SU&SD's Gift Guide - The Best Board Games for your Table

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See this entire list and watch our full reviews here: bit.ly/3FtNROK
0:00 Hello Everybody!
0:31 These Are Family Games
0:37 Rush Out!
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1:11 Scout
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1:25 Bohnanza
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1:47 Llamaland
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Bärenpark
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2:31 Hey, That’s My Fish
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2:51 The Initiative
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3:34 Fire in the Hole!
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4:05 Switch & Signal
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4:38 Games For Big Groups
4:52 Monikers
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5:13 Monikers: Serious Nonsense, by Shut Up & Sit Down
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5:39 Welcome To
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6:22 Phantom Ink
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Codenames
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7:08 6 Nimmt!
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7:30 Games For Big Nerds
7:37 Akropolis
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7:59 Dune Imperium
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Dune
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8:53 My City
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9:46 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
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10:52 The Search for Planet X
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11:23 Gifts for Board Game People
11:33 Watergate
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11:49 Mechanical Beast
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12:46 Brass Birmingham
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13:24 Mandala
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13:45 Inis
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14:13 Seasons of Inis
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14:58 Heat: Pedal to the Metal
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15:39 Gifts for Normal Humans
15:46 Cockroach Poker
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16:23 Splendor Duel
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16:45 Wavelength
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17:20 Dandelions
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18:03 Skull
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18:51 Cheese Thief
19:30 Team3
20:34 Something Very Special
20:53 Return to Dark Tower
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21:56 Crokinole
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22:48 Detective: City of Angels
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23:42 Inhuman Conditions
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24:32 Thanks for stopping by!
――――
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Angels We Have Heard by Kevin MacLeod are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
Sources: incompetech.com...
incompetech.com...
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Artist: incompetech.com/

[@DMoore_4]

Cheeky flex with Frosthaven in the background

[@Solinaru]

I can't find it, there's a box called Fr----aven in the way

[@witteverheul]

Frosthaven is not real

[@JJEMcManus]

No, it’s real. It’s…it’s…no…it’s… I could show you a picture with my cat scowling at it if you like.

[@RichardMaassen]

Came here to say this. How dare they? 😅

[@Nullzone42]

Issa green screen

[@snaggy13]

So glad to see crokinole getting the love! One of my earliest memories is playing crokinole with my grandpa. Years later when dad was in a nursing home, we got a crokinole board for him at Christmas so my kids could play with their grandpa too. After dad passed, we left the board at the home, for other grandparents and grandkids to share. Thanks SUSD crew, for giving this game some of the good press it deserves. It's a Canadian staple.

[@WhatUpRob]

That was very sweet to read. Thank you.

[@Mark-nh2hs]

My auntie who lived in Scotland had Crokinole and it was an amazing game to play as a child - loved it.

[@joelface]

Definitely a Canadian staple! I grew up playing it as well. Everyone in the family plays.

[@drew8235]

"Some people don't like it, but they're wrong" is the best description of Inis I've heard. Love this game so much.

[@EricMeyerweb]

I like how Matt starting out by explicitly drawing a (correct) distinction between “gentlefolk” and “Internet folk”.

[@jackq1926]

Damn now I'm eager to see their Heat Pedal to the Metal Review!!

[@fadedsteps3039]

And we are still eagerly awaiting.

[@jackq1926]

@@fadedsteps3039 hopefully it'll arrive before Christmas Day, if not we riot right?

[@sebastianpesenti1455]

@@jackq1926 You were a day off

[@James-qi3tb]

I really like that SU&SD do not just recommend the newest and latest games.... older games like Skull and Inis... they are still worth spreading the word about. Love your channel.

[@rosmoniqueplong293]

Does anyone happen to know if the edition of Skull shown in this video is available anywhere? I can’t seem to find it and prefer its art style over the newer edition’s

[@luigiscazzari4724]

Nothing says Christmas like the Black Lodge. Love that the whole crew was in for this video

[@ed_j_webb]

8:20 Your Dune review was the first SU&SD video I ever saw. If Quinns in a wet suit hadn't been enough to keep me watching then Matt in a sleeping bag sealed the deal.

