World Boardgaming Championships 2008-2009 Yearbook www.boardgamers.org [email protected] A Retrospective of WBC Teams Over the Years by David Docktor

Preregister your team for WBC 2009! Contents 1

is an association of boardgame enthusiasts incorporated as a non-profit company BPA in the state of South Carolina for the express purpose of hosting the annual gaming conference known as the World Boardgaming Championships, or WBC for short. It offers tournaments, vendors, an auction, demonstrations, seminars, open gaming, and Juniors and Teen programs. In ad- dition, for those who can’t get enough, we offer focused Mini-Cons and Play-by-Email-Tournaments. We love boardgaming competition — from wargames and Eurogames to racing, sports, and rail games, and we make no apologies for it. It’s what we do. And we’ve done it better than anybody else for more than ten years. This yearbook documents BPA events of the previous year. It does not contain schedul- ing information for the upcoming convention. Schedules and event previews will appear in a separate program and online at boardgamers.org. In fact, on our website, you’ll find more pre- and post-event information than any place on the net — over 1,000 pages of it. It’s not very lucrative or cost effective, but we think it demonstrates our commitment to this hobby. To help support BPA activities, take a moment to subscribe to our FREE e-mail newsletter via the web site and continue to spread the good news about our association and its activities.

Credits Contents Convention Director: Don Greenwood Team Logos...... Inside Front Cover Asst. Con. Director: Kaarin Engelmann Director’s Message...... 2 Century Events...... 3 Webmaster: Kaarin Engelmann Mini-Con Schedule...... 55 Board Chairman: Ken Gutermuth Trial Events...... 56 Secretary: Bruce Monnin Vendors...... 61 Treasurer: Bruno Passacantando Juniors Event Winners...... 62 Incorporator and Legal Counsel: Scott Pfeiffer Teen Event Winners...... 63 Logistics...... 63 BPA Logo: Mark Simonitch Team Champions...... 64 Cover Art: Kurt Miller PBeM Champions...... 65 Photography: Debbie Gutermuth EuroQuest ...... 68 PBeM Coordinator: Hank Burkhalter Waterloo...... 70 Online Discussion Board: John Kranz Winter Activation Meeting...... 71 Enlightenment...... 72 Scans: Jeff Billings Caesar Award...... 73 Cafe Jay: Jay Tummelson Consul Award...... 74 Insurance: Phil Barcafer GM of the Year...... 75 Exclusive Show Vendor: Decision Games Sportsmanship Award...... 76 Security: Ken Whitesell, Dan Mathias, Hobby Service Award...... 77 Paul Weintraub, Larry Lingle, Top Laurelists...... 78 Winning Streaks...... 79 Michelle Hymowitz Boardmasters...... 80 Juniors Room Monitors: Patrons...... 82 Laurie Wojtaszczyk, Sharee Pack Board of Directors...... 84 AREA Ratings: Glenn Petroski, Bruno Wolff 2009 Pre-Cons...... Inside Back Cover Team Event Handicapper: Stuart Tucker Auction: Columbus Area Boardgaming Society Religious Services: Keith Hunsinger Proof Reading: Bruce Monnin Signs and Tech Support: Roy Gibson Web Personal Scheduler: Steve Okonski Team Logos: David Dockter Sampler Showcase: Keith Levy Registration Staff: Charlie Kibler, Judy Kibler, and Tara Greenwood Sponsors: Nicholas Benedict, 1541 Redfield Rd., Bel Air, MD 21015-5739 David desJardins, James Doughan, www.boardgamers.org • [email protected] Ken Gutermuth, Rio Grande Games, August 5–10, 2008 • August 3–9, 2009 Jerald R. Tracy. Lancaster Host Resort, Lancaster, PA 2 Greeting

his past year marked the decade point for Ingenious, Lost Cities, Thurn & Taxis and Ivanhoe to the World Boardgaming Championships take Consul honors as the highest scorer at WBC. Trun by the Boardgame Players Association. And to prove he wasn’t a one-trick Euro pony, he In the dark days when AvalonCon was declared also found time to go 4-1 in Hannibal during the defunct, it was impossible to foresee the success Omens pre-con. Top honors for the year went to we could find starting an independent convention Alex Bove who earned laurels in nine different run by boardgamers where the gaming—and spe- Euro events between EuroQuest, email tourna- cifically tournaments—would come first. At that ments and WBC to edge Ewan McNay by a single time, we couldn’t envision that our Juniors pro- laurel and lay claim to the title of Caesar for 2008. gram would graduate so In the continuing many champions who soap opera of WBC win- would be raising their ners and losers, 12 events own children to compete were replaced in the at future WBCs. Who Century club. (There is would have guessed that an icon in this yearbook ten years later our atten- marking Century events dance would be continu- that failed to make the ing to increase annu- grade for 2009.) Further, ally or that the Finn Riku the Board granted Legacy Riekkinen would put an status to Football Strategy end to one of WBC’s longest winning streaks by and Euphrat & Tigris. Among events with at least a downing ex-Caesar Master James Pei in For the three-year track record, 17 raised their attendance People. Certainly, few would believe that out-of- bar. However, 23 tournaments dropped to new at- print Avalon Hill classics such as Gangsters, B-17, tendance lows—going all the way back to 1991, Victory in the Pacific, and Slapshot would be pull- including Advanced Squad Leader, which won’t be ing their own weight (and even reaching a new returning to WBC at all in 2009. audience) amidst games such as Settlers of Catan, It was not all about winning and losing, though. Twilight Struggle, Elchfest, and Here I Stand. This past year provided us many examples of Our 154 adult tournaments in 2008 included fine sportsmanship. Members bestowed our a record 16 events with triple digit entries, led by Sportsmanship Award on our Assistant Convention late-night favorite Liar’s Dice with 212. Average Director Kaarin Engelmann. It is the second time event size grew to 47.1 participants overall, an she has earned that honor. increase of one per event. Laurels were awarded Looking back, it’s possible to say that where to players from 41 different states/provinces and we are today is a testament to the power of volun- nine nations. The champions included 17 incum- teers to give of themselves to support the board- bents who retained their respective titles another gaming hobby. We particularly recognize Debbie year, six members of the fair sex, and 13 who Gutermuth for her many efforts to make WBC claimed multiple titles. Newcomers made their better, including taking photos of practically ev- mark, with 42 “virgins” winning their first-ever ery event, running tournaments, setting up kiosks, WBC championship. All told, 79 players earned and even finding time to compete. laurels for the first time. This book is an opportunity to preserve our In the two-win department were Riku traditions—something that, after all of these years, Riekkinen, Harald Henning, Chris Byrd, Ewan has made BPA and WBC stand out in the hobby. We McNay, Nick Page, Alex Bove, Bryan Eshleman, hope as you look through it you will relive the good Jason Ley, John Popiden and Rob Beyma. Bruce times and look forward to making more memories Reiff and Chris Trimmer scored a pair of triples at WBC 2009, which has been expanded to a full with trial events, but the biggest winner by far week. Check our website at boardgamers.org for a list was Andy Latto who homered. His four wins of tournaments, pre-cons, and scheduling informa- included three Century events, just missing the tion. We look forward to seeing you this summer in never achieved WBC Grand Slam. Moreover, Lancaster from August 3-9. three of the four were triple-digit tournaments. Don Greenwood, Convention Director In all, Andy bested 484 opponents in winning Kaarin Engelmann, Asst. Convention Director Century Events 3

2008 Results 2008 Results Bruce Beard, MD Matt Amitrano, VA Jim McDanold, TN S. Shambeda, PA Chuck Krueger, MA Arthur Field, SC Akihisai Tabei, JP O R. Buccheri, MD Jim Munson, UT O David Gantt, SC O Pierre LcBoeuf, MD O Kelsey Lee, PA

Pierre LeBouef, MD Joe Lux, NY 35  1991-2008 31  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Bruce Beard, MD 230 Justin Childs, FL 88 Jim McDanold, TN 104 Steve Shambeda, PA 51 Jon Kwiatkowski, NC 104 David Gantt, SC 44 Paul Hakken, NJ 103 Matt Calkins, VA 42 Barrington Beavis, UK 90 Phil Bradley, IL 38 Mark Neale, RI 60 Jason Ley, WA 36 Pierre LeBoeuf, MD 54 Gary Moss, MD 36 Richard Fox, IL 50 Matt Amitrano, VA 30 Bruce Beard, MD David Fritsch, VA 40 Matt Amitrano, VA Ed Kendrick, UK 30 Chuck Krueger, MA 28 Jon Shambeda, PA 30

18XX (8XX) Acquire (ACQ) nly 34 challengers attempted to deny three- ttendance slipped from a record high of 93 Otime defending champion Bruce Beard his Ain 2007 to a near-record low in 2008 with the fourth consecutive title. Seven were new to the change to a three-round Swiss Elimination for- tournament. Four of those new arrivals quali- mat (shortened to two rounds when many games fied for the semi-finals (though only two actu- went over the scheduled one-hour time limit). ally played). After a very narrow escape in his One of the more interesting twists in the semi-final, Bruce Beard won his fourth straight event was that 2006 Champion Matt Calkins 18xx tournament. had to face his local gaming club member Matt In the Final, Akihisa took the Schuylkill at Amitrano twice. The first meeting was in the sec- cost, Jim the C&SL for $45, Bruce the D&H for ond round, where Calkins squeaked out a win $75 and the M&H for $155, and Chuck the C&A with $700 to spare. For the semi-final round, for $250. Chuck then took the B&O private at luck of the draw created a rematch. Amitrano $220. Subsequently, Bruce opened the PRR at dominated the contest by merging more than the $71. Akihisa took the B&O presidency by buying other three players and maintaining his liquid- five B&O shares. Jim then opened the NYNH at ity while investing in the stronger hotels. After- $67, Bruce sold the D&H for $140, and Jim sold wards, Amitrano admitted that this was the first the CSL for $80. Thinking that Chuck would sell time he had bested Calkins in Acquire. As they his three B&O shares to start his own RR, Jim sold say, timing is everything. Amitrano joined Steve one, but Chuck bought the sold share instead. Shambeda, Arthur Field, and Robert Buccheri in Jim used the proceeds to invest in the PRR, the Final. but Bruce dumped it on him to open the B&M In the Final, none of the players were able to at $76. At that point, Chuck sold out his B&O to found hotels in the first turn. The game turned start the C&O at $71. The second wave of RRs be- into a heated match between Steve and Matt. gan when Bruce started the NYC at $90, Akihisa Shambeda counted cards flawlessly, but he man- opened the Erie at $67, and Chuck started the aged little luck with the tiles. Amitrano erred on CanPac at $82. Jim and Akihisa traded control of the stock count, which allowed the B&O and PRR. When the scramble for engines Arthur to tie him in Fusion, but as shook out, everyone but Bruce in Matt’s semi-final victory, he was ended up needing a diesel, able to merge more. This allowed which was good enough for him to surpass Shambeda by near- Bruce to win by 7%. ly six grand to win with $43,700. 4 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Louis Gehring, IN Christina Harley, WA Shea Lawson, MD Kevin Youells, FL Brittany Bernard, PA Shantanu Saha, NJ O Kevin Wojtaszczyk, NY Rachel Harley, VA O Beth Zhao, TX Joe Lux, NJ O David Meyaard, CT O Janice Thorne, OH

Tom DeMarco, NJ Shantanu Saha, NY 64  1991-2008 30  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Ray Pfeifer, MD 104 Doug Galullo, FL 266 John Pack, CO 73 Joe Gundersen, IN 186 Thomas Browne, PA 72 Kevin Youells, FL 174 Tom DeMarco, NJ 72 Eric Gundersen, NJ 131 Mark Geary, OH 57 Shantanu Saha, NJ 103 Marc Houde, VA 42 Christina Harley, WA 50 Nick Henning, CT 36 Harald Henning, CT 50 Abby Cocke, MD 33 Ted Mullally, NJ 50 Louis Gehring, IN Louis Gehring, IN 30 Christina Harley, WA John Morris, MD 40 Ken Gutermuth, NC 30 Chris Robbins, UT 30

Adel Verpflichtet (ADV) Advanced Civilization (ACV) ine former champions and eight of 2007’s n the eight-player Final, the three experienced Nten semi-finalists played in the tournament, Iplayers—defending champion Kevin Youells, yet all of this year’s top six laurelists were new GM Shantanu Saha, and Joe Lux—earned laurels, to the honor! but newcomer Christina Harley took top honors. In the Final, Beth Zhao was the first out of Other players fresh to the final round were Chris- the gate, showing a highly coveted “CCC” open- tina’s sister Rachel—who had defeated her father, ing set, but Louis stole one of those lovely cards. 2007 finalist Russell Harley, to advance; Brian Far- All of the players advanced steadily by exhibiting relly; Jeff Bowers; and Janice Thorne. and catching very busy thieves. (The $24K check— Playing Africa, Jeff drew bad luck early, receiv- highest in the game—was stolen four times early ing five calamities in three turns. He decided to go in the game.) Kevin was first around the first and the barbarian route, attacking Kevin’s Egypt and second corners. Kevin, Brittany and Louis kept it then Joe’s Illyria. Late in the game, he spent three neck-in-neck in the the final stretch until Brittany consecutive turns without any cities and finished landed on the penultimate space before the finish the game with only 1682 VPs, the lowest total ever line. At this point, Brittany was two spaces back, recorded in a WBC Final. Kevin was three spaces, Louis five, Shea nine, and Rachel’s Babylon was running away with the Beth 11. All five players went to the Castle for the game early, when a tax revolt cost her six cities and (probable) last turn. Shea played a thief, while ev- removed her from contention. At one point, after a eryone else exhibited. Louis showed the best set, run of calamities, Kevin’s Egyptians were reduced which moved him five spaces—one space past the to a lowly one city and 11 tokens. He managed to finish line. Beth showed the second best exhibit rebuild and was contending for the win, but he and advanced three spaces. Kevin and Brittany did came up 200 points short. not advance. All four lost a card to Shea. Through it all, Christina laid low playing In the final showdown, Shea’s four stolen cards Thrace. She built eight cities quickly and main- gave her the longest set, at 12 cards, allowing her to tained that level throughout. By the time she advance eight spaces, and putting her managed to buy 485 points of civilization cards one space in front of Louis! However, in one turn, followed by 320 points Louis got his lead back—and the to take the lead, it was too late to championship—when he revealed stop her rise. Gaining an additional the second-longest set, with ten cards, 460 points on the penultimate turn moving him ahead four spaces. cemented her victory. Century Events 5

2008 Results 2008 Results Steve Pleva, CT John Popiden, CA J.R. Tracy, NY Bert Schoose, IL Gary Trezza, NY Vince Meconi, DE O Sumner Clarren, MD O Joe Beard, AZ O Bill Stoppel, VA O Greg Smith, FL O Jim Mehl, VA O Bruno Sinigaglio, AK

Perry Cocke, MD Jon Lockwood, VA 14  1991-2008 24  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists J. R. Tracy, NY 258 Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 135 Gary Mei, NJ 228 Vince Meconi, DE 130 Paul Sidhu, NJ 204 Jon Lockwood, VA 128 Steve Pleva, OH 162 John Popiden, CA 87 Brett Hildebran, OH 96 Randy Heller, MD 78 Kevin Valerian, MD 84 Ed Menzel, CA 76 Jim Stahler, VA 48 Bert Schoose, IL 75 Mark Pitcavage, OH 36 Lane Newbury, TX 48 Jim Mehl, VA 33 Greg Smith, PA 44 Steve Pleva, CT John Popiden, CA Gary Trezza, NY 24 Barry Smith, NY 30

Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) Afrika Korps (AFK) fter 18 years, ASL has completed ight of the former 12 winners compet- Aits odyssey from flagship event of Eed in the tourney, with the Final com- Avaloncon to WBC alsoran. Attendance ing down to a match between 2005 champ dropped it from Century status, having lost 91% John Popiden as the British and defending champ of its peak attendance of 130 in 1994 and 1995. Still, Bert Schoose as the Germans. The results turned a strong group of contenders competed, including out the same as in 2005, with John coming out on 1999 Champion Steve “Gor Gor” Pleva and three- top. Bert opened with his customary “down and time defending champion J.R. Tracy. out” gambit. John almost allowed Bert to take To- Round 1 featured the “Garage Hands” sce- bruch on May I 1941, despite an earlier tournament nario, with combined arms forces of Germans loss versus Vince Meconi using the same opening. against Greeks. Top German honors went to Col. Just in time, John saw the error of his ways, and he William Stoppel, while the best Greek was for- managed to hold Tobruch. After the siege, where mer ASL Starter Kit champion Jim Munson. In the they took no losses, the Germans headed east, standard Round 2 SE all-infantry scenario “The leaving the Italians to watch the British garrison. Briefest Campaign,” attackers Tracy and Sumner Bert’s supply line dried up quickly, with Clarren took out defending Danes Jim Mehl and only four successful supplies from the start of Rich Jenulis, while defenders Gor Gor and Gary the game through November. Taking advantage Trezza defeated Stoppel and Munson. of the situation, Popiden counterattacked and The semi-final found Clarren’s French de- killed a 3-3-10 on a 4-1 attack. Seeing the hand- fending against Tracy’s Germans, and Trezza writing on the wall, the Germans headed back to defending against Gor Gor in the combined assault Tobruch near November using four Holy arms-piece “Valor in Defeat.” In the aftermath, Hand Grenade attacks over six turns! However, Tracy took on Gor Gor in the Final’s “Ripples fate would have none of it—each attack resulted in the Pond” scenario. Tracy failed to prevent in an A back 2, and the game ground on. Gor Gor from exiting forces off the By the end of January 1942, the British were east-north-east of ASK mapboard advancing westward. Faced with the prospect of “u” when he defended a little too far having to drive eastward against a north than optimal. Although Tracy substantially strengthened British manhandled his guns out into the force—even if he took Tobruch, Bert open where they could see the exit conceded the match, making John the area, Gor Gor claimed victory. fourth two-time champion.. 6 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Jeff Mullet, OH Pierre Paquet, QC Ted Simmons, NJ Nathalie Malenfont, QC Kevin Sudy, VA Mario Veillette, QC O Steve Simmons, NJ O Martin Sasseville, QC O Mark Smith, KY O Michael Kaltman, PA O Tedd Mullally, NJ O Barb Flaxington, NJ

Tedd Mullally, NJ Pete Staab, OH 24  1996-2008 32  2004-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Bill Crenshaw, VA 325 Pierre Paquet, QC 96 Jeff Mullet, OH 304 Martin Sasseville, QC 78 Ewan McNay, CT 256 Richard Irving, CA 39 Ken Gutermuth, TX 189 Mario Veillette, QC 36 Harald Henning, CT 187 Michael Holmquist, WI 24 Chris Byrd, CT 186 Nathalie Malenfont, QC 18 Steve Simmons, NJ 185 Peter Staab, PA 18 Kevin Sudy, VA 126 Craig Moffitt, NJ 12 Jeff Mullet, OH Carl Damcke, IL 120 Pierre Paquet, QC Keith Altizer, FL 12 Mark Smith, KY 84 Charlie Kersten, OH 9

Age of Renaissance (AOR) Age of Steam (AOS) ualifiers Jeff Mullet, Steve Simmons, Ted Sim- wo-time defending champion Martin Sasse­ Qmons, Mark Smith, and Kevin Sudy made the Tville qualified for the Final, but he could not Final a real knock-down drag-out fight. Tough pull off a third championship, settling for fouth. negotiations started almost immediately. A Turn His Quebec neighbor 2005 champion Pierre Pa- 2 Crusades play by the elder Simmons as London quet bettered his runner-up finishes from the and the leader factory coming from the junior Sim- past two years to win his second WBC title. mons’ Genoese soon had everyone taking bets The Final—on the Germany map—started off which Simmons would win. rather conservatively, with two players taking two As the morning progressed, the group pro- loans and the others taking one. Early on, players ceeded in an unusually card hoarding, product were congratulating Mario on his victory, since he targeting fashion. A timely Shortage card made was alone in the south. By the end of Turn five, Na- possible an exciting end game, with 26 cards re- thalie had income of $19 while all of the others had maining for final card play. Each nation picked incomes of $18. Loans kept the game less tight than its target commodities, with London in Spice and income made it appear. Gold, Paris in Silk, Genoa in Cloth and Grain, and On Turn 6, Martin made two 6-link runs, gen- Barcelona in Metal. erating only $5 of income from each, with Nathalie Mark Smith’s Venice tried the classic Enlight- getting $1 from each. On Turn seven, Mario took ened Ruler end game, but it was not enough to two additional loans, and Pierre became the last to elevate him out of fifth place. London was one max out his train. Both Mario and Pierre completed of the last nations to buy Seaworthy, and despite two runs of six links with each of them getting all Steve’s portfolio of high value commodities, he $6 of income on both runs. On the final turn, Pierre took fourth. The titans of the turn seemed to be generated $6 on one of his two runs, while Mario Kevin Sudy’s Paris vs. Genoa, each with totals managed to generate $6 on both of his. in advances around 1200, while all three of the When the game ended, Pierre, Nathalie and other contenders had 960! Deft negotiations by Mario each had $34 of income to Martin’s $29. Barcelona and a stealthy payout of metal result- However, Pierre had only issued seven shares ver- ing in $500+ ending cash brought sus 11 by Nathalie, Mario 14 and Jeff Mullet the win. A very shocked Martin 12. Although Nathalie had and surprised Ted Simmons came the most track segments (21), the in second, followed closely by arch difference in loans gave Pierre a rival Kevin Sudy. ten-point victory over Nathalie. Century Events 7

2008 Results 2008 Results  Erica Kirchner, KY L. Dan Hoffman, MD Tom Richardson, VA Nate Hoam, OH Matt Fagan, NJ Steve Koleszar, VA Dee Ann Gehring, IN O Heather Palenshus, OH O Luke Koleszar, VA O Davyd Field, SC O Stephane Dorais, QC O Lisa Gutermuth, FL

Henry Richardson, VA Debbie Gutermuth, TX 67  1996-2008 91  2004-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists John Coussis, IL 131 Nate Hoam, OH 54 Ken Rothstein, NY 82 L. Dan Hoffman, MD 30 Robert Sohn, PA 74 Vassili Kyrlos, NY 30 Chris Storzillo, NJ 70 Michael Mullins, MA 30 Brandon Bernard, PA 64 Bruce Reiff, OH 30 Michael Musko, IN 50 Holliday Jones, MD 20 Jack Jaeger, VA 50 Luke Koleszar, VA 18 Erica Kirchner, KY 40 Matt Calkins, VA 18 Erica Kirchner, KY Jonathan Fox, FL 40 L. Dan Hoffman, MD Richard Meyer, MA 18 Tom Richardson, VA 36 George Sauer, OH 18

Air Baron (ABN) Alhambra (ALH) banker’s roll of 3 started everyone off in the nly one former Laurelist—2005 champion AFinal with a fair amount of cash ($4 to $8). ONate Hoam—advanced into the Final. Orange won the $1 Contract with a $3 bid, only Other finalists were Heather Palenshus, who to lose it to Blue on Round 2 (also for $3), before won her semi-final game by one point over Lisa showing a profit. The Bid for Contract then went Gutermuth, garnering Lisa sixth place; Legend to the bottom of the draw cup where it stayed for Dan Hoffman, who easily eliminated former seven rounds, until Orange won the $3 Contract Laurelists Jeff Mullet, Bruce Reiff, and Matt Am- with a $9 bid on Round 9. Alas, he barely broke itron; Steve Koleszar, who won his Semi by only even before the Bid reemerged in Round 12 and 2 points; and Davyd Field, who knocked out GM went back to Blue for $16. Debbie Gutermuth. In the early rounds, everyone employed a When the first scoring round of the Final “butterfly”strategy—buying one spoke in sev- was pulled right before his turn, Davyd had no eral hubs in an effort to maximize profit oppor- buildings, while the others had from two to four tunities. Red was the first player to declare Fare buildings each. Once again, the second scoring Wars, taking the plunge in Round 5. Round 7 round came out just before Davyd’s turn. Leg- saw Yellow take out the first loan and immedi- end Dan and Heather were neck-in-neck for the ately draw $31 in profits, just before Recession lead. Although Nate had the longest wall and the struck in Round 8. By Round 10, Blue had three most buildings, he was tied for third with Steve. Jumbo Jets in Chicago, with all four domestic and When the end of the game was triggered, both foreign spokes, a single spoke each in Atlanta Davyd had about the same number of build- and DCA, and a good stack of cash. That stack im- ings as the rest, and he had tied Legend Dan for proved when another player drew Frankfurt, giv- longest wall, but he was too many points behind ing Blue a $40 payout. In Round 11, the only Jumbo for it to make a difference. Heather lost her lead Profit marker of the game was drawn, benefitting in many of the buildings, which dropped her four of the five players. On Round 12, Blue won the to fourth place. Second and third $4 Contract, successfully defended Chicago from a place were close, with only one Fare Wars encroachment, and col- point separating their final scores. lected another $40 for Frankfurt. At the final accounting, Legend On Round 13, Blue drew no ca- Dan managed to finish 12 points lamities and declared victory with ahead of anyone else to become the $170 market share and $161 cash! champion. 8 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Greg Thatcher, CA Robert Ryan, MI Eric Freeman, PA Tom Oleson, WA Doug Smith, PA Robert Frisby, VA O Rich Meyer, MA O Chris Harris, TN O Alex Bove, PA O Paul Fletcher, CT O Ilan Woll, CT O John Clarke, FL

Jeremy Billones, VA Bob Ryan, MI 67  2003-2008 17  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Arthur Field, SC 83 Robert Ryan, MI 192 Greg Thatcher, CA 54 Paul Fletcher, CT 131 Nick Anner, NY 51 Mike Sincavage, VA 114 Evan Tannheimer, MA 42 Tom Oleson, WA 112 Kevin Wojtaszczyk 40 Stephen Likevich, OH 74 Rich Meyer, MA 30 Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 32 Eric Freeman, PA 30 Carl Walling, PA 30 Sam Atabaki, CA 30 Chris Harris, VA 25 Paul O’Niel, MD 21 Greg Thatcher, CA Mike Kaltman, PA 27 Robert Ryan, MI Andrew Gerb, MA 27 Mark Bayliss, UK 17

Amun-Re (AMR) Anzio (ANZ) or the second straight year, one of the alter- dvancing into the semi-final were Fnates who advanced to the semi-final (there ATom Oleson who had amassed 79 were five this year) managed to win the entire tournament points; Bob Ryan, with 65; tournament. In the Final, Alex Bove was first and Robert Frisby and Chris Harris, with 44 Pharaoh, a position he would hold for four of the points each. Tom managed to defeat Chris, while six rounds, but one that he could not effectively Bob eliminated Robert. exploit. Rich Meyer opened a 16-13-9-8-8 lead in The Final began with Tom’s Allies landing at the Old Kingdom on the strength of two power Salerno. The game proceeded in what would be cards and economical bidding—Rich bid 1 all called a relatively “normal” fashion with both three rounds, which netted him four free farmers sides punching and counter-punching until the towards the nine-farmer power card. Eric Free- November 1 turn, when the Allies invaded at man dropped the -3 all three rounds. Mondragone! The second invasion effectively cut Greg Thatcher’s consistent 3 bids got him the off two German divisions just north of Naples. Pharaoh for Rounds 3 and 4, and after the flood, The Germans counter-attacked and dug in a bid of 21 with blocker got him Avaris already from Formia to Foggia. The November 3 turn with three pyramids. When he also snagged Da- saw the Allies attacking full bore toward Termo- manhur for 21 in Round 5, he was able to score li. The Allies still had their fourth Port counter in two power cards of his own and 33 in the New hand and wanted to open a Port on the east side Kingdom for a 41-34-33-32-30 win. of the boot (though this never did happen). Having the Most Pyramids (11-10, 40-39 On the December 2 turn the Allies went four-year) remains a more reliable path to vic- back to putting the pressure on at Formia, but tory than Most Cash (8-13, 27-52 four-year) or they could not get even a “stick” to force the the halftime lead (7-14, 34-45 four-year). German to either attack or backup. Deciding to Two issues came up in the tournament this hold at Formia to protect Terracina and stacking year. One involved slow play. A cou- as much as possible at Casino meant the game ple of games had to be called at the came down to a series of attacks by the Allies to- end of Round 5. The second was that ward Termoli. there was difficulty finding enough The game ended after copies of the game for the 10 games the December II turn fol- in Heat 2. Bring yours, even if you lowing two consecutive ‘1’ don’t expect to need it! die rolls by the Germans. Century Events 9

2008 Results 2008 Results Bruce Young, SC  Kaarin Engelmann, VA John Coussis, IL Daniel Hoffman, NC Stephen Cuyler, NY O Chris Janiec, CO Gary Libby, RI O Alex Gesing, NY O Ben Knight, MD O Andrew Cummins, UK O Matt Evinger, PA O Geoff Allbutt, NY

John Coussis, IL : Rob Mull, CO 124  1998-2008 34  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists John Coussis, IL 102 Bill Edwards, VA 56 Roy Gibson, MD 100 Daniel Hoffman, NC 52 Rob Winslow, NY 95 David Sidelinger, CT 40 Scott Buckwalter, MD 90 Kaarin Engelmann, VA 35 Henry Richardson, VA 60 John Conlon, OK 33 Bob Eastman, OK 60 Steve Caler, PA 32 Robert Barnes, WV 50 Buck Karpowitz, DC 30 Ben Knight, MD 49 Brian Conlon, OK 28 Pat Mirk, FL 45 Greg Courter, MI 24 Bruce Young, SC Kaarin Engelmann, VA John Elliott, MD 44 Rob Schoenen, PA 20

Atlantic Storm (ACS) Attack Sub (ATS) ighlights from the heats included 16 of 40 he Malvinas remained in Argentinian Hgames using Pacific Typhoon instead of At- Thands in a majority of the Scenario D lantic Storm; Tim Evinger rolling three straight 3’s games played, winning 13 times to the on two dice; Mike Masella winning his heat after Brits four. It appears people have been practicing learning the game only 15 minutes earlier; a mul- using the diesel subs to best advantage. titude of snake-eyes rolled by the Tirpitz; and a For the Final (as well as both of his SE games), giant Battleship battle (Bismark & Tirpitz vs. King two-time champion Dan Hoffman selected Sce- George V and Duke of York) that ended in a tie. nario E (Rebel Without a Cause). Former Laurelist The Final was quite the “Murderer’s Row” of Kaarin Engelmann picked the Soviet surface force, veteran gamers as Matt Evinger, Bruce Young, even though she admitted she barely remembered Stephen Cuyler, Garry Libby, designer Ben the rules for surface ships and helicopters. Knight, and long time GM and Pacific Typhoon The Renegade got off to a bad start breaking developer John Coussis gathered around the its sensor with its first two sonar attempts, but table. Bruce started out strong taking a 7VP con- Dan came back quickly to detect the Simferopol, voy on the second hand. At the midpoint, Bruce, though he only managed to damage it. The surface John and Stephen were all showing 11-12 convoy force had its own detection problems and had only points (although John had been able to salt away managed No Attack contact on the Renegade by a few more spoils cards than the others). the beginning of the second deck. Again the Ren- Play continued relatively calmly. John pulled egade attempted to launch missiles but failed, ahead in convoy points, but not by much. The while the surface force—with a hand full of Close/ game came down to the final hand, and it was Open Range cards—steadily closed the distance. a hand to remember for Bruce. Having the lead At Contact 1, she fired and missed. She fired again and choosing a 6VP 1943 convoy, Bruce played at Contact 2 but only damaged the Renegade. The Admiral Tovey, two British Battleships, and Raid Renegade used Damage Control to repair itself, on St. Nazaire to effectively shut everyone else just before the surface force fired again and missed. out of the hand. After the moaning and groaning At that point, the Renegade took a shot, but also and head shaking was over, Bruce took the 6 VP’s missed. Not to be undone, the surface force fired without challenge. Those 6 again, missed, then fired for a hit points made the difference, to sink the Renegade, making allowing Bruce to overtake Kaarin the first female Attack Sub John by four points. champion in 18 years. 10 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results  Mike Stanley, OH Kevin Keller, MD Jeff Mullet, OH Matt Tolman, UT O Ken Gutermuth, NC Ty Hansen, DC O Mike Buccheri, MD Patrick Mirk, FL O John Schoose, IL O Joseph Powell, VA O Robert Buccheri, MD O Dan Pasaric, NY

