Heard a couple at a game store dissing Catan as 'too random' last Saturday

They were saying the dice ruined strategy nights and now they only play engine builders. It made me wonder if I've been too forgiving of dice luck in my own collection - has anyone else had a game get ruined for them after hearing a critique like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

mileslane5d ago

Funny you mention that. I had a similar moment after a buddy pointed out how often we just sat there waiting for dice to decide our turns in a game of Risk. It made me look at my own shelf differently too. What helped me was testing out games like Castles of Burgundy or Viticulture where the dice still matter but you can stack the odds with your choices. Now I keep a mix of luck-heavy games for quick nights and strategy ones for when we have time to think.

morgan.jason5d agoMost Upvoted

Miles is onto something bigger here. It's crazy how much of real life works the same way as those games where you balance luck against planning. You can map out your whole career or vacation down to the hour, but then a flat tire or a surprise email throws everything off. Having a mix of both in your game shelf is smart because it teaches you to adapt in a low stakes setting. The people who do best at work or with family are usually the ones who can pivot when the dice don't land their way, right?

leor865d ago

Viticulture doesn't actually have dice though.