[@stoopkid7134]

same

[@RedBairnMedia]

Bohnanza was the first non conventional "It's Cluedo / Guess Who / it's using a standard pack of cards" game I played almost thirty years ago. Still holds a very fond place in my heart.

[@CoreyHardt]

Damn... I REALLY loved that really quick montage of a few funny SU&SD review moments set to cozy acoustic music... it actually shocked me how much emotion that made me feel. I love this funny gang, and I would truly enjoy a video-length montage of "SU&SD Best Moments"

[@frimbolive2092]

I don't know if you'll see this SUSD guys, but you know what would really make my Christmas? I'd love some more videos of you guys just playing board games :-) I've probably watched all of your playthroughs three times over, just because they're so relaxing and nice- maybe there's room for a SUSD Plays Christmas: Part Two?

[@sirspate]

I'd say it's about time for a Twilight Imperium rewatch..

[@Vantastic789]

Agreed! I loved their playthrough series, I wish they kept making them!

[@jonathanpage496]

Cheers guys, just spent over £200 on board games and it's not even 7am. 10/10 would recommend

[@TheCrayzeerayquaza]

I'm Canadian and live very close to Raincity games, their website is the one you've linked in the description. Absolutely lovely little shop, everyone who works there seems to genuinely enjoy it. Excellent place to support.

[@MNeathway]

100%!

[@sweetwizzle]

You all are doing us such a tremendous service with these. (Happy holidays, folks!)

[@truerockfan]

I love how excited everyone was for these games. Personally, I think the people who attend these big board game nights would love all of these. I personally own two of these (MyCity and Jaws of the Lion), but the only one I have played in any capacity was Jaws....and I sadly ended up putting it away about 10 seconds in because I got so overwhelmed I had no clue what I was doing. A lot of these weren't for me, but I feel I could give one maybe two as a gift if they decide to do a secret santa one year

[@FrankEGee88]

Just casually flexing frosthaven on us like that! lol. Only joking, thanks for sharing, you cool cats!

[@kevin_parkerson]

I love that Matt gave Inis the attention it deserves here!!! I’ve been screaming its perfection from the rooftops since its release in 2016. Production quality, simplicity of rules, and depth of strategy are all just spot-on. It’s soooo much fun and has slowly climbed to #104 on BGG as more people realize this. My only complaint about Inis is that it does dudes on a map / 4x gameplay so well, nothing else in that category is as satisfying anymore and I just want to play Inis instead 😅

[@btmurphy88]

Glad I picked some of these up at PAX! It was so good to see y’all there!

[@slivex676]

I always look forward for the Xmas gift guide!

[@jukukalle100]

ai

[@Flip5ide]

Fantastic list, thank you, really dig the chill music as well, cozy!

[@williamtrombone0745]

This video reminded me that my subscription lapsed after I had to replace my credit card. I hope you all have an extravagant holiday and hope to be at SHUX next year!

[@wizzardoffuzz]

It has to be ‘Don’t Get Got’. It is incredible fun and you can play it at the same time as other games/drinks/dinner/anything else!

[@dongvermine]

I play that called don’t get slapped

[@AcidMonkie]

Monikers has been a family (and wife's family, and friends) favorite ever since I got the SU&SD Edition. Highly recommend!

[@siyuanxi9985]

Thank you!! Saved my life. Lots of great great choices!

[@danicas.4484]

i love the variety! there are so many games you all listed that i had not heard of on my side of the pond. subscribed and excited to see what you all get to talking about soon. happy holidays!

[@philiphobbs380]

Some amazing recommendations as always... all the best for Christmas SU&SD !!

[@mazman9355]

You had me at "Shut up". And that Mechanical Beast game looks cool.

[@SlothNast]

Good luck moving out of the Black Lodge Matt…we shall keep an eye out for your Doppelgänger in the meantime!

[@Ovetupp]

I gasped at fire in the hole. It looks like loads of fun!

[@peterrabinowitz1723]

that was really well edited! good job 👍

[@dannorlin2716]

I have been waiting for this! Love the content!