Bruce Reiff, OH Craig Yope, MI 37  1993-2008 17  1999-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Bruce Reiff, OH 70 Philip Shea, VA 188 Arthur Field, SC 38 Kevin Keller, MD 162 George Sauer, OH 34 Joe Powell, VA 156 Jeff Mullet, OH 30 Pat Mirk, FL 99 Jon Lockwood, VA 22 Phil Rennert, MD 96 Mike Stanley, OH 20 Tim Rothenhoefer, MD 68 James Tyne, OH 20 Brian Fitzpatrick, VA 54 Ray Stakenas II, MI 20 Ty Hansen, DC 52 Charles Michalek, NV 40 Mike Stanley, OH Andy Gardner, VA 20 Kevin Keller, MD David Brooks, TN 20 Andrew Murphy, PA 36

Auction (AUC) Axis & Allies (A&A) ighlights of the preliminaries includ- ictories by 1999 champ Kevin Keller and for- Hed Reiko Brooks scoring a tourney Vmer Laurelist Matt Tolman in the semi set up high $9710 to advance, Robert Buccheri a Final rematch of a third round match that Kevin beating both four-time champion Bruce Reiff and had won as the Axis. This time he opted for the 1996 champ Bruce Monnin (who scored a tour- Allies.The first turn saw early dead zoning of ter- ney low of $1050), Carol Haney beating former ritories on the Eastern Front by the Germans and champ Andy Gardner to advance, Bruce Bernard Soviets. The USSR was active in the Soviet Far eliminating Reiff’s chance for more laurels, and East and China and started pushing westward Kevin Wojtaszczyk ending defending champ Jon on the Eastern Front. The Japanese swatted an Lockwood’s reign. early UK incursion in Borneo and then reclaimed After the Mulligan and first round, 11 win- their Asian mainland holdings, though they lost ners and one runner-up advanced. In the first French Indochina to US armor. semi-final game, Mike Buccheri took a quick de- On Turn 3, the German Baltic Fleet dashed cision with a complete set of jewelry. The second out to sea, setting up a Turn 4 Transatlantic lunge game saw Ken Gutermuth win handily with a for Eastern Canada, while the UK fleet entered set of rare miscellany. The third game advanced the Baltic and took Eastern Europe, though not two Cabbies—returning laurelist Jeff Mullet and for long. The Germans fell back in the face of a Mike Stanley, who backed into the Final with the large USSR force, but they managed to clear out best second place score. (He had taken a refresh- the UK forces. At the same time, the Japanese er course from Ken, Jeff, and Bruce Reiff earlier wiped out US armor in China and took India and in the week.) Buryatia, while the US took New Guinea. As the The Final was as long as the semi was short. USSR took Ukraine, West Russia, and Belorussia, Jeff had inherited enough to win the game ($7570) the UK grabbed Norway and Eastern Europe. Ja- but could never get in the auction to declare, even pan countered by capturing the Egyptian VT, but after bidding every cent he had. Mike just kept the US took the VTs of Borneo and East Indies. plugging away at Jewelry. He finally pulled a fifth In the final round, Soviet armor and declared. Would it be enough? massed on Berlin and the US It was. Mike won with a total of took the Philippines VT. $8150, Jeff was second at $7570, Ken With that, Kevin Keller be- Gutermuth finished with $5140, and come a two-time champ with a Mike Buccheri had $4330. win in each of the A&A editions. Century Events 11

2008 Results 2008 Results Dan Dolan Sr, NJ Jeff Cornett, FL Rich Moyer, MN Michael Dauer, TX Ken Richards, SC David Metzger. NY Jim Miller, TN O John Shaheen, MA Eric Stranger, OH O Bill Alderman, VA Steve Munchak, VA O Pat Mirk, FL

Dave Terry, MD Peter Card, UK 46  1992-2008 48  2001-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Paul Risner, FL 169 Jeff Cornett, FL 60 William Rohrbeck, NH 102 Philip Shea,VA 54 Richard Moyer, MN 96 David Metzger, NY 33 Keith Hunsinger, OH 90 Ben Knight, MD 33 Dan Dolan Sr., NJ 60 Larry Lingle, PA 30 Dave Long, NC 60 Robert Eastman, NV 30 Stephen Quirke, WI 55 Barry Shoults, MI 30 Eric Stranger, OH 52 Josh Githens, SC 30 Judy Krauss, PA 42 Ilan Woll, CT 30 Dan Dolan Sr, NJ Jeff Cornett, FL Jim LeVay, MA 40 Jeff Mullet, OH 27

B-17 (B17) Battle Cry (BCY) nly two pilots have completed all 50 mis- ight players—the four best CSA and four best Osions in 17 years of tournament history: four- EUSA—advanced from the preliminary three time champ Paul Risner and 2005 champ Keith rounds, which used the Murfreesboro, Franklin Hunsinger. For 2008, Mission 1 took us to Schwein- and Falling Waters scenarios. In the quarter-final— furt to bomb the ball-bearing factories. Losses were Dennis Snow’s Petersburg Crater scenario—Bill heavy and many veterans were knocked from the Edwards pulled off the unusual feat of winning as sky. Less than half made it to the drop-zone able to the Union without ever exploding the mine, but he deliver their bombs, and more than 120 crew mem- failed to advance when David Metzger barely beat bers were killed or captured. Needless to say, this him on the tie-breaker. David didn’t emerge from was an inauspicious start to the campaign. the semi-final, though, when 2006 champion Jeff Mission 2—the 50th mission as a squadron— Cornett managed to survive an all-out sweeping was a record-breaker! The bombers were directed cavalry charge against his Union right flank. to Regensburg to destroy an aircraft factory. With- Cornett faced Michael Dauer in the Final, out enough fuel to return to England after reach- which used Brian Bradford’s Perryville scenario. ing the target zone, we had to fight our way across The Confederate player must defend the two Per- Germany, Italy, and the Med to land in Tunis. Of ryville town hexes which are each worth one flag the 46 forts making the raid, only 33 reached the to the Union. In the first battle, Jeff exploited this target and more than 120 crewmen were killed or by edging forward to threaten Perryville so that captured in the effort. Michael was forced to defend one hex forward on Mission 3 saw us head to Bordeaux. Those that the hill line where Jeff could pick away at the de- made it through were to land in England. Losses fenders. In the return leg, Jeff chose a key moment were lighter on the outbound leg of this mission, to play an All Out Offensive card. Michael an- with 36 planes reaching the target. Heavy fighter swered with a counterattack, but the stuffing had defenses took their toll on the inbound leg, with been knocked out of his army and his fourth flag 22 planes lost, overall. As the stragglers wobbled was soon captured. On the edge of concession (as home, it became apparent that fortune had favored he faced a 3-6 flag deficit from the first game), he a new player. After all the scores were tabulated, tried to chase a Confederate unit the “Squadron by the Door” (res- with an attached general off the ident squadron of Risner and- battlefield for a 6th and 7th flag, Hunsinger) had produced yet but Jeff managed to take another another champion: Dan Dolan! flag and regain his crown. 12 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Steve Likevich, OH Allen Kaplan, NJ Frank Sinigaglio, NJ Steve Lollis, MD Forrest Pafenberg, VA Alex Bell, MD O Bill Morse, VA O Michael Shea, CT O Randy Heller, NH O Bill Powers, VA O Vinny Sinigaglio, NJ O Mark Guttag, VA

Frank Sinigaglio, NJ Mary Ellen Powers, VA 18  1991-2008 26  2007-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Steve Likevich, OH 152 Allen Kaplan, NJ 30 Forrest Pafenberg, VA 94 Keith Levy, MD 30 Bill Morse, VA 57 Steve Lollis, MD 18 Bob Ryan, MI 57 Matt Evinger, PA 18 Phil Evans, VA 52 Alex Bell, MD 12 Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 51 Jim Shaw, PA 12 Frank Sinigaglio, NJ 39 Michael Shea, CT 9 Randy Heller, MD 21 Chris Ellis, FL 9 Bill Powers, VA 9 Steve Likevch, OH John Grant, Jr., CT 20 Allen Kaplan, NJ John Clarke, FL 19 James Dougherty, PA 3

Battle of the Bulge ‘81 (B81) BattleLore (BLR) n 16PM of the Final, the defend- arly rounds used the original Lore scenario, Oing champ Steve Likevish’s Allies EWizards and Lore. In these rounds, Sire Ber- allowed Frank Sinigaglio’s Germans a trand, the French leader, and Sir Robert, the Eng- free run in the south, though they were limited lish leader, split the games evenly. It was an all- by the roadblock caused by the engaged 28/109. around slaughter. The Quarter-Final singled out The Germans got adjacent to St. Vith and broke the eight best for single elimination. The mighty the Clerf River line. On 17AM, it looked like French leader won in five of eight games. there could be a rout in the making as the Ger- The four winners advanced to the semi-final mans blitzed adjacent to Bastogne. They had a field of battle, the Crossing of the Rhone. In these bit of bad luck, though, in the center as 16/116, games, the players chose their own councils to lead just behind the Allied line, was eliminated on their forces. These battles were fairly quick to the an unlucky exchange. If 16/116 rolled anything slaughter, and winners came out quickly. None of but the exchange, the road from the north would the battles ended without deep scars in the win- have been cut through Vielsalm. Steve coun- ner’s lines, though, and many of them were close. terattacked at Bastogne to hold the line, but he In the Final pairing, we brought in the fa- couldn’t build a fort in the intersection. mous dwarves and not-so-famous goblins to On 17PM, there was no movement except in join the fray West of the Rhone. We were down the south, where Frank’s Germans got across the to our two wisest and strongest players—Allen Sauer River east of Martelange. German attacks Kaplan and Steve Lollis. When they sat down to all along the line yielded contacts or engaged battle it out, there was a major upset. The goblins results, which gave Steve’s Americans a respite. outlived the dwarves and even succeeded in kill- The Americans again rolled a stick at Bastogne. ing many of them. By the end of the game, the On the 18AM and 18PM turns, the Germans goblins were intact while nearly every dwarf on rolled crap, allowing Steve to hold a fort-less the field had fallen. Bastogne. The Germans got next to Neufchateau, Next year, all scenarios will use full Lore causing consternation at SHAEF HQ back in Co- rules. Emphasis will be on Lore play, not his- lumbus. Eventually, the Germans took Bastogne, toric. Three rounds of swiss play will eliminated 18 Allied units advance top four to single elimina- and lost less than four mecha- tion. Tie-breakers will be number nized or arty, but they still fell of banners won followed by pieces one short of the win. eliminated.. Century Events 13

2008 Results 2008 Results Mark Miklos, GA Tom Gregorio, PA Dale Long, NJ Randy Heller, NH Bruno Sinigaglio, AK Forrest Pafenberg, VA O David Stiffler, VA O Bill Morse, VA O Rob McCracken, DE O Marty Musella, VA O John Vasilakos, VA O Larry Hollern, TX

Mark Miklos, GA Ed Witkowski, VA 24  1999-2008 22  1999-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Mark Miklos, GA 219 Randy Heller, NH 186 Dale Long, NJ 74 Tom Gregorio, PA 151 Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 64 Bob Ryan, MI 116 John Vasilakos 60 Phil Evans, VA 94 Cliff Hansen, NM 48 Forrest Pafenberg, VA 57 Jim Tracy, OH 42 Steve Likevich, OH 57 Volko Ruhnke, VA 42 Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 54 John Miklos, GA 30 Mike Mitchell, GA 38 Don Hanle, VA 30 John Grant Jr, CT 35 Mark Miklos, GA Tom Gregorio, PA Andrew Maly 29 Bill Morse, VA 30

Battles of the Am. Revolution (BAR) Bitter Woods (BWD) ive past champions threw their hats into the n the Mulligan, former champion and Deluxe Fcompetition. Newcomer David Stiffler had the IBitter Woods designer Randy Heller defeated honor of knocking 2006 champ Andy Maly out in teammate Forrest Paffenberg and Mike Mitchell Round 1’s Eutaw Springs. In Round 3’s Monmouth, bested 2006 champion Steve Likevich. Defend- Bruno Sinigaglio and John Vasilakos fought to ing champion Tom Gregorio pulled out a tight, a draw, as did David Stiffler and John Foley. A adjudicated win in Round 1. In the same round, comparison of tournament points revealed that Larry Hollern, this year’s wildcard, surged past Bruno and David had the best overall records, so former Laurelist Mike Mitchell. they advanced to the semi-final, along with GM In the semi-final, a successful Heller Skorzeny Mark Miklos and Dale Long. Both British armies Sneak along the Malmedy to Eupen road landed won marginal victories, with Dale prevailing over the FJ150 in Eupen. However, Eupen was then sur- David and Mark over Bruno. Although Bruno and rounded with the FJ150 and Dietrich in it. Next to David were tied in tournament and victory points, Eupen was a surrounded 7 Armor regiment. Morse Bruno’s slight advantage in Army Morale allowed brought in the whole 30ID and attacked but forgot him to advance to the Final with the two winners. to allocate his air, Randy used his. A D1 resulted, Three-player Savannah puts the Franco-Ameri- and a slugfest started. During one of Randy’s at- can Allies into the shoes of their historical counter- tacks against the 7th armor unit Randy didn’t parts. Until Turn 12, Mark and Dale did a fair job of notice a range of 5 on an artillery unit, oops! Nu- cooperating, but with the game on the line, things merous attacks took place on both sides with ENG fell apart. After hammering out a solution for at- or CA results, all deadlocked! Randy eventually tack resolution, the Americans found themselves crushed the Americans and was victorious. In the confronting three unsupported artillery batteries other game, Forrest scrambled to stop Tom’s Ger- that could be overrun and captured for a VP each. mans. On the 18 AM turn he left some holes near The French also had several good attacks. Victory Bastogne, the Germans had Parker’s Crossroads hung in the balance. In an amazing run of luck, and Tom built a bridge leading to an advance into Mark won three die rolls in a row to drive the score Eupen and took the victory. to French 8, Americans 8, British Mo- Tom played well in the Final, rale 1. His final attack had adjusted and Randy made a few missteps. odds of 3:2 +2. He took the champion- Ultimately, Randy couldn’t crack ship when he gained one last VP and the American defenses, and Tom the British step loss ended the game. won a third BWD championship. 14 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Patrick Mirk, FL Nels Thompson, NY Stephen Raszewski, MD Don Greenwood, MD David Huss, NY Scott Fenn, MD O Brad Raszewski, MD  Scott Moll, VA O Matt Bacho, MD O B. Passacantando, CT O Jim Mehl, VA O Andrew Cummins, UK

Evan Hitchings, DE Andrew Cummins, UK 29  2004-2008 20  1994-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Steve Raszewski, MD 60 Don Greenwood, MD 322 David Huss, NY 38 Andrew Cummins, UK 276 Jeff Spaner, MD 30 Nels Thompson, VA 238 Pat Mirk, FL 29 Jim Doughan, PA 183 Chris Greenfield, NY 22 Alan Applebaum, MA 180 Matt Bacho, MD 22 Jim Eliason, IA 176 Rob Mull, CO 20 Bryan Eshleman, NC 153 Stephen Shedden, TN 18 Marvin Birnbaum, NY 151 Andrew Fedin, PA 15 Tom Dworschak, GA 136 Pat Mirk, FL Nels Thompson , NY Frank Mestre, NY 12 Henry Jones, PA 136

Brawling Battleships Steel (BBS) Breakout Normandy (BKN) lthough there was a new GM and a espite the best efforts of the pack, the Final Anew format, the tournament contin- Dwas contested by two former champs, Nels ued to reward capable play by defending Thompson (2004) and Don Greenwood (1998). champ Steve Raszewski and 2006 champ David Nels claimed the Germans by gifting the Allies Huss, who both made the Finals once again. The 70 supply, the equivalent of an extra turn of good recent change in the tournament format, qualify- weather impulses. The Allies had an excellent start, ing heats to a single session, single elimination all beach landings were successful, Bretteville, and tournament was quite successful. then Verson, cleared, but the advantage was lost Pat Mirk—who was recipient of the legend- to a late weather change that allowed Cherbourg ary curse of Mata Hari in 2007 and finished fourth forces to move to cover Carentan. that year—finally won the championship. In 2007, On the 7th, the US cleared St Mere-Eglise, re- Mirk—a veteran WBC player—was topped by gaining the advantage but lost it again when a +3 an almost impossible play by evenual champion assault into Caen failed twice. In recompense, the Andrew Chitwood who pulled three event cards, 8th lasted from C to 11, Bayeux, Isigny and Foret both Mata Hari cards (a spy card that lets you falling to the Allies. On the 9th, focus of the game draw two cards from an opponent’s hand) and the moved to Carentan, where it stayed for the dura- Radio Intercept card that lets you draw two cards tion. After some delaying action in Isigny and an from the discard pile. Andrew stole two of Pat’s early weather change to dry, the advantage came cards, even though Mirk was sitting immediately back to the Allies following a deadly air bombard- to his left, and normally the play is better against ment on Carentan. The allies had three major as- players to the right. Everyone at the table was sur- saults with a chance to take the city on the 10th prised when Andrew played the second Mata Hari and 11th but failed. Opening bombardments were on Pat, reducing him to two cards. When Andrew about par. An impulse 1 10:2 German bombard- then played the Radio Intercept card and picked ment of units in Carentan netted 4 units spent, up both Mata Hari cards from the discard pile ev- including the lead armor. Don passed on an even- eryone at the table immediately encouraged him to odds roll to clear before the final German unit was play the third spy on Pat to let him put into the area. When he rolled a have the honor of being the sole re- 3 on an impulse 4 bombardment, cipient of Mata Hari’s curse. For his he re-rolled, but failed again with a anguish, Pat received a nice prize 3 for the game end, giving Nels the to commemorate the notoriety. game and championship. Century Events 15

