Episode 137: Balance, Pt. 1 (What We Talk About)

There are no rules on the Interdecisional Spaceship. We break from tradition and declare that "What We Talk About" episodes can be two parters. Today, we deliver the first part of our topical episode on balance in board games. We attempt to define balances versus fairness; we discuss asymmetric balance and strategic balance; and we ask for whom thy balance tolls for. It's a robust and, at times, unhinged conversation that we hope you join us for!

Timestamps

Intro - 0:00
Defining Balance and Fairness - 4:23
Asymmetric Balance and Player Order - 14:30
Who Is This Game Balanced For? - 21:09
Strategic Balance - 22:04
Azul - 22:33
Guards of Atlantis II - 27:32
Keyflower- 31:45
The Unstoppable Board Position (Come Back Mechanism) - 32:40
Bruges - 35:12
Variable Set Up and Variance - 39:11
Catan - 39:41
Innovation and Imhotep - 42:56
How Often Should the Better Player Win - 45:32
Next Week on Decision Space! - 49:12
Patreon Plug (Join the Crew!) - 49:57