[@WaxDrag]

Appreciate that y'all gave me something to send to the parents! They never quite understand what I mean when I say I like board games

[@VadAndensong]

SU&SD was fully responsible for my Black Week board game shopping list. I've had a blast with every single one! 6 Nimmt Doodle Dash Unmatched (legends 1 & 2) My City Micro Macro Crime City

[@andreaskohlbacher5751]

I just love all you guys! Thank your for this video and I wish you all happy holidays!

[@rK4n3]

If you're considering Welcome To (it's great!) you should seriously consider Welcome to the Moon! It's similar but with 8 distinct boards and a campaign that can string them together. I've been playing with a large group (using two copies to support 12 players) and everyone's had a great time.

[@ejayAD]

Happy Christmas SUSD love youuuuu

[@cirthador1453]

Good video. Happy Christmas, and have a Merry New Year!

[@frankharr9466]

Good recomendations. Thank you. Enjoy the new home!

[@Zifferony]

What cheek to plant the big Frosthaven box in the back and then not even talk about it :D I kept waiting for it. I feel like a right sucker now :P

[@ruff5482]

Great review! I've only played about 5 of those games, but they were all fun. High recommend Crokinole and Skull. My recommendation not on their list is very hard to find but also the best game I've ever played - mechanics as simple as checkers (almost), but strategy as deep as chess (almost). Tigris and Euphrates. Never get sick of playing it. If you ever see a copy, buy it, you wonlt regret it.

[@hamerthyme7810]

Great to see Christmas snow on the Crokinole table segment ...lol

[@SamClemensRIGL]

Mechanical Beast gives me So You've Been Eaten vibes, and when treating a living(?) creature as a jungle gym, I can't not think of Shadow of the Colossus--which has sort of its own board game interpretation in the lovely little 1v1 Skulk Hollow!

[@TheRectangularVerb]

You peops are the best! Lots of love!

[@picton101]

"That's some damn good board game recommendations" - Agent Dale Cooper

[@BadBookend]

I really enjoy the videos with the whole crew in them. You all have great chemistry, and this combined with your 200th podcast episode just filled me with so much joy listening to you all discuss and argue like you all actually enjoy each others company. Two Small Quibbles though: Calling Jaws of the Lion a D&D light game, I think it sets people up for disappointment if they are thinking there is going to be much of any role playing. I absolutely adore Gloomhaven and JOTL, but I love it for the card play and tactical crunch. For crokinole, I know its expensive and you were probably looking for the best board for the lowest price, but I wonder if you could have worked with Muzzies or another independent craftsmen shop that focuses on crokinole boards to send more people to these smaller companies. I am sure you all did your best and have the best intentions but just a couple thoughts. Otherwise, I just ordered 4 of these games via those links you provided, and put a couple more on the wishlist because, surprise surprise the SU&SD effect has happened and a lot of these are sold out.

[@massivepileup]

Just today we were at a toy store and deciding between Bohnanza and Cockroach Poker, we opted for the latter for the upcoming visits to the relatives.

[@jorischkovich]

That Frosthaven box in the background though...

[@importunoproducoes2318]

At 15:14 Tom does the gnome sound. If that doesn't showcase how excited he is for the game he is recommending, I don't know what will.

[@jamesen01]

Excellent video - well done 👏

[@reubenm.d.5218]

I have been waiting for this...

[@explorer47422]

On the heels of Dandelions - also highly recommend Mountain Goats; easily the smallest, cheapest and THE most played game in my entire collection

[@BasketOfPuppies642]

I got Inhuman Conditions earlier this year for my birthday, it’s so good.

[@spyrodragonsbane3076]

How would you rate its replay value? Or is it kind of an experience you go through once and it just kind of stays with you?

[@BasketOfPuppies642]

@@spyrodragonsbane3076 there are like 12 modules, and they all have a lot of room for creative license. It’s very replayable.

[@benironside1264]

I actually like the look of the dark tower. I’m normally put off may anything that’s app driven. Makes me feel anxious about the day my nice expensive games becomes useless

[@VinceCaramel]

The Caramel family adore Cheese Thief. Or as we call it 'Cork/Buddha Figure/Hopefully Clean Sock... Thief'.