2008 Results 2008 Results Ewan McNay, NY Anne Norton, NJ John Morris, MD Ted Drozd, IL Jim Jordan, MD O Cheryl Burkey, PA Mark Smith, KY O Ben Gardner, VA O Barry Smith, NY O Paul Bean, MA O Matt O’Connor, NJ O Dave Bohnenberger, PA

James Jordan, MD Beth Zhao, TX 37  1991-2008 148  2006-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Ewan McNay, CT 277 Anne Norton, NJ 30 Nick Benedict, PA 192 Rob Winslow, NY 20 James Jordan, MD 96 David Burkey, PA 20 Mark Smith, KY 82 Ted Drozd, IL 18 Scott Pfeiffer, SC 73 Cheryl Burkey, PA 12 David Gantt, SC 70 Nick Page, ON 12 Richard Curtin, NY 60 Jay Fox, NJ 12 David Yoon, NY 41 Ben Gardner, VA 9 Jordan Flawd, PA 8 Ewan McNay, NY Barry Smith, NY 40 Anne Norton, NJ Mike Fox, IL 40 L. Dan Hoffman, MD 8

Britannia (BRI) Can’t Stop (CNS) reliminary heats gave four wins each to Yel- very night at WBC now has a late night slot at Plow, Green, and Red and three to Blue. Spe- E11 PM filled with quick, light fare that draws cial awards went to Ewan—for the highest score, big crowds. Wednesday appears to belong to Duane Wagner—for taking an unusual chance, Can’t Stop, which drew triple digits while posting and Duane again for achieving the lowest score its third attendance increase in a row. as a semi-finalist. The semi-final was manned by Since the game is easy to learn and only takes many of the usual suspects, with three top Lau- about 20 minutes to play, we were able to get relists advancing—Ewan McNay, Jim Jordan, and through the preliminary rounds quickly. Thanks Mark Smith. Wildcard John Morris joined the crew, to everyone who brought games (especially the as well, when a knife fight between the players in CABS gang that brought eight copies), we didn’t his game allowed him to take control. have anyone standing around waiting to play. Opening move in the Final happened offboard, Tournament format remained the same. Players as Ewan’s Red and John’s Blue agreed to a peace sat down as they pleased with four to a table. deal dividing England between the Angles and Festive cheering squads at each table depart- Saxons. Mark’s Romans (Yellow) did a great job of ed after the semi-final, and in the relative quiet controlling Boudicca’s revolt. Romans in the pre- of the witching hour, Anne Norton walked away lims averaged 115, while Mark pulled in 136. Jim’s as champion. She earned an early advantage by Belgae (Green), who had averaged 22 points in the being the only one not to bust on the first turn, prelims, scored only 10. Toward the middle, the and she proved consistent in closing out columns, game settled into détente as the Angles and Saxons though Cheryl Burkey was the first to close out prepared for the Danes and Dubliners. Since the a column (number 11). Anne was right behind, board was full when mid-game invaders arrived, closing out number 7. She kept up speed by only the Danes cut a deal with the Saxons to maintain letting one more column be taken before she a kingdom around Lindsey and Norfolk. When added number 3. Ted Drozd and Cheryl took two the Dubliners came aboard, they tried to even the columns each, but Anne reigned supreme when game and pull back Red. They made inroads, but she closed out her third column to win with the in the end, a very balkanized board 3-7-8 combo. We’re not sure if her told the tale. Ewan pulled out a nar- “No Whammy” chant strategy row Red win with 224 points, while when rolling the dice gave her any Green and Blue tied with 213 each, advantage, but expect some imita- and Yellow finished with 196. tors next year. 16 Century Events

2007 Results 2007 Results Robbie Mitchell, VA Sam Atabaki, CA Olin Hentz, CT Mike Kaltman, PA Ken Gutermuth, NC Rich Meyer, MA O Kevin Wojtaszczyck, NY O Jeff Meyer, MA O Marilyn Flowers, MD O Andrew Gerb, MD O Dan Mathias, MD O Louis Gehring, IN

Tom McCorry, VA Peter Putnam, MD 84  2002-2008 43  2006-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Robbie Mitchell, VA 69 Peter Putnam, MD 67 Richard Jones, UK 50 Andrew Gerb, MD 56 L. Dan Hoffman, MD 50 Sam Atabaki, CA 52 Scott Buckwalter, MD 42 Jeremy Spencer, NC 40 Olin Hentz, CT 36 Rich Meyer, MA 30 Debbie Gutermuth, TX 33 Michael Kaltman, PA 26 Katie McCorry, VA 30 Rod Spade, PA 22 Jennifer Drozd, IL 30 Raphael Lehrer, MD 12 Jay Fox, NJ 30 Chris Trimmer, TX 12 Robbie Mitchell, VA Sam Atabaki, CA Laurel Stokes, NJ 27 Tom DeMarco, NJ 12

Carcassonne (CAR) Caylus (CYL) mong Round 1’s five-player games, Kevin oming out of his semi-final game, Mike AWojtaszyk had the highest score with 79 CKaltman squeezed by defending champion points—32 of them coming from farmers—and Andy Gerb, Rich Atwater and Rod Davidson Eric Hymowitz had the lowest winning total with in a ridiculously close game with a 78-78-77- 48 points. GM Tom McCorry started 0-2, losing the 68 tally. His tie-breaker win was redemption first eliminator game to Lisa “I got all theMon- for Mike who had been on the short end of a asteries” Gutermuth 90 to 100. One of the more similarly close Final at the last EuroQuest. Cali- exciting and high scoring matches of the tourna- fornian Sam Atabaki was the hot player com- ment came in this round when Joe Chacon beat ing into the Final, scoring 106 in the heat and 92 Alex Gesing 159 to 157. McCorry eliminated Eric points in the Semi. The always dangeous father Monte in Round 3 to balance the bracket. Ken and son team of Jeff and Richard Meyers earned Gutermuth, Kevin Wojtaszyk, Olin Hentz, and the last two seats. defending champion Robbie Mitchell advanced to Richard took the early lead in the Final, 16 the Semi. In the consolation bracket, Marilyn Flow- points to Mike’s 10, Sam’s 8 and Jeff’s 7 after ers claimed victory 129 to 97 over Dan Mathias. the Dungeon Phase. The game tightened in the Olin overcame Ken’s superior farm scoring to Castle Phase with Richard at 33, Sam 33, Mike advance to the Final 117 to 99. Robbie extended 27 and Jeff 27. The hot hand won out asSam his unbeaten streak to 10 games—going back to beat Mike late in the game with four batches last year’s WBC—with a convincing win over to three to gain the critical late favors. The final Kevin 132 to 103. Ken came back in the Bronze score was Sam 90, Mike 74, Richard 73 and Jeff Medal game to beat Kevin 132 to 106 and claim 65. This capped a very impressive run for Sam, the third place plaque. In a very close Final, Rob- who averaged 96 points per game and a 12 point bie extended his unbeaten streak and defended margin of victory. his championship with a 129 to 126 win. In terms of strategy, most games saw a battle Next year will incorporate two changes between the strong building favor technique based on 2008’s feedback. The first is to remove and the strategy that uses early wood build- one straight road tile from the set ing with the mason. However, the in two-player games so that each prestige point favor track, money player gets 35 turns. The second is dominance and even the resource to use four-player games in Round track—widely considered weakest 1 to give players extra turns. options—made good showings. Century Events 17

2008 Results 2008 Results Josh Githens, SC Mike Galandiuk, OH Richard Curtin, NY Bryan Collars, SC Kathleen Lockwood, VA Greg Courter, MI Jed Shambeda, PA Mark McBride, OH Philip Livingston, DE O Bob Heinzmann, FL  Karl Henning, CT O Joe Chacon, VA

John Jacoby, VA Joel Tamburo, IL 98  1991-2008 55  2007-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Josh Githens, SC 225 Mike Galandiuk, OH 40 Steve Katz, VA 144 Bob Heinzmann, FL 40 Tom Saal, MI 120 Bryan Collars, SC 24 Anthony Musella, VA 102 David desJardins, CA 24 Scott Sirianna, NY 80 Greg Courter, MI 16 John Tighe, NJ 72 Chris Storzillo, NJ 16 Bill Beckman, SC 72 Mark McBride, OH 12 Frank Sinigaglio, NJ 68 Ray Stakenas, MI 12 Josh Githens, SC Mike Stanley, OH 60 Mike Galandiuk, OH Bob Heinzmann, FL 8 Karl Henning, CT 56 Bruce Young, SC 8

Circus Maximus (CMS) Combat Commander (CBC) o fewer than 15 chariots—eight heavy, two he tournament thrived for a second year, with Nmedium and five light—were entered to race Teven higher attendance. Wednesday’s Mul- in the Final. Four chariots and as many horses ligan Round featured 32 players. Play was tense were destroyed in the driving exhibition that fol- and rules questions were few and far between. SE lowed. Amazingly, half of the destroyed chariots play started at 2pm Friday with a good crowd on met their maker at the hands of Marie Pack, who hand. Play was faster than last year, as evidenced was driving a light. She used her whip skillfully by the fact that we got all the way through the to “help” them swerve into the wall. semi-final before quitting for the night despite The end of the race proved that the dice gods starting five hours later. Defending champion Bob hate any sign of hubris. On the last straightaway, Heinzman made it to the Quarter-Final before be- defending champion Josh Githens carefully ing vanquished. One game had to be adjudicated counted and found that when his chit was pulled, that round. he would just cross the finish line. He announced The Final pitted Assistant GM Bryan Collars that he was not going to whip his horses since against WBC newcomer Mike Galandiuk. After he had the race won without further effort. The a well-fought game, Mike prevailed to earn WBC dice god’s ears pricked up at this audacity. Since wood in his inaugural trip to the convention. He Josh was moving at a speed of 18, he had to roll chose the DVD Where Eagles Dare as his special his wheel damage. He rolled a 2 on his 3 damage prize. Bryan finished second and received a Kelly’s wheel, flipping his chariot and dragging him 17 Heroes DVD as consolation. spaces forward. Since his speed had been reduced GM Joel Tamburo introduced a new scenario by one, lacking a driver modifier, his horses man- list this year. It was well-received by players. Over- aged to get across the line, but Josh—the vicarious all, the choices were balanced and fun to play. No driver—remained prostate in the field of play. players chose to use the Random Scenario Gen- Angela Collinson took this as a sign and pro- erator, as opposed to the four who opted for that ceeded to trample the dragged side of beef next course last year. to the finish line. When Josh cleared the hooves, Next year will be interesting times for Combat he had only two hits left. When Commander, as the Pacific Theater his chit was drawn he dragged game will be released by then. As across the line in first and man- always we will be looking at the aged to roll a 2 to survive and format and scenario mix to see defend his title. where it can be improved. 18 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Brian Conlon, CT Tom Haver, OH Jeff King, ME Eric Grinnell, KY Riku Reikkinen, FN Nick Palmer, UK O Bill O’Neal, NY Brian Shelden, DC O Andy Joy, MD O Dan Broh-Kahn, MD O Paul Skrabut, FL O Paul Konka, MD

Andy Lewis, DE Tom Pasko, CT 40  2006-2008 22  1991-2008*

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Bill O’Neal, NY 61 Nick Benedict, CA 115 Brian Conlon, CT 46 Andy Marshall, MD 96 Tony Curtis, OK 30 Tom Pasko, CT 76 Jack Morrell, NY 24 Andy Bartalone, MD 60 Jeff King, ME 18 Alvaro Ugaz, VA 60 Andy Finkel, UK 18 Simon Bouton, UK 60 Allan Kaplan, NJ 12 Nick Palmer, UK 56 Riku Reikkinen, Finland 12 Rick Desper, MD 56 Tom Kobrin, NC 48 Brian Conlon, CT Rob March, CA 9 Tom Haver, OH Peter Stein, OH 8 Ric Manns, IN 48

Commands & Colors (CCA) Diplomacy (DIP) our-player groups of players took on each raws in 2008 had fewer partici- Fother in the first round’s Bagrades scenario. Dpants, so the action was fast and For side selection, players bid complete battle dice the tension was thick. The two boards re-rolls they were willing to give their opponent. on Friday finished with two- and three-way The results were close, with Carthage coming out draws. Saturday morning had two more boards on top 33-27. Ten group winners plus six players that finished with two- and five-way draws. Sun- with 2-1 records advanced. The second round used day’s lone board was filled with lots of action as the Ilipia scenario and four-player groups again. It the top scorers maneuvered for position on the was not as balanced, and the Romans went 15-8. leader board. It ended up as a four-way draw. Only one group had a 3-0 player. The other groups Nick Palmer took a break from Parliament and advanced the winner with a 2-1 record, wih tie- came back to defend his crown, but he missed by breakers based on head-to-head records in their “this much.” Two newcomers to the convention— group. Thus, defending champ Bill O’Neal—who Tom Haver and Eric Grinnell—walked away with has made the Semi all three years, returning Lau- the first- and second-place awards as a result of be- relist Brian Conlon, Jeff King, and Riku Riekkinen ing involved in a two-way draw. Next year should moved forward. They used the Gabiene scenario prove tougher for them to duplicate since they are and played each side against the same opponent. now a known quantity at WBC. In a repeat of one of last year’s semi-final games, WBC has official plaques for the top four fin- Conlon played O’Neal. This time Brian got his re- ishers, and we gave mini-plaques to the rest. Top venge and had the better of Bill, winning with both board finishers were Thomas Haver, Eric Grin- sides. The other match was closer, with Jeff and nell, Nick Palmer, Brian Sheldon, Daniel Broh- Riku each winning once. Jeff advanced by virtue of Kahn, Paul Konra and Paul Camina. A silver shiv capturing 10 banners to Riku’s eight. went to Dylan Routh (England) for his stab on This set the stage for a Final between Conlon Brian Sheldon (Germany). Brian went from 7 in and King at Gaugamela. It was a split decision, ‘03 to 3 in ‘04 and 0 in ‘05. We also had blocks with the Macedonians winning twice. Even the of wood for best country awards, which went losses were close, with total blocks killed to Tom Haver (Austria), Paul Konka (England), at 33-37 and total mounted killed at 22- Nick Palmer (France), Paul Cam- 22. Brian triumphed by concentrating ina (Italy), Tom Haver (Russia), his attacks and taking 11 banners while and Eric Grinnell (Turkey). losing only nine. Be sure to recruit for 2009!

