 (2 Occ, 7*^/2)(32/8)(6)(46(11))(0.804)(32/6) ^ both played Remodeling and Magic Beans
Ron – 31 (0 Occ, 5°*^/3)(25/2)(4)(48(10))(0.674)(44) * all played Field
Player Fields Pastures Grain Veg Sheep Boar Cattle+Horses Unused Stables House Peeps Pts Bonus
Geoff 2(1) 1(1) 1(1) 1(1) 0(-1) 0(-1) 3(2+5) 3(-3) 0(0) 3C(3) 3(9) (16) (14)
Matt 4(3) 1(1) 12(4) 1(1) 0(-1) 0(-1) 0(-1+1) 1(-1) 2(2) 4S(8) 5(15) (12) (1)
Brian 4(3) 4(4) 0(-1) 3(3) 4(2) 0(-1) 0(-1+7) 1(-1) 1(1) 4C(4) 4(12) (5) (0)
Ron 5(4) 1(1) 5(2) 2(2) 0(-1) 3(2) 0(-1+1) 0(0) 0(0) 4C(4) 4(12) (5) (0)
Bits & Pieces
 This game showcases a number of salient characteristics, not the least of which is that it was won by the player with the fewest peeps. Ron’s Ock-less journey ran into the buzz saw of late growth, despite being the first player to expand his family to three, and then four. Hired Helpers provided him scant benefit, as he was only able to use it twice, and on neither occasion to any great benefit. Matt did extremely well while taking the least lumber, and would have had the win were it not for my pusillanimous play of the Hermit (see below). He utilized his available card support with precise and excellent timing, all without neglecting growth or special actions.
Brian’s key Donnybrook came, I think, way back in Round Two when he opted for the Reed Collector instead of just taking the stacked reed from the board. Of course, 20-20 hindsight is always easier than on-the-spot evaluation, but the fact remains that it’s often preferable to deny opponents while helping yourself instead of just giving yourself a double helping. It’s also a possible example of letting your cards play you instead of playing your cards; Brian was quite obviously intent on getting Wildlife Reserve into action, but Constant Reader will notice that he didn’t really need it that early. Had he just taken the reed, Matt would have been slowed down, and as we all know, the entire flow of the game would have been altered.
On the matter of the Hermit, which single-handedly tore the mantle of victory from Matt’s shoulders: turns out that I had inadvertently acquired the card from Brian’s draft discards when I realized I’d thrown out too many Ocks. The Hermit was the one I’d picked up, and thinking it was the top card of what I’d thrown out, I kept it without further thought and with no real intention of playing it. It was just another mediocre Ock in a handful of like companions. It wasn’t until the midgame was segueing into the endgame that I recognized its potential use and actually started thinking about using it. So, upshot is that the win is tainted, and I freely cede victory to Matt when push comes to shove. Regardless, though, the game stands as a great example of a smaller family taking home the prize.
I hope Constant Reader has had (and will continue to have) a peaceful holiday, and got some good gaming in to boot. Here’s hoping the best for everyone’s New Year, including the imminent release of the new card set for our favorite cardboard subsistence farming game! Latest game played that caught my fancy: Vanuatu, a very entertaining and challenging meld of role and action selection with a high degree of player interaction and careful blocking, in which going first is both a good thing and a bad thing. Highly recommended. All botched typesetting and transcription errors are, as usual, mea culpa. Next report: likely another online contest, although at this point I haven’t decided whether to showcase one of my wins or one of my more numerous humbling defeats. Until then, of course, happy gaming to all!
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Chris Deotte
United States
California
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Hooray for Hermit!
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Geoff Burkman
United States
Kettering
Ohio
"Punk is not dead" by daughter, Emily
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Indeed! I'd kept the lion's share of my dealt "FotM" Minors, and thus never needed Ocks to qualify them for play. That's one of the things I love about "FotM" sessions at Level 3; the Ocks are nice, but you can really flex some farming muscle without ever playing any.
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Brian Mc Cabe
United States
Arizona
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Quote: Round 2: Brian pops is first Ock, and suddenly reed has been devalued.
Round 4: Matt Ocks again, cheapening clay considerably.
These phrases puzzle me a little bit. Maybe it's just a perception of language. Aren't the resources every bit as valuable, but the competition for them has been reduced by one player?
Another fine report, and, as we say around here SHENANIGANS!
Hope your holiday season was as glorious as you wished.
Brian
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It's supply and demand. When one player gets a private source of a given resource, the total supply is higher (or alternately, the demand is lower, since the player with the private source doesn't need as much of the global source). Higher supply, or lower demand, means lower prices, even if the valuation of the resources is unchanged.
In other words, value and price don't necessarily connect, especially in a system where resources appear ex nihilo. 
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David Lewis
United States
Overland Park
Kansas
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Great report Geoff. While any version of Agricola is fun and entertaining, 4- and 5-player FotMs, level 3, are my favorites. Thanks!
MisterG wrote: Latest game played that caught my fancy: Vanuatu....
I recently acquired a copy of Vanuatu, and I love it. I look forward to every time it lands on our table.
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Geoff Burkman
United States
Kettering
Ohio
"Punk is not dead" by daughter, Emily
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dlewis2 wrote: Great report Geoff. While any version of Agricola is fun and entertaining, 4- and 5-player FotMs, level 3, are my favorites. Thanks! MisterG wrote: Latest game played that caught my fancy: Vanuatu.... I recently acquired a copy of Vanuatu, and I love it. I look forward to every time it lands on our table.
Thanks, Mr. Lewis, and I pretty much agree with you, both in reference to "FotM" games and to Vanuatu. I think it's a very clever mix of mechanics that provides great tension and the opportunity for much screwage, two strong elements in a good game, and regardless of what some may say, I think the theme of it fits quite nicely.
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Geoff Burkman
United States
Kettering
Ohio
"Punk is not dead" by daughter, Emily
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apatheticexecutioner wrote: Quote: Round 2: Brian pops is first Ock, and suddenly reed has been devalued.
Round 4: Matt Ocks again, cheapening clay considerably. These phrases puzzle me a little bit. Maybe it's just a perception of language. Aren't the resources every bit as valuable, but the competition for them has been reduced by one player? Another fine report, and, as we say around her SHENANIGANS!
Quote: Hope your holiday season was as glorious as you wished.
Brian
And thank you, Brian; I trust yours was as well. Derakon pretty much explicated things, I'd say, but I'll add a bit as well. Consider the reed. 4-Player game, everyone's vying for it in the early going, with a total availability of 12 in the first six Rounds, or three per player. Suddenly, Brian injects a 4Reed into the mix, and now we have, essentially, four per player. So, unless Brian continues nabbing reed from the board, building rooms just got a whole lot easier, pretty much 33% easier if my calculations are correct.
Likewise with Matt's Clay Deliveryman. He added a 9Clay to the expected 42Clay available during the normal course of the game, a better than 20% increase. Renovation to clay and a host of Improvements just got a whole lot easier to attain, i.e. clay got cheap.
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Dan Silverman
United States
Waltham
Massachusetts
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Vanuatu is incredible; I often refer to it as an action denial game, rather than action choice or whatever. Mind-screwing, though, as well as player-screwing.
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