[@VinceCaramel]

We play with Perudo cups and dice, playing cards, and one of the above as the cheeeeeeeeese. Thanks for your time. Bye.

[@flavflav7792]

Akropolis is perfect on the list but a Nerd's game? For us it's really been an 8+! :) And Scout is now widely available, at least in the UK. Thanks for the video!

[@plebiain]

YES! You pronounced Inis correctly! I was preturbed that you pronounced it "in-iss" and not "in-ish" in your original review. You've made this Irish person very happy.

[@henrikbrammer4471]

As a German, I've got to say that "6 nimmt" doesn't mean take six, it means six takes, which is referring to the fact, that the player that's playing the sith card on a row has to take the cards. Keep up the good work friends ;-)

[@greenspartan1213]

Always love a cameo from Quinns' Sprite sweatshirt

[@eoin4148]

thanks SUSD, top job

[@michaeleberhard275]

00:23 ooh suit you sir... nice 😁

[@MusicalMethuselah]

Are Matt and Quinns going to make any videos together this coming year? I miss their interactions.

[@margaritoamargo6347]

They are both such Diva's its gotten to the point they cant stand eachother.

[@sushiyumyumz5522]

@@margaritoamargo6347 is this true

[@reutermo]

@@sushiyumyumz5522 nothing i have seen of their interactions point towards that. They interact like they have always done in the podcast. I just don't think they live in the same city any more, while Tom and Quinns does hence why they make more videos together.

[@shutupandsitdown]

Lol. Covid is the main culprit. Now that things are loosening up we're seeing more of each other again, but when we do we end up playing games and sometimes podcasting rather than filming which takes a lot more time and energy and planning, and for the last few months there's been nowhere to do that in London. When Matt gets settled into a new place it'll be easier again, for now Tom's doing a lot of the heavy lifting by doing frequent long commutes. It'd be great if we all lived in the same place, but we don't, so logistically it's just a bit hard, and we've already been running to a pretty full production schedule. The New Year is going to bring a lot of awesome new changes for us that I'm sure will make everyone happy again, Matt did a big writeup about all of this in this month's newsletter (which is also on our Patreon, wink wink: www.patreon.com/shutupandsitdown ). Thanks for the support, and know that yes, we hear you! We also had a lot of fun with the "10 Games You Should Play" podcast with all of us just a couple weeks ago.

[@MusicalMethuselah]

@@shutupandsitdown Thanks for the reply! Looking forward to what's coming! I'll check out that podcast ;)

[@RisenGlorfindel]

Just picked up jaws of the lion for 25 dollars at target. It’s the best value board game I’ve ever purchased

[@dtvanderpool726]

I would love to see recommendations for us solo gamers as well!

[@blaarghwee]

I tried paying attention to the video but my mind kept going: hold on.. is that Frosthaven?! It is isn't it? Nommm....

[@Tivizzz]

Merry Christmas ❤

[@stezza_etc]

truly the best gift you can get is a los campesinos! shirt like tom's

[@AloisWeimar]

Happy Festivus

[@dongvermine]

Would love 2 see you lads as they call them in your area in an MMA match…sanctioned or not aka LOCKED IN A cage for 3 rounds minimum to beat down your opponent….some call it human chess as well

[@eduwoodentoys]

Good Games really bring good to players' life,As manufacture of Board Games ,Hoping more and more good games designed,make people and the world better and better.

[@revbrentcolby]

Fantastic job.

[@henrikwakman7776]

Games for big nerds, now that's a category!😄

[@orwin5445]

I love these lists, just wish SUSD would publish them before black friday here in the states :/

[@shadowtheory7500]

That would definitely be helpful, lol

[@Snorehog]

Look at last years’ guides? 😊

[@shadowtheory7500]

@@Snorehog ... That's actually a pretty good idea. Hilariously enough, I wish you published that comment before Black Friday.

[@mangoman1073]

Thank you SUSD

[@odiedodieuk]

Another great video from the SUSD boys!