*The event did not run in 2005. Century Events 19

2008 Results 2008 Results Glenn McMaster, ON Geoff Pounder, ON Benoit Groulx, QC Marc Berenbach, MA Stephane Dorais, QC Greg Thatcher, CA O Matt Fagan, NJ O Robb Effinger, ON O Bill Dyer, IL O Tim Mossman, MD O Rob Barnes, WV O Jeff Meyer, MA

Brad Johnson, IL Rob Flowers, MD 28  1992-2008 61  1999-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Bill Dyer, IL 126 Greg Thatcher, CA 62 Phil Barcafer, PA 72 Jason Levine, NY 62 Steve Koehler, NC 70 Rob Flowers, MD 52 Joe Abrams, CT 64 Geoff Pounder, ON 46 Glenn McMaster, ON 61 Charlie Kersten, OH 40 Brad Johnson, IL 42 Jay Fox, NJ 40 Andrew Clark, AZ 40 Mark Guttag, VA 40 Jay Schlaffer, DC 40 Robb Effinger, ON 39 Stu Hendrickson, VA 36 Glenn McMaster, ON Benoit Groulx, QC 36 Geoff Pounder, ON Anne Marie Dilworth, NY 30 David Buchholz, MI 32

Dune (DUN) El Grande (ELG) ith the exception of one solo victory (a Guild wo previous champs—Robb Effinger (2007) Wdefault win), wins went to 5 two-player and Tand Greg Thatcher (2006), 2005 Laurelist Geoff 3 three-player alliances. Bene Gesserit retained Pounder, frequent semi-finalist Marc Berenbach, their reputation as the “winningest” faction, par- and relative newcomer Tim Mossman advanced to ticipating in six wins. House Harkonnen had an the Final. Right away, Greg used the King action uncharacteristic down year, with only three wins. that allowed Geoff to score the 6’s and 7’s. Geoff Best Faction plaques went to Ty Hansen for At- took the score, putting him at 14 points and Greg reides; Bill Dyer: BG; Benoit Groulx: Emperor; at 13, with the rest trailing behind. In Turn 2, Tim Jean-Francois Gagne: Fremen; Alan Arvold: Guild; scored the 5’s to catch up to them. During the first and Matt Fagan: Harkonnen. scoring round, Greg scored well enough to place A strong Canadian contingent advanced to the him in first with 36 points. Robb had 31, and the Final, with Glenn McMaster drawing the Guild; others were within five points. In Turn 4, Tim put Benoit Groulx, the BG; and Stephane Dorais, the both himself and Geoff within three points of the Fremen. Rounding out the finalists were 1997 lead. On Turn 5, the overall spread was 12 points. champ Matt Fagan with the Atreides, Rob Barnes Geoff continued to strengthen his board posi- with the Harkonnen, and two-time champion Bill tion while other players attacked the leaders. For Dyer as the Emperor. On Turn 4, three alliances the second round of scoring, Geoff scored in seven emerged that would remain until the end of the of the ten regions and was the only player to get game: Fremen-Emperor, Atreides-Harkonnen, points for his Grande. Geoff tied Greg for the lead and Guild-BG. At one point, the Guild and BG ac- at 60, although the players were all within four tually sealed their alliance with a publicly binding points. In Turn 7, Geoff spent his 13 to grab a scor- agreement, virtually unheard of! By Turn 11, each ing card, adding eight points to his score. Marc got faction held exactly one stronghold apiece, with four points to barely put him into second. Midway Carthag controlled by each faction at least once though Turn 8, Geoff picked up a Veto card that during the game. In the last turns, parity contin- gave him leverage to protect his lead. He used it to ued, and it became a question of whether the Fre- good effect in Turn 9, influencing Tim’s move of the men or the Guild would achieve their King and allowing Geoff to score Old default victory conditions. After 15 Castile, gaining eight points and put- grueling turns, the Guild claimed ting him 11 ahead. Although Geoff’s victory by successfully preventing third scoring round was meager, his conclusive ownership of Arrakis. lead was too much to overcome. 20 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Harald Henning, CT Robert Eastman, NV Eric Brosius, MA John Elliott, MD Tom Wade, IN Kevin Coombs, GA Debbie Gutermuth, NC O Tim Evinger, PA Dave Steiner, DE O Bill Peeck, NY O Tom Dunning, NY O Bill Alderman, VA

Tom Dunning, NY Bill Alderman, VA 66  1999-2008 46  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Jim Yerkey, MD 110 Matt Evinger, PA 69 Harald Henning, CT 100 Gordon Rodgers, PA 60 Tom Dunning, NY 97 Mike Sincavage, VA 48 Richard Meyer, MA 82 Bill Peeck, NY 38 Eric Brosius, MA 80 Mike Mitchell, GA 36 Steve Okonski, MD 70 Evan Hitchings, DE 35 Donna Balkan, ON 61 Robert Eastman, NV 33 Debbie Gutermuth, NC 60 Tom Wojke, PA 30 Bill Navolis, PA 50 Alan Arvold, IL 27 Harald Henning, CT Robert Eastman, NV Paul Van Bloem, MD 40 Wade Fowble, MD 20

Empire Builder (EPB) Enemy In Sight (EIS) hile last year’s Final saw a lot of new faces, ine winners emerged from the heats, and Wthis year it was back to the usual suspects. Neight of them—including former champi- After taking sixth-place laurels and just missing ons Bill Peeck (2004) and Tim Evinger (1997)—ea- the Final the past two years, Debbie Gutermuth gerly appeared for the semi-final and ended up won her semi-final game, besting Mike Zorrer, proceeding directly to the Final who just missed getting laurels. Defending cham- Rob Eastman sailed out to a lead at the end of pion Eric Brosius had a runaway win over 2003 the first hand, with 46 points, followed by Peeck champ Donna Balkan and former finalist Harald (38), Evinger (34) and GM Bill Alderman (30). Henning took a decisive win over 2006 champ Most of the scoring was in prizes, though there Rich Meyer. In another game, Tom Wade racked was the usual spate of sinking smaller ships once up the high score of the tournament with $295. the Break-the-Line cards made their appearance. The closest contest of the Semi allowed Dave The second hand deal left some players with Steiner to return to the Final with a win over two- powerful First Rate Broadsides for their Third time champion Tom Dunning, who finished with Rate (or smaller) Ships. (Not much use.) enough money to claim sixth place laurels. Eastman was under siege immediately, tar- Harald Henning’s fourth trip to the Final getted by a Break-the-Line and a variety ofat- proved a charm. Even after a rough start that saw tacks. He was whittled down to one ship in his him lose one and a half turns to disaster cards, line, but he used an Additional Ship card to Harald overcome his rivals by building a leaner, return to two. In the meantime, others had the more efficient network. Defending champion Eric pleasure of attracting attention, including all of Brosius put in a valiant effort to defend his crown, the players with 30 points or more. but he finished just short. No one lost all their ships, but many had Nine different variants hit the tables during the three or fewer in the line at one point. Through it tourney. Empire Builder with Mexico was the most all, Eastman had Boarding Party cards while oth- popular, with seven plays in the heats, followed by ers did not, so he captured prizes and was able to India Rails with four plays. Original Empire Builder keep them afloat even though he couldn’t remove without Mexico (used for the Final) and the Line Breakers. He won with Eurorails each had three, Iron Dragon, Lu- 62 points, followed closely by nar Rails and Martian Rails each had two, John Elliott (60), Kevin Coombs and China Rails and British Rails brought (57), Evinger (52), Peeck (46) up the rear with one game apiece. and Alderman (39). Century Events 21

2008 Results 2008 Results Paul Bean, MA Bruce Reiff, OH Rob Winslow, NY Dan Dolan Jr, NJ O Eric Brosius, MA Ray Stakenas, MI O Matt Amitrano, VA O Bert Schoose, IL O Ed Kendrick, UK O Josh Cooper, MD O Rich Meyer, MA O Michael Schoose, IL

Arthur Field, SC Nate Hoam, OH 43  1993-2008 23  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Aaron Silverman, FL 44 Bruce Reiff, OH 217 Doug Hoylman, MD 42 Bill Cleary, MD 90 Paul Bean, MA 40 Ken Whitesell, MD 63 Richard Irving, CA 32 Kevin Keller, MD 33 Richard Meyer, MA 32 Ray Stakenas II, MI 30 Randy Cox, SC 31 Bert Schoose, IL 24 Winton LeMoine, CA 28 Marvin Birnbaum, NY 24 Pitt Crandelmire, MA 24 David Rynkowski, NY 24 Paul Bean, MA Eric Brosius, MA 24 Bruce Reiff, OH Paul O’Neil, MD 21 Sean McCulloch, OH 20 Dan Dolan Jr, NJ 18

Facts In Five (FI5) Football Strategy (FBS) good showing in every puzzle is bet- an Dolan Jr. was obviously nervous facing top Ater than winning just one. After Puz- DLaurelist Bruce Reiff in the Final. Reiff scored zle 1. Matt Amitrano led the pack with a touchdown on his opening drive, intercepted the 19 correct (the best score for the night), followed ball on the next series, and threw a 35 yard pass closely by Eric Brosius, Ed Kendrick and Paul for a second touchdown. As the seconds of the first Bean. Brosius and Rich Fetzer scored the highest quarter ticked away, Bruce led 14 to zip. Accord- in Round 2, with 15, followed by Bean, just one be- ing to Dolan, it was “like a manatee getting hit by hind. In Round 3, Bean continued to excel, with a a motorboat.” Bruce got another TD in the open- 17, closely followed by Kendrick with 16. Puzzle ing minutes of the second quarter, which seemed 4 sought African capital cities, Asian capital cities, to convince Dan that he should start playing foot- major political party Presidential election losers, ball instead of ogling the cheerleaders. With five Beatles album titles, and boroughs of London. Rob minutes left in the half, he managed to score two Winslow—with his knowledge about the Beatles— touchdowns, cuting Bruce’s lead to 7. came through with a score a 17. Bean, Meyer and In the third quarter, Dan managed to fumble Kendrick continued to score well. the ball on the power off tackle play, setting Reiff The final puzzle was a four-minute lightning up for an easy field goal. The rest of the quarter round with general knowledge categories of base- was a see-saw battle, but an interception by Dan ball 300-game winning pitchers, Disneyworld with three minutes left gave him some momen- Magic Kingdom rides and attractions, AKC terrier tum, and in the fourth quarter, Dan got a field goal dog breeds, countries without extradition treaties with 10:45 left. On the following kick-off, Bruce’s with the United States, and Madonna album titles. special teams gave him excellent field position on Winslow, Brosius, Francis Spencer, and Bean all the 50, but Dan’s defense kept Bruce to a field goal. scored 11. (Bean knew his AKC breeds and pitch- Dan’s offense then cut the lead to 3 with only 2:30 ers, but not any Disney rides.) left on the clock. Bruce recovered the ensuing on- In the end, Bean achieved a total score of 69 of a side kick, and he tried to run out the clock. Dan possible 125 (55.2%). Winslow was hot on his heels managed to stop him but used all of his time-outs. with 66, followed by Eric Brosius (62). Dan got the ball a final time with only (Brosius got team points for his third- 1:15 left. He set up a passing play, but place finish.) Other top finishers were Bruce anticipated the move and inter- Matt Amitrano (60), Kendrick (58) and cepted the ball to end the game. The Rich Meyer (57). final score was 27 to 24. 22 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Riku Reikkinen, FN Mario Veillette, QC James Pei, TX Andrew Maly, MD Chris Byrd, CT Stan Buck, MD Dave Dockter, MN O Brady Wade, IN O Mark Giddings, NY O Harrison Anderson, PA O Michael Ussery, MD O Curt Collins, PA

Mark Herman, MD Josh Githens, SC 32  1999-2008 63  2000-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists James Pei, VA 496 Barry Smith, NY 89 David Dockter, MN 162 Lance Fogel, PA 78 Mark Giddings, NY 127 Jason Levine, NY 60 Trevor Bender, CA 62 Robert Kircher, MA 38 Stefan Mecay, TX 60 Roderick Lee, CA 36 Riku Reikkinen, Finland 50 Mario Veillette, QC 30 Mike Mitchell, GA 47 James Kendrick, UK 30 Tim Miller, GA 40 Steve May, MD 30 Nicholas Pei, CA 38 Keith Levy, MD 30 Riku Reikkinen, FN Mario Veillette, QC Baron August, PA 36 Stan Buck, MD 24

For The People (FTP) Formula De (FDE) iku Riekkinen (CSA) took out eight-time en drivers raced on a 1:64 scale version of Rchampion James Pei (USA) in the Final when TSpa Francorchamps in the Final. Matt Bacho, he doubled the Union in SW on Turn 8. His victory qualifying first and driving for Ferrari, put some helped end Pei’s Nest of Spies’ winning streak. distance between his car and second, but fell vic- Riku has never lost with the Union. His win- tim to engine damage midway through the first ning CSA strategy is to not defend Richmond, lap and finished last. Harrison Anderson, the lone rather to move all of his forces into the West or repeating Laurelist in the field, conserved his ve- through West Virginia. His goal is to block the hicle for the first 1-1/2 laps, but his suspension gave five rail lines that enter the map in the west. The way when he took an aggressive line to catch the idea is to give up SW and shut down 10 Union leader. He fell just short of the podium in the same SPs of reinforcements for a turn or two. As the 5th place slot he held in 2007. Brady Wade’s Team South gains the SP edge, they begin to score Honda entry looked good until the last corner. some raids, which recover the SW given up by Coming through the chicane just before the finish the loss of Richmond and double up the Union line, Wade overshot the exit and spun out with the in the mid-game. His innovation is he does not checkered flag in sight, taking fourth place. Andy worry about converting the rail spaces, as it is Maly took advantage of Wade’s spin to leapfrog easy for the Union to cut off an early excursion. into second place. Stanley Buck used patience and He just places SPs on them (and several Union a car preservation strategy to transform an eighth- State capitals) to accomplish his initial objective. place starting position into third place as the only David Dockter and James apply a similar car left on the track for the last half lap. strategy when they play the CSA, but they have Mario Veillette, driving the Torro Rosso ve- focused on cutting off DC for two turns, which hicle, was the surprise of the Grand Prix event. protects Richmond. The “Riku gambit” leaves Starting from 9th, he was able to weave through Richmond vulnerable, enticing the Union to take traffic in just one lap. Torro Rosso called him into it, and giving the CSA time to move across the the pits at the end of Lap 1. The strategy paid off, Ohio in the West. A Union player confronted with as after Lap 1 Veillette had both the lead and a no opposition in the East can shift almost all of fresh car. When he exited the pits, he appeared his forces West and leave DC to be one with the track, hit- fairly unprotected, retaining ting corner apexes at fantas- sufficient force to exploit a CC tic speeds and never relin- to take Richmond. quishing the lead. Century Events 23

2008 Results 2008 Results Jordan Flawd, PA Mark Mitchell, VA Forrest Speck, MD Jed Shambeda, PA Matt Fetzer, NY Dave Buchholz, MI O Rich Fetzer, NY O Martin Sample, NH O Pam Gutermuth, FL O Danielle Zack, MD O Nick Smith, UK O Rebecca Hebner, CA

Chris LeFevre, AZ Mark Mitchell, VA 79  2001-2008 41  2000-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Lisa Gutermuth, TX 48 Rob Winslow, NY 60 Jordan Flawd, PA 30 Jon Shambeda, PA 58 Forrest Speck, MD 30 John Keating, IL 54 Dan Lewis, DE 30 David Buchholz, MI 48 Matt Evinger, PA 30 Mark Mitchell, VA 42 Bill Place, PA 30 Joseph Burch, MD 42 Mike Stachowski, NY 30 Sean McCulloch, OH 42 Debbie Gutermuth, TX 30 Jed Shambeda, PA 38 Jordan Flawd, PA Steve Cameron, PA 28 Mark Mitchell, VA Steve Cameron, PA 37 Katie McCorry, VA 27 Martin Sample, NH 35

Formula Motor Racing (FMR) Galaxy (GXY) osing both of her cars in the first three races or a change, the Final was bereft of Lof the semi-final earned Danielle Zack the “I Fformer champs, though there were Lost the Most Cars” award, closely followed by plenty of players familiar with getting to April Gardner who managed to lose a car to a the last round. It was the second consecutive ap- crash in each of five races during the third heat. pearance by Danielle Zack, who learned the game In the first race of the Final, Forrest Speck in 2007. Marty Sample, Jed Shambeda, and GM blew an engine and Rich Fetzer lost a car to spin Mark Michell had met previously in the 2006 Final. out but they finished first and second to mitigate Dave Buchholz last gained Galaxy laurels in 2002. their losses. Race 2 saw Forrest, Rich, and Jor- This year’s Final was close, as usual. No clear dan Flawd all lose cars. Race 3 eliminated four leader emerged until the final card fell. In the end, cars—one each from Jordan, Matt, Rich and For- the winner had to be determined by tiebreaker, rest. At the mid-point, only six points separated when both Jed and Mark ended with 11 points. first and last. (Dave was only one point behind.) Even the tie- Nick Smith lost his first car in Race 4, but breaker came down to the wire, as Jed had 47 total when he won the race, he had the lead with 21 points in his hand and Mark had 52. points. Jordan moved into second, just one point Overall, there was roughly an even balance behind. In the next race, Nick lost another car beween worlds eliminated, though Cylor and and fell from first to fifth, still with 21 points. Top Myrmidon were slightly less likely to live to the scores going into the final race were Forrest 28, end. There was, however, favoritism in choosing Jordan 23, and the father-son team of Rich and secret bases. Divergence got the call 16 times, and Matt Fetzer tied with 22 points each. Imperial was a distant second with 11. Only three Race 6 saw Pam Gutermuth and Matt each players won despite losing their secret bases. One lose a car. Pam’s other car won the race. Jordan of those games produced the hard luck story of finished second, Matt third, Rich fourth, Nick the event, belonging to Steve Cameron. In his fifth, and Forrest sixth. The final score had -For semi-final game, he lost nine points at the end of rest and Jordan tied with 29 points, Matt with 26, the first round. He had four visible points on the Rich 25, Pam 24 and Nick 23 points. first world to be eliminated, and it was also his se- It was the first time the cret base. Despite scoring only championship has been de- eight points, he tied for first cided by the tie-breaker or- but lost the tie-breaker and the der of finish in the last race. opportunity to advance. 24 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Bob Hamel, CT Ed Menzel, CA Nick Henning, CT Vince Meconi. DE Nick Smith, UK Rob Doane, MA John Elliott, MD Bert Schoose, IL O Tom Richardson, VA O Greg Smith, FL O John Pack, CO O Dave Zimmerman, PA

John Pack, CO Vincent Meconi, DE 71  1992-2008 33  1992-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Nick Henning, CT 146 Vincent Meconi, DE 130 Pitt Crandlemire, MA 132 Ed Menzel, CA 112 John Pack, CO 90 Allen Kaplan, NJ 91 Nick Smith, UK 90 Ted Drozd, IL 62 Bob Hamel, CT 67 Dave Zimmerman, PA 59 Jim Castonguay, PA 54 Barry Shoults, MI 56 Mark Love, MD 53 Jim Tracy, OH 34 Tom Richardson, VA 48 William Place, PA 31 Bob Hamel, CT Jeffrey Hacker, PA 40 Ed Menzel, CA Mike Pacheco, CA 24 Victor Hogen, CA 34 Doug Porterfield, VA 12

Gangsters (GSR) Gettysburg ‘88 (GBG) ob Hamel pulled the right “Strings” to accom- d Menzel of Fullerton, CA won his Bplish a 10-joint win. He needed to recruit both Ethird consecutive Gettysburg ‘88 a Thug and Vamp on the last turn, and he rolled crown, defeating GM Vince Meconi in low enough to finish with $200 to spare. It’s the the Final. Ed finished with a 9-2 record, while second year in a row that the tournament winner Vince went 8-1. Rob Doane took third at 3-3 and used this strategy, a first in the event’s history. Bert Schoose finished fourth at 3-1. Last year’s winner, Jeffrey “The Head” In the Final, Vince grabbed the Confederates Hacker, finished in eighth place this year. In for a bid of 5.0. His Confederates had routed Ed’s fact, none of last year’s finalists returned to the Union troops in the preliminaries, but a repeat was big game. However, of the finalists, only John not in the offing. In fact, in each of Ed’s three cham- “Bugs” Elliott was new to the affair. Bugs had pionships, he has won the Final against an oppo- finished as high as seventh place before. Nick nent who had beaten him earlier in the event. This “Dusk” Henning won in 2004 and 2005 and Tom time the Union was so dominant that they ended “The Mumbler” Richardson won in 2006. Nick July 1 still in command of both Culp’s Hill and “Slumlord” Smith has appeared in many finals Cemetery Hill, without having suffered a single but has yet to claim the top prize. elimination or flip to their 3- and 4-factor units. GM John Pack gave out the Cement Over- The Rebels held on until Turn 18, but they threw in shoes Sportsmanship Award to Jordan “Preach- the towel then with just one undamaged infantry er” Halberstadt, Junior Godfather Award to division remaining. Craig “No Cigar” Reece, “I Think She Likes Me!” During the tourney, the South won 32 games Award to Sharee “Jezebel” Pack and the Roadkill to 17 for the North. Forty-four games used the Award to Ashley “Angel” Collinson. This year, he campaign scenario. Confederates won 31 of those inaugurated the “Barney Fife Memorial Award”. contests. Four games used the short July 1 scenario, To win, a player had to be the first to use Cop #2 with the Federals winning three. The Union won to inflict two losses on a rival gang in the single game that used the July 1/July 2 scenario. a single shootout. The retroactive 2007 Confederate bids ranging from 1 to 5.5 VPs took award was presented to Paul “Da Spi- place in 36 games, and the South prevailed 25 der” Bolduc. The Head took this year’s times to the North’s 11. The Union award when he used Barney to delay bid for side three times and lost his opponents’ plans long enough to twice. Blue and Gray split the 10 collect 10 joints in the Semi. games with no bid. Century Events 25

2008 Results 2008 Results Chris Moffa, NJ Ed Beach, MD Bruce Reiff, OH Rob Doane, MA Raphael Lehrer, MD Justin Rice, VA O Jeff Mullet, OH O Steve Likevich, OH O Sean McCulloch, OH O Chris Withers, CA O Matt Calkins, VA O Brad Merrill, ME

Bruce Reiff, OH Dave Cross, VA Great Campaigns 30  2004-2008 17  1993-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Alex Bove, PA 97 Chris Withers, CA 312 Arthur Field, SC 84 Ed Beach, MD 127 Raphael Lehrer, MD 79 David Cross, VA 85 Chris Moffa, NJ 72 Paul Nied, KS 78 John Kerr, VA 48 Mark Booth, VA 75 Rod Spade, PA 46 Steve Likevich, OH 66 Kevin Walsh, NY 45 B. Passacantando, CT 66 Chris Trimmer, TX 30 Rob Doane, MA 57 Perrianne Lurie, PA 30 Michael Pacheco, CA 36 Chris Moffa, NJ Ed Beach, MD Jeff Mullet, OH 21 Scott Spurgeon, ON 36

Goa (GOA) Great Campaigns (GCA) ine winners advanced to the Semi-Final. or the first time since 2000, Chris Withers did NGame 1 was a clash of the titans between Fnot make it to the elimination rounds. Instead, 2007 Champ and EuroQuest winner Alex Bove, 1993 champ and frequent Laurelist Ed Beach Laurelist Raphael Lehrer, and Cabbie Sean Mc- found his way to the top for a second time. Culloch. It was no contest, as the reigning Caesar In the Semi-Final’s Wilderness, Rob Doane’s steamrolled the board with 53 points to Sean’s Union beat Steve Likevich, while Ed Beach’s 49 and Alex’s 41. Sean’s second was not good Confederates defeated Justin Rice. In the Fi- enough to advance. In game 2, fellow Cabbie Jeff nal, Ed Beach led the Confederates to victory Mullet scored only 49 points, but it was enough in Bethesda Church. Brad Merrill earned “Risen to beat Matt Calkins and Sceadeau D’Tela. In from the Ranks” performance, showing great game 3, Bruce Reiff managed 51 points to defeat improvement this year. Scott Mercotte, and Chris Moffa, who scored The tournament used the same format as in high enough to advance as the fourth finalist. 2007. We played six straight preliminary rounds Despite the two Cabbies in the Final and the on Wednesday and Thursday with a mix of sce- vast amount of experience they get in Columbus, narios, primarily from Grant Takes Command. We Ohio continued to be deprived of top honors. added the McDowell scenario from Stonewall in This year that pleasure went to Chris. The Final the Valley because players enjoyed it a lot in the was a close affair. Jeff and Bruce both tried the online tournament. Battles were relatively straight spice/cards strategy, but Bruce drew well and forward with no real wild situations reported. Jeff drew poorly. Bruce jumped out to an early Probably the biggest variety occurred in McDowell lead, but Raphael was on his heels. Chris quietly since it is a very long scenario in number of turns kept up, while Jeff was reduced to looking for (but few units) with lots of options for Stonewall ways to screw with Bruce. Jackson to run up and down the Shenandoah Val- By game end, Bruce knew it would come down ley. Overall, the Confederates won the majority of to his expedition points. He had a pair and drew the scenarios in every round. three cards, but he missed his three-of-a-kind. Still, During the week, Ed displayed the Battle Above he had 50 points, as did Chris. On the tie breaker, the Clouds playtest materials for the area near Chat- Chris took victory, with 32 cash to tanooga, Tenn. GM Dave Cross and Bruce’s 17. Jeff—who had picked Justin Rice played a few turns of the Goa as his team game—ended with campaign game to demonstrate how 40 points and Raphael with 47. the restricted terrain affects play. 26 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Jim Heenehan, PA Jeff Burdett, NY Keith Wixson, NJ Alan Sudy, VA Gary Andrews, NY Mike Rogazinski, NY Lyman Moquin, DC Rick Cambron, PA Larry Luongo, NJ Justin Rice, VA O Andy Latto, MA O Dave Cross, VA

Stuart Tucker, MD Ed Beach, MD 43  1996-2008 48  2006-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists James Pei, VA 236 Bryan Collars, SC 62 Keith Wixson, NJ 193 Jeff Burdett, NY 60 Jim Heenehan, PA 188 Dan Gallagher, MD 60 Chris Byrd, CT 157 John Wetherell, PA 60 Peter Reese, VA 94 Alan Sudy, VA 41 Gary Andrews 62 Ken Richards, SC 38 Nick Anner, NY 60 Rob Seulowitz, NY 36 Aaron Fuegi, MA 60 Allan Hill, MD 36 Jim Heenehan, PA Jung Yueh, MA 50 Jeff Burdett, NY Dennis Mishler, CT 30 Doug White, PA 44 Mike Rogazinski, NY 24

Hannibal (HRC) Here I Stand (HIS) hree former champs went down in the n Round 1, David Long’s French lost despite Tfirst round in close-run defeats, while Iamassing 26 VPs because Jeff Pattison converted former champs Keith Wixson and Jim 50 spaces for a Protestant auto-win. The only play- Heenehan advanced against tough competitors. er to win in both heats was Dave Cross. Randall MacInnis made history when he won in Cross pushed his record to 3-0 in the first three consecutive rounds after 9-9 ties in games he game of the Semi, winning with his third different thought he was losing entering the final turn. power. The second game featured a one-turn Pa- Round 5 began with three undefeated players. pal knockout by Rick Byrens, despite a table that Gary Andrews (3-1) played Andy Latto. Andrews included four repeat semi-finalists. In the third took Carthage with a bid of 2. Truces caused four game, Jeff Burdett earned his second win of the straight re-shuffles, but in Turns 7 and 8, the Mace- week as the Hapsburgs. The fourth game went the donian and Syracusan Alliances occurred. An- full three turns. Entering the final turn, five powers drews held parts of Italy for most of the game and, were tied for the lead with 19 VPs. Dan Hoffman’s despite Hannibal’s death on Turn 8, he received Papacy was on track to win except for a city state Latto’s Turn 9 resignation after driving off three rebellion in Florence that scored four hits to wipe Roman attempts to land an army at Carthage. out the garrison. At the end of the Action Phase, With Latto’s loss, the battle of former champs Kaarin Engelmann’s English held the lead at 22 VP, Wixson and Heenehan would determine the but the French rolled a 10 on two dice for a success- champion. Heenehan took Carthage with a bid ful exploration, giving Rick Cambron the win. of 1. Syracuse joined Carthage on Turn 1 but was Going into the Final, the win totals by power sacked on Turn 5 as the Macedonian Alliance were Ottoman 2, Hapsburgs 2, English 2, French began. Heenehan spent much of the game try- 3, Papacy 3, and Protestant 4. Cross ignored these ing to lodge an army led by Mago on Sardinia. numbers and chose the Ottoman, leaving the On Turn 7, Wixson sent three armies into Spain. Hapsburgs to Burdett for the fourth straight game. Mago returned to Spain with reinforcements for On Turn 5, the Hapsburgs took Buda through a pressed Hannibal, regaining Spain, but Rome Treachery and sieged Bradenburg to keep the retook Sardinia for the sixth time on Protestants from winning. On Turn Turn 9. Hannibal crossed the Alps to 6, they took Wittenberg and Trier. play “I have come to Italy” on the fi- Then they conquered the Maya, giv- nal card play and secure a 9-9 count, ing Burdett a win over the English on giving victory to Heenehan. the tie-breaker. Century Events 27

2008 Results 2008 Results Jeff King, ME Patrick Maloney, PA Greg Kulp, NJ Jeff Bowers, UT Eric Kleist, MD Romain Jacques, QC  Jeff Halberstadt, IN O Greg Berry, VA O Richard Beyma, VA O Phil Shea, FL O Aran Warszawski, IS O Ben Stephenson, MD

Kevin Youells, FL D. Bohnenberger, PA 32  1993-2008 48  2007-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Harald Henning, CT 126 Patrick Maloney, PA 60 Rolinda Collinson, MD 90 Jeff Bowers, UT 18 Jonas Borra, NY 84 Tony Defeo, CT 18 Mike Backstrom, MN 68 Romain Jacques, QC 12 Haim Hochboim, Israel 60 Jim Doughan, PA 12 Robert Destro, NJ 60 Peter Eirich, MD 10 Mark Pitcavage, OH 50 Greg Berry, VA 9 Allen Kaplan, NJ 48 Lane Newbury, CA 9 Jeff King, ME Kevin Youells, FL 42 Patrick Maloney, PA Phil Shea, FL 6 Gregory Kulp, NJ 40 Mike Horn, FL 6

History of the World (HWD) Imperial (IMP) inners of each of the six first round games espite the GM’s assurances that it was likely Wadvanced directly to the Final. Former Dfor alternates to advance to the semi-final, champions Haim Hochbaim (2004) and Craig few made themselves available at the appointed Yope (2006) were knocked out in the first round. time. Thus, only 14 players advanced, which The best quote of Day 1 belonged to Greg Kulp meant that there were three tables in the semi. who was trying to calculate the best place to play As a result, Romain Jacques got a second chance a civil war. He said, “I don’t want to be in the way as the highest second-place finisher, joining Jeff of the Khmers.” It may be the first time in His- Bowers, Greg Berry and defending champion tory of the World that the Khmers got any respect. Patrick Maloney. Paul McGuanne won the honorary “most hosed” Initial bond purchases were Jeff: Austria 4, award. His event cards included two that required Great Britain 1, France 2, Germany 3; Patrick: both a capital and navigation. They had to be Russia 3, France 1, Italy 1, Great Britain 2, Aus- played between Epochs 2 and 5. Naturally, his op- tria 2, Germany 2; Greg: Great Britain 3, Italy 3, ponents saddled him with the Scythians, Hsung France 3, Austria 1; and Romain: Britain 4, Italy Nu, Huns, and Mongols—all with no capital. 4, Russia 2. The first moves for each nation were In the Final, there were several lead changes, Austria: Investor, Italy: Investor, France: Inves- as 2007 runner-up Jeff King (Epoch 7), defend- tor, Great Britain: Factory, Germany: Factory, ing champ Kulp (2, 3, and 4), Eric Kleist (6), and Russia, Investor. The game continued a trend Jeff Halberstadt (1 and 5) took turns in the fore- from the preliminary rounds where good play- front. Kleist held a six-point lead heading into ers tend to start a nation’s rondel marker nearer the last Epoch. For this sin, he was passed the to the tax space, trying to expand quickly and United States as his final empire. He scored a re- take a smaller bonus before an investor round spectable 44 points with them, but fell to third could result in losing control of the nation. place. The game came down to Kulp and King. The briskly-played game saw Germany reach Kulp scored 54 with the Manchu Dynasty. He the 25-space of the scoring track, and Patrick suc- ended up with 199 points. King scored a terrific cessfully defending his championship. Scores 58 points with France, putting him were Patrick 178, Jeff 159, Greg 143, at 207. Kulp finished out with 12 and Romain 143. Greg squeaked points for pre-eminence markers. into third on the tie-breaker because King had six, which was enough he had more shares in Germany for a three-point victory. than Romain.. 28 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Andy Latto, MA Stan Buck, MD Rob Winslow, NY Nick Benedict, CA Bruce Reiff, OH Jordan Halberstadt, IN Peter Stein, OH Rod Coffey, MD O Eric Landes, OR O Justin Thompson, VA O Mike Kaltman, PA O Scott Smith, FL

Peter Stein, OH Justin Thompson, VA 131  2007-2008 23  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Andy Latto, MA 30 Justin Thompson, VA 144 Chris Johnson, CA 20 Nick Benedict, CA 66 Rob Winslow, NY 18 Jordan Halberstadt, TN 60 Peter Stein, OH 17 Will Wible, VA 60 Bruce Reiff, OH 12 Stanley Buck, MD 54 Jamie Tang, MD 12 Kevin Brownell, ME 54 Eric Landes, OR 6 Dale Long, NJ 48 Roger Taylor, VA 6 Bill Powers, VA 39 Daniel Eppolio, CA 4 James Coomes, KY 36 Andy Latto, MA Stan Buck, CA Michael Kaltman, PA 3 George Sauer, OH 30

Ingenious (ING) Kingmaker (KGM) hile attendance in 2007 was good enough ll six of the Laurelists had seen the Final ta- Wfor Century status; this year it was over Able before and four of the top five Laurelists 60% better. However, players did not do a bet- were present in this year’s Final. GM Justin ter job of bringing copies of the game; we had Thompson made it with three preliminary wins. to scramble to get enough. BRING A COPY OF On the initial deal of the Final, everyone had THE GAME! a reasonable position. Key events fell quickly. De- Only three players won two games in the pre- fending champion Nick Benedict was wiped out liminary round: GM Pete Stein, Ken Samuel, and on Turn 3 with no cards remaining on the board. Andy Latto. Sixteen players advanced into the Justin stepped out of his power base to destroy semi-final, where Latto missed a perfect game 2005 champ Jordan Halberstadt and lost two no- (18’s in all six colors) by only two. When Bruce bles. Jordan’s noble was also killed with the same Reiff, Rob Winslow, and Stein also advanced, card. On the next turn, Rod Coffey marched in it was sure to be an interesting Final. Latto had and crushed Justin’s forces, leaving him in fifth already won three events that week, Bruce is the place. Rod and Stan Buck marched around each Plaque Man, Stein was a former laurelist, and other trying to attack the nobles being pulled Rob is no slouch at the game. It was a close game, away. A few were killed. While this is going on, though about two-thirds of the way through Stein Nick rebuilt. He played Neville and sailed to the fell behind when he had trouble drawing Green continent to get 100 foot solders. This brought tiles. The others stayed close and wound up with Nick back from the dead and made him a major scores of 11. Andy pulled out the win with a sec- force. He struck a deal with Stan to crown him ond score of 14. Rob had 13, and Bruce 12. king. Nick got an heir out of the deal. Several players achieved perfect scores dur- Parliament was called and Rod, Nick and Jor- ing the tourney, including Ken Samuel (in both dan split the spoils. Stanley got nothing and be- of his wins), Eric Landes, Ivan Lawson, Nathan came the target of the three-headed monster. Justin Wright and Mario Veillette. This year three play- decided to cause as much havoc as possible and ers (Arthur Field, Kathy Stroh and Sue Ells- help Stan. Nick suffered a late defeat, and Rod lost worth) were able to win games a few of his men. Justin ambushed without being a Genius (no scores Rod’s Queen late to seal Stan’s sole of 18). The average winning score king victory. The final scores were was a little over 13.5, up by almost Stan 107, Nick 63, Jordan 41, Rod one point from last year. 09, and Justin -08. Century Events 29

2008 Results 2008 Results Lee Rodriguez, VA Josh Lanham, MD Steve Cuccaro, MD Scott Buckwalter, MD O Ewan McNay, CT Haim Hochboim, IS O Andy Latto, MA O Jeff Meyer, MA O Pete Stein, OH O Chester Lanham, MD O Nick Benedict, CA O Harry Flawd, PA

Steve Cuccaro, MD Jason Levine, NY 34  1991-2008 212  2003-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Steve Cuccaro, MD 130 Daniel Hoffman, NC 36 Peter Stein, OH 86 Josh Lanham, MD 30 Tom McCorry, VA 46 Thomas Browne, PA 30 Lee Rodrigues, VA 42 L. Dan Hoffman MD 30 Llew Bardecki, ON 40 Lucimara Martins, MD 30 Marc Houde, VA 35 Josh Githens, SC 30 David Buchholz, MI 30 Scoyy Buckwalter, MD 18 Bruce Glassco, NJ 30 Matt Calkins, VA 18 Lee Rodriguez, VA Sean McCulloch, OH 28 Josh Lanham, MD Kathy Kilroy, PA 18 Nick Smith, UK 27 Doug Galullo, FL 18

Kremlin (KRM) Liar’s Dice (LID) ld age and treachery failed to over- estivities started with the traditional, yet Ocome youth and skill in 2008, as the Flarger than ever, synchronized massed cup youngest player managed to maneuver shake and smash to the tables. Of the 212 who the youngest politician to the top of the Politburo. started, 35 made it to the semi-final. GM Jason There were no “three wave and out” games in Levine advanced, only to lose to Harry Flawd in any of the heats, even though eight of the 11 heat a two-man showdown. Eleven-year old Nicole games were won on waves. In addition, no heat Reiff also just missed in a two-person show- game lasted until Turn 10-1/2; i.e., the other three down, but she earned a sportsmanship nomina- heats were won by depleting the politicians. The tion for keeping her spirits high while dealing clear leader going into the Final was former GM with her opponent’s nagging. and defending two-time champion Pete Stein, as Other than father and son Chester and Josh the only player who managed to win two heats. Lanham, finalists were Haim Hochboim, Harry It appeared he was starting strong with (appar- Flawd, Scott Buckwalter, and Jeff Meyer. Scott ent) control of Nestor, but poor Nestor didn’t lost the first die, followed by Chester losing two. make it through the year. Nor did most of the The third play was a nuclear strike. Scott called older members of the Politburo. When the crypt when Harry bid eleven 1’s. Only six showed. dust settled, Wassily Protzky finished the Re- Never before has someone lost all five dice at placement Phase as Party Chief. once! Chester was the next out. Although Jeff Lee Rodriguez was not shy about adding years was down to his last die, he made three bids in to the young Protzky, reshaping the Politburo to a row to eliminate 12 enemy dice. He couldn’t his liking. He promoted Viktor Wasolin from a hold on forever, though, and he finished in second level position to KGB Head. The combina- fourth. Shortly afterwards, Haim called Josh on tion of a young, healthy Party Chief and KGB head an exactor and was out. At this point, Scott was under Lee’s control was too much for the remain- down to his last die, while Josh still had three. ing players. A lucky health roll on Turn 2 wound- Josh started the bidding with one 5. Scott raised ed Protzky and caused a failed wave, but this only to a pair. Josh then bid three 5’s, while reveal- set up the ascension of Wasolin to Party Chief on ing two. Since Scott knew he had a Turn 3, and—despite a flurry of card 5 under his cup, he was forced to go play—Lee got two waves in succes- to four 5’s. Josh called, raised his sion, ending the game on Turn 4 cup, saw his last roll and smiled the with his first Kremlin crown. grin of a champion.. 30 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Andy Latto, MA  Harald Henning, CT Cally Perry, MA Bill Crenshaw, VA Lexi Shea, CT Arthur Field, SC O David Meyaard, CT Jeff Mullet, OH O Sue Ellsworth, IL O John Coussis, IL O Malinda Kyrkos, NY O Pete Pollard, TN

Ivan Lawson, MD Bill Crenshaw, VA 185  2000-2008 39  2005-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Andy Latto, MA 58 Bill Crenshaw, VA 140 Jared Scarborough,IL 48 Harald Henning, CT 107 Sean McCulloch, OH 34 Arthur Field, SC 76 Daniel Karp, MD 32 Ewan McNay, CT 50 Jarett Weintraub, NY 30 Tom Taaffe, VA 46 Chris Entwistle, MD 30 Kevin Sudy, VA 40 Daniel Broh-Kahn, MD 30 AJ Sudy, VA 36 Laurel Stokes, NJ 26 Bill Edwards, VA 30 Andy Latto, MA Cally Perry, MA 24 Harald Henning, CT- Kathy Stroh, DE 30 David Meyaard, CT 24 John Coussis, IL 28

Lost Cities (LST) Manifest Destiny (MFD) ome came in groups, some in waves, and ropping one heat shaved 15% off the at- Ssome alone, but they all came to Paradise in Dtendance but had no visible effect on the search of something Lost. In the end, they were outcome, as the usual suspects dominated. all paired and prepared for competition: 53 pairs Four laurelists returned and all added to their in the first heat, 60 in the second, 25 in the third former totals. and 37 in the last. In all, 104 explorers tested Aside from Louisiana, which was shut fate in more than one heat. With three expedi- out, winning positions were evenly distrib- tions scoring bonuses, Sam Atabaki posted the uted, with Mexico and Pennsylvania taking highest overall score of 344. Only one game fin- four wins, and Quebec and Virginia three. Bill ished with a tie at the end of regulation. Wayne Crenshaw (Mexico), Arthur Field (Virginia), Schmittberger and Laurel Stokes played a fourth Jeff Mullet (Pennsylvania), and John Coussis hand, only to tie again! In their fifth hand, Wayne (Louisiana) advanced, along with Harald Hen- prevailed with a lopsided score that belied the ning (Quebec), who advanced on the tie-break- closeness of the contest. er, despite finishing third in his semi. Harald Of the 32 players who advanced to SE rounds, made the most of the opportunity. 17 had compiled three or more wins. Cally Perry, In the last expansion of the Final, Mexico Claire Brosius, and Kathy Kilroy won in all four used most of his tokens taking Northern Cali- heats. It was an All New-England semi-final. Da- fornia from Quebec. However, Quebec had most vid Meyaard lost to Cally Perry, and was over- cities nailed and emerged largely unscathed. Ul- whelmed in his bid to achieve third place in the timately, Quebec used Patriotism to cash Prohibi- consolation game against Lexi. That left a cham- tion for $100 in Gold (even after losing Northern pionship game between two friends. California). After buying all progressions (for 30 Apparently exhausted by their efforts to VPs), gaining six for B/Ts and two more for most survive the preceding five SE rounds, Cally cities, he had ballooned to 38 (five points more Perry and 2007 runner-up Andy Latto trudged than in any other MFD WBC Final), turning a through a pedestrian Final round. Trailing by 17 nailbiter into a blowout. The remaining scores points as he entered the last hand, showed Mexico with 32 and $55, Pennsylvania Latto prevailed with a winning score with 30 and $105 ($5 short of 122 to 99. He became the leading of 33), Virginia with 30 and Lost Cities laurelist and completed $55 and Louisiana with 30 his four-championship week. and $50. Century Events 31

2008 Results 2008 Results Terry Coleman, CA Carmen Petruzelli, PA Harry Flawd, PA Steve Shambeda, PA O Keith Hunsinger, OH Ilan Woll, CT O John Coussis, IL O Jeff Meyer, MA O Chris Bauch, LA O Gary Noe, FL O Tom Browne, PA O Sceadeau D’Tela, NC

Terry Coleman, CA John Pack, CO 41  1992-2008 105  1999-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Bruce Monnin, OH 100 Harald Henning, CT 82 John Coussis, IL 79 Tom Stokes, NJ 55 Dennis Nicholson, NY 70 Gary Noe, FL 48 Terry Coleman, CA 63 Bruce Reiff, OH 42 Ken Gutermuth, TX 55 Ann Cornett, FL 40 Peter Staab, PA 54 Jeff Cornett, FL 38 Harry Flawd, PA 45 Carmen Petruzelli, PA 30 Derek Landel, NY 45 Peter Staab, PA 30 Terry Coleman, CA Bruce Reiff, OH 40 Carmen Petruzelli, PA Doug Galullo, FL 30 Jeff Martin, CT 39 Kevin Wojtaszczyk, NY 30

March Madness (MMS) Medici (MED) ranted Legacy status a couple of hamp Carmen Petruzelli had to stage a Gyears ago, March Madness has seen Cdramatic comeback to claim victory. After increased attendance each year. There the Final’s first buying session, Gary Noe had was no shortage of compelling drama in the Fi- 51 points. Carmen wasn’t in first- or second- or nal Four. Keith Hunsinger had lost to Bruce Reiff even third-place! At the end of the second ses- in the very first Final Four, back in 1992. For two- sion, Steve Shambeda had taken the lead with 96 time champ Terry Coleman, this was a chance to points. Carmen had climbed into second place win his first MMS title in 14 years. Harry had to set the stage for his victory. In the final ses- qualified two teams for the Final Four in the sion, Steve overbid on a set that was ideal for same tournament, something only one other Gary, which left Steve second with 96 points and player in the history of the event has done. dropped Gary to last. Carmen finished at the top While Harry has been a fixture in regional fi- with a score of exactly 100, after gains of 8, 34, nals more than a decade, Hunsinger wanted his and 28 during the three buying sessions. return to the Final Four after more than a decade to Such comebacks weren’t common—50% of be meaningful. At the half, Keith’s Oklahoma State all winners were in the lead at the end of the first team held a two-point lead, but he couldn’t hold session and 61% were in the lead by the end of off Harry’s UCLA ‘73 low post offense. Bill Walton the second session. It’s a good thing for Carmen exploded for 18 points in the second half, giving that the Final was a five-player game—because Harry a 82-76 victory. All Harry had to do was beat there were ZERO players in four-player games Terry in the semi-final to win the title. who overcame a deficit after the second session! An early end was not to be. Terry’s Arkansas The Final almost was a four-player game. ‘78 team took a 53-27 lead into halftime over the With 19 winners reporting for the semi, the GM ‘81 Tar Heels. A 96-71 loser, Harry changed into determined to play four five-player semi-finals his UCLA jersey for a second game. The nightcap and a four-player Final. However, at the end of proved a lot closer. It was 30-28 at the half. As play their semi-final, Jeff Meyer and Ilan Woll were resumed, Terry scored enough to stay tied with 94 points apiece! The official Medici ahead for most of the second period. rules contain no tie-breaker, and Harry scored well with Walton, but the GM decided to allow both to foul trouble on his other positions advance, and—unbeknownst to held Harry back and Terry achieved a them—sewed the seeds of Car- hard-fought 68-50 win. men’s comeback. 32 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Scott Gibson, VA Ewan McNay, CT Sam Edelston, CT Joe Abrams, CT Mike Wojke, PA Eyal Mozes, NY O Rob Mull, CO Phillip Shea, FL O Gordon Rodgers, PA O Bill Crenshaw, VA O Jon Miller, DC O David Fritsch, VA

Mark Guttag, VA Richard Irving, CA 62  2004-2008 57  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Joe Harrison, KY 108 Bill Crenshaw, VA 96 Robert Eastman, NV 68 Eric Wrobel, VA 60 Jonathan Miller, DC 57 Debbie Otto, MO 56 Steve Lollis, MD 54 Eyal Mozes, NY 54 Scott Gibson, VA 30 Joe Abrams, CT 54 Harrison Anderson, PA 26 Luke Koleszar, VA 52 Benoit Groulx, QC 20 Ed Wrobel, VA 52 Scott Sirianna, NY 20 Steve Dickson, CA 48 Scott Gibson, VA Frank Hastings, MD 15 Ewan McNay, CT Chuck Foster, TX 42 Bob Heinzmann, FL 15 Kathy Stroh, DE 40

Memoir ‘44 (M44) Merchant of Venus (MOV) here was to be no third straight Final show- n the second heat, an event occurred that Tdown between Joe Harrison and Jonathan Icaused retirement of the fictional “Water in the Miller, as both faltered in Round 4. Instead, two Gas Tank” and “Wrong Way Corrigan” Awards. players who had only ever met before online— Norm Newton, starting from the Space City in Sam Edelston and Scott Gibson—had the ulti- The Cloud, was trying to go to the fashionable mate face-off. Western part of the Galaxy by Galactic Base. In the Final’s first game, Sam played the Axis Navigation Circles can make this journey peril- and Scott the Allies in Montélimar. It was lopsided ous, with a roll of 2 or 3 required to avoid getting through Turn 5, when the score was 4-1, Allies. By stuck. Still, if you roll 1,1,1 as Norm did, it prob- Turn 10, there had been a dramatic turn-around, ably doesn’t matter much, few pips are wasted. with the Axis gaining three more medals to a sin- Norm tried again, and rolled 1, 1, 1. Back into The gle medal by the Allies. On Turn 11, the Allies used Cloud he went. On his third attempt, again trying an Infantry Assault in the center, while the Axis to go to the Westside, he rolled another 1, 1, 1!!! Messerschmitt’s strafing run achieved the win- Back to stuck on the Navigation circle! On his ning medal. The final score showed the Axis with fourth attempt, Norm made a better roll: 1, 1, 4! 6 medals to the Allies 5. The Axis had destroyed 22 He still could not go where he wanted, and he figures to the Allies’ 18. was forced twice as far out of his way! It looked The second game featured a six-turn on- as though he would never leave the cloud, and slaught by two Axis Armored units and two Pan- just then, Gary Libby, won the game! zer Grenadier Infantry. Scott’s Axis got their first In the Final, Ewan McNay—whose margin of flag on Turn 2 using The Finest Hour, but Sam’s victory in the semi was larger than any other win- Allies responded using a Direct from Headquar- ner, a mere $107—built a solid trade empire featur- ters to tie the score. On Turn 4, the Axis picked ing ports at four adjacent systems: Trapped Rogue a one-figure infantry unit to make the score 3-2. (1a), Poison Planet (2), Shuttlestop at the Cloud (5) On Turn 6, the Axis played Probe Center, rolling and Water World (8). A perfect 4 stop loop! Using a nine dice against a full-strength Allied infantry transport, he was able to cruise to a relatively easy and hitting it five times to win the game 6-3. The victory. Joe Abrams made a last ditch Axis destroyed 27 figures effort to hit a telegate cure, but it while losing 11. With the was not to be. Final scores were match split 1-1, Scott won on Ewan $3093, Joe $2711, Eyal Mozes medals, 11-9. $2502, and Philip Shea $1535. Century Events 33

2008 Results 2008 Results David Brooks, TN Lane Hess, PA Alex Bell, MD John Emery, SC Jason Levine, NY Bruce Young, SC O David Pack, CO Scott Pfeiffer, SC O Nick Henning, CT Pat Duffy, MD O Matthew Morgal, MD O Richard Beyma, MD

Mark Love, MD Mark McLaughlin, CT 77  1998-2007 46  2003-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Marvin Birnbaum, NY 100 Bruce Young, SC 120 Nick Henning, CT 83 John Emery, SC 120 Rebecca Hebner, CO 77 Lane Hess, PA 96 Joe Sposito, NJ 63 Ed Rothenheber, MD 96 David Brooks, TN 62 Scott Moll, VA 80 Tom Meier, VA 50 Melvin Casselberry, PA 75 Steve Scott, CA 48 David Gantt, SC 60 Daniel Val, ES 30 Forrest Speck, MD 60 David Brooks, TN John Koskl, NC 30 Lane Hess, PA Scott Fenn, MD 50 Matthew Beach, MD 27 Mark Hodgkinson, AU 50

Monster’s Ravage America (MRA) Napoleonic Wars (NW5) elebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2008, ngland was invaded many, many times in CMonsters Ravage America saw 40% higher at- Ethis year’s tournament. Some invasions, tendance. Almost half of the players were new to like the one led by Bruce Young in his semi- the tournament. Bronacle (in Ravage) and Toxicor final match, didn’t work out so well the first (in Menace)—monsters that can choose two muta- time. In Bruce’s case, he invaded again, man- tions and keep the best—were both SHUT OUT in aging to get Napoleon and everyone who came 2007, but they came back with a vengeance in 2008. with him killed a second time. Unlike most Josh Githens set the standard, taking Bronacle to players who have experienced similar disas- 50, with the highest Ravage score. GM Mark Love ters, Bruce pulled out the victory on a peace had the highest scoresheet, with 54 points using die roll, edging Henry Russell’s Russia by a the infamy-happy Megaclaw. single point. By mid-game of the Final, David Pack’s $5 bil- Tight games like Bruce’s were common. lion attempt for military research succeeded and There were two French automatic victories and he became Guard Commander. The shape of the the usual assortment of strange and bizarre oc- game changed dramatically when David Brooks currences. As Kevin Klemme summed up one picked up Cutbacks from military research. Brooks such experience: “any game where Kutuzov made a deal with Pack to NOT use Cutbacks to takes Lyon, Marseilles and Toulouse is a FUN eliminate the Guard Commander card, as long as game.” (Any guesses who played the Russians?) National Guard units were not used against him Despite that romp over the Rhone, Kevin came for the rest of the game. The Davids’ Pact drew in second—in a game where Alan “Four dice, Bell’s attention to Brooks. When Konk tried to at- four sixes and Gibraltar is mine” Sudy gained tack Tomonagi, he failed to get any hits, and he Austria’s only win. mutated Bomonagi twice, only making him stron- Of the other 18 games played, the French ger. There was silence for a second, since Brooks won nine, the English and Russians three each had 25 health, while Bell and Levine each had 6, and the Prussians two. and Pack was in Hollywood with zero. (Pack didn’t In the Final, Lane Hess won as England, nar- manage to get out of Hollywood rowly edging out his allies—at a to participate in the Challenge.) table manned by three members Bell extended his hand to shake of the Greenville Mafia—to claim Brooks’ hand saying, “THAT was the honors for saving Europe AWESOME!!!!” from Scott Pfeiffer’s Napoleon. 34 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Bryan Eshleman, NC Bert Schoose, IL John Speck, MD Alan Arvold, IL Jim Fleckenstein, VA Chuck Leonard, PA O Rob Brode, MD O Bill Thomson, TX O Ruth Evinger, PA O Bill Scott, VA O Scott Fenn, MD O Marty Musella, VA

Jon Lockwood, VA Bert Schoose, IL 36  1992-2008 23  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Bill Place, PA 38 Bill Scott, VA 127 Jim Fleckenstein, VA 32 Marty Musella, VA 113 Bryan Eshleman, NC 30 Chuck Leonard, PA 82 Kelly Czyryca, MD 30 Bert Schoose, IL 69 Stephen Cuyler, NY 30 Greg Tanner, AZ 48 Tom Agostino, GE 30 Dave Giordano, NJ 47 Robert Paul, AZ 30 Alan Arvold, IL 30 Susan Ellsworth, IL 30 Eduardo DeNucci, AR 26 Bryan Eshleman, NC John Ellsworth, IL 26 Bert Schoose, IL Rich Northey, MA 24 Roy Pettis, VA 24 Johnny Hasay, PA 21

Naval War (NVW) PanzerBlitz (PZB) npredictability carried through from efending champion Bert Schoose got Uthe preliminaries to the Final. Scott Dhis position in the Final via winning Fenn took the early Round 1 lead with all three of his preliminary matches and 38 points, while Jim Fleckenstein’s and Bryan Es- beating two-time champ Chuck Leonard in a semi- hleman’s fleets went to the bottom early mainly final match. Alan Arvold got there by playing 11 because of their reputations as good players. Rob matches in the preliminaries and winning six. He Brode stayed close with 30 points, followed by beat Bill Thomson in the semis. Bill had accounted John Speck 17, Ruth Evinger 10, Fleckenstein 4, for one of Alan’s losses in the prelims. and Eshleman trailing with 2 points. In Round The Final used Scenario 45, the same scenario 2, the field teamed up against the leaders. Eshle- that Bert played to win his previous title. The open- man had a 35 point round to take the lead with 37 ing turn saw the Russians swarm Opustoschenia in points, followed by Speck with 36, Fleckenstein 35, the hopes of trapping the Germans. The Germans Brode 31, Fenn 28, and Evinger with 23. killed only four Russian units on the opening shots Even though Eshleman’s, Speck’s and Brode’s of Turn 2 but the halftrack (not loaded) did escape entire fleets sank during Round 3, Speck was the city. The Russians fired back and killed all of able to pull to within striking range of victory the remaining units in the city. at 63 points, followed by Fenn with 54, Fleck- Going into the last turn, both players thought enstein at 49, Evinger and Speck tied at 46, and that Bert needed to kill four German units to reach Eshleman in last at 38. 17 kills for the decisive victory. His direct fire at- Round 4 proved to be decisive. The field zeroed tacks at 4-1 (+1) avoided the dreaded “6”, and in on Speck and sank his fleet. Then they began Bert got his four kills, but the players realized af- taking out each other, trying to extend the match terwards that only 16 German units were dead. to a fifth round. During this free-for-all, they all ig- Since he had already set up an additional attack as nored trailer Eshleman. It proved fatal. He steadily insurance against failing in the first battle, he de- picked off ships and successfully used a destroyer cided to take it. The final attack came down to a squadron to sink an opponent’s fleet, managing a roll of 1-3 and Bert would win his second consecu- match-high total of 54 points! This took him from tive title and a roll of 4-6 would see Alan secure his last place to wood with 92 points, first championship. When the followed by Speck with 72, Fleck- die rolled out of the tower, it enstein 66, Brode 65, Evinger 61, settled on 2. One couldn’t ask and Fenn 52. for a more classic ending. Century Events 35

2008 Results 2008 Results John Popiden, CA Riku Riekkinen, FN Bill Borys, QC Dave Dockter, MN Robert Frisby, VA Pete Reese, VA O Jeff Hacker, PA Rob Hassard, NJ O Michael Pustilnik, NY Tom Gregorio, PA O NA Steve Parrish, VA

Robert Frisby, VA Peter Reese, VA 11  1991-2008 42  1999-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Robert Frisby, VA 219 Tom Drueding, MA 350 John Popiden, CA 168 Peter Reese, VA 240 James Tracy, OH 106 David Dockter, MN 226 Michael Pustilnik, NY 86 Chris Byrd, CT 202 Bill Borys, QC 48 Rob Hassard, NJ 181 Keith Schoose, CA 42 Marvin Birnbaum, NY 174 Jeff Hacker, PA 37 Stefan Mecay, TX 172 Larry Meyers, IL 28 Nick Anner, NY 126 John Popiden, CA Kevin Hacker, PA 28 Riku Riekkinen, FN Jim Falling, MI 117 Phil Rennert, MD 18 Stephan Valkyser, GE. 96

Panzergruppe Guderian (PGG) Paths of Glory (POG) hree-time winner and 2006 PBEM nly one of the four semi-finalists Tchamp John Popiden won his semi- Owas not a previous WBC champ. final match when his Soviets defeated Riku Riekkinen was new to WBC, but four-time champ Robert Frisby’s Germans. They he had won repeatedly in other forums and trav- had met in previous tournaments, with Popiden eled all the way from Finland to participate. In prevailing in the 2004 quarter-final and the 2006 the Final, David Dockter bid 3 for the AP. Riku semi, but Frisby prevailing in the 2005 Final. For- opened with Guns of August. He fell back to de- mer laurelists Bill Borys and Jeff Hacker squared fend the Rhein over the next two turns and was off in the other semi-final match, with Borys’ Sovi- able to trench. The Serbs were taken out by Turn ets coming out on top. 2. Italy came in by Turn 4, was stabilized by both The Final was reminiscent of the 2004 and sides, and remained quiet. David loaded up in the 2006 championships, when Popiden faced Borys. Near East, and launched an attack with the British Popiden was victorious on all three occasions. and Russians that captured Baghdad, while using The tide turned against Borys’ Soviets on Turn Pleve combat card to assist. 4 when the Germans assaulted the Soviet main A Russian Caucasus army pushed forward, line of defense a few hexes west and northwest while Riku started attacking the Russians on the of Smolensk. The German GD panzer grenadier main map. The AP was quiet in the west, as all ef- regiment overran two untried Soviet rifle divi- fort was in the Near East. The CP took Riga with sions in a forest hex northwest of Smolensk. Each the von Hutier combat card. The Tsar took com- division was a 0-0-6, which enabled several Ger- mand, but when the Tsar fell, the revolution was man divisions to penetrate the Soviet line. Soviet not far off. Riku brought in both Turkish armies counterattacks failed to stop the German panzer and threatened the Caucasus supplies. The CP spearheads from moving south to threaten Smo- retook Baghdad and captured Ahwaz and Basra. lensk from the east. Having bid 49 VPs for the Allenby came in but was blocked by strong CP Germans, and with the Soviets yielding 15 VPs by forces in Gaza and Beersheba,. The end game saw taking 10 SW reinforcements, Popiden the AP attack in the west, but the Russians were did not need to take any VP hexes other already too weakened. All but Russian Odessa VP than Smolensk to win. With mounting space on the main map were CP con- Soviet losses and Smolensk sure to fall trolled. Since the treaty of Brest Li- within a few turns, the Soviets conced- tovsk would soon be played, David ed on Turn 7. conceded the game to Riku. 36 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Devin Flawd, PA Bill Crenshaw, VA Harry Flawd, PA Cary Morris, NC Jacob Hebner, CO Alex Bove, PA O Jordan Flawd, PA O Raphael Lehrer, MD O Barry Shoults, MI O Greg Thatcher, CA O Mark Love, MD O Matt Peterson, MN

Harry Flawd, PA Raphael Lehrer, MD 40  1993-2008 38  2007-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Devin Flawd, PA 197 Raphael Lehrer, PA 39 Harry Flawd, PA 153 Bill Crenshaw, VA 30 Bill O’Neal, NY 48 Greg Thatcher, FL 24 Mike Destro, NJ 36 Alex Bove, PA 21 Derek Landel, NJ 28 Cary Morris, NC 18 Barry Shoults, MI 24 Marvin Birnbaum, NY 12 John Ellmann, MD 22 Chris Moffa, NJ 6 Jordan Flawd, PA 21 Matt Peterson, MN 3 Dave Buchbinder, PA 18 Dan Eppolito, CA 3 Devin Flawd, PA Bill Crenshaw, VA Ray Stakenas II, MI 18 -

Paydirt (PDT) Pillars of the Earth (POE) n the AFC title game, three-time defending eith Levy ended defending champ Ichamp Devin Flawd used four turnovers to KRaphael Lehrer’s unbeaten record overcome a 13-point spread to defeat unknown in a preliminary game and was the only Jacob Hebner 37-20. The NFC Championship two-heat winner. Greg Thatcher had both the was between father and six-time winner Harry highest score (62) and highest margin of victory and his up-and-coming laurelist son Jordan. (an astonishing 19 points) in the heats. Unfortunately for Jordan, Donovan McNabb All four of the 2007 finalists made the semi, chose a very poor time to have a horrible game but only two made it to the Final. Alex got off to a (five interceptions). Harry’s Cowboys coasted, fast start, buying the money-making Woodworker 44-24. and getting Prior Philip on Turn 1. The other final- That set up a Super Bowl that was yet an- ists played defense and got to the Priory early and other family affair. This time, though, it was a often to blunt Alex’s advantage. Raphael played heartbreaker for Harry. The Colts led 14-0 mid- his typically solid game throughout, hoarding way through the second quarter, but then Dallas money and making frequent use of the Wool Mill. came to life with two TD’s and tied the game at Unfortunately for him, his master builders hid the half. The Cowboys took a 21-14 lead to start at the bottom of the bag time after time, and he the third period on a Romo-Owens TD, but the was unable to capitalize on his wealth advantage, Colts responded with an 82-yard punt return fol- despite frequently controlling turn order. Bill had lowing a missed Colts FG, and once again the money early but nearly went broke after boldly score was tied. acquiring three new craftsmen on Turn 3 and an Dallas scored to go up 28-21 with 11:20 left additional sculptor on Turn 5. Cary played well to play. Indy tied it again at 28 with 6:10 left, with a good mix of craftsmen and resources and setting up a nail-biting ending. Dallas’ drive appeared poised to edge into the lead. On the final stalled at the Indy 47. Devin returned the punt turn, Bill got the break he needed when his master for another TD! A 35-28 Colt lead with 2:00 left craftsman enabled him to buy the super-Sculptor. was too much to overcome, and although Dallas His multiple stone holdings enabled him to eke got to the Colt 45 on a Pass Interference call, the out a one-point victory over Cary. Alex’s strategic game ended with Tony Romo’s blocking of the metal spots so that fifth pick of the game. Another Raphael couldn’t get the metal he LOOONNGGGG year is a comin’ needed gave him a one-point edge at the Flawd house. over Raphael. Century Events 37

2008 Results 2008 Results Tom Pavy, OH Eric Brosius, MA Henry Pfeiffer, SC Bill Murdock, NY Chris Gnech, PA Jim Castonguay, PA O Forrest Speck, MD Barb Flaxington, MA O John Ellsworth, IL Ian Miller, MA O Matt Evinger, PA Phil Shea, FL

Larry Lingle, PA Jim Castonguay, PA 58  2005-2008 123  2004-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Tom Pavy, OH 69 Jim Castonguay, PA 113 Paul Weintraub, MD 51 Eric Brosius, MA 100 Chris Striker, PA 36 Bill Murdock, NY 72 John Elliott, MD 30 Patrick Shea, VA