[@Zamandius]

Crokinole is really fun! My brother and sister-in-law have it!

[@Hubajube]

Ah man, mention Welcome to the Moon too!

[@joesankar]

Was this the best SUSD Christmas guide yet? I think so.

[@Smorrison87]

Cheers!

[@Sem5626]

interesting that dune was pretty controversial? it managed to stay pretty high up in all the lists for quite a while i mean its no ark nova or spirit island in terms of games that just refuse to ride off into the horizon, but its solid enough to mention its got a great little solo version as well to really challenge yourself

[@fishizer]

Inhuman Conditions is slated to be back in stock soon, December 2022!

[@ellismccoy]

oh! I just commented on how its good out of stock for so long. This is good to know :-)

[@bobdylan5306]

Dear fellow Americans (at least), as a long time 6 nimmt lover, I want to highlight that Amigo is now branding it as *Take 5*. Slightly bigger box, but same game. (Amazon turns it up in a search for "6 nimmt", but just wanted to flag it.)

[@neptuune]

For big groups I would add Feed the Kraken and Challengers !

[@burglekutt23]

The best gift to get someone who says they don’t like games would probably be something’s besides a game…

[@tomlikeabomb6706]

I need to see more about The Search for Lost Species

[@yadayadayada]

Ready Set Bet should be on the Big Groups list. Nothing else like it!

[@joelface]

Totally agree!!

[@verbatimc3]

Oh, woah!

[@charlesswabb3422]

Mechanical beast sounds good to me.

[@mokecomedy]

TIL Tom is a Los Camps! fan and the world seems better knowing that

[@DeanThereDoneThat]

Nice Job on the recommendations, New to the channel, i was wondering if you would think of a series/playlist/or updated recommendation video of 2 player games.

[@DoctorEth]

Rushed to grab Heat before too many people saw this ep!!

[@spyrodragonsbane3076]

I was surprised Cascadia didn't make anyone's list!

[@Lacessit]

Shut up and sit down was mentioned on Kermode and Mayo's podcast! You guys have finally made the big time!

[@robertthurman9866]

Very Good.

[@grumpyinbrooklyn6347]

I think Dungeon Mayhem is a fantastic game, especially if you are looking for a game that is engaging to both adults and children. It's even accessible to many people with learning disabilities, like dyslexia, that might find other games overwhelming.

[@treyeck8705]

Dune: Imperium is my favorite game and it is MUCH better with the expansion. I would never play without it.

[@SireMerriment]

Just messing with us, by having frosthaven just sitting in the background Matt

[@MrSomebunny]

I would sell my soul to be in Matt’s board game group

[@Mattchew2232]

I'd add Spirit Island, and Star Wars: Outer Rim (plus the expansion) to this great list!

[@sushiyumyumz5522]

Spirit island is a really horrible gift game IMO, its not easy to play, and doesn't work for everyone or their playgroups.

[@Mattchew2232]

@@sushiyumyumz5522 Depends on who you're giving it to. If they're not big gamers, but are getting into the hobby, Horizons of Spirit Island would be a better choice. If they like games but Catan is too much for them, I wouldn't give them either, haha.

[@VaultBoy13]

@@sushiyumyumz5522 And, Dune: Imperium and Gloomhaven work for everyone?

[@jimwright4163]

Pop up pirate ship! My inner 6 year old came out 😊

[@reelsassycritic]

I backed it on Kickstarter and it is a really nice production... Super fun!

[@Mark-nh2hs]

I wish they remake "The Lost Valley of the Dinosaurs" - a childhood fav. Defo will get Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion.

[@Rashagar]

Oh my god Lost Valley of the Dinosaurs! I actually checked your username in case you were secretly a part of my family, because we loved that game so much and so few people I've interacted with have ever heard of it. Our copy got lost at some point during a move and it saddens me to this day!

[@Mark-nh2hs]

@@Rashagar same thing happened to my copy lol. It was a great simple game which I had so much fun with. It defo one that needs to be re-made. With the volcano erupting and stress to get back in one piece as the T-Rexs close in on you. Loved this game so much. I'm as surprised as you at how many do not remember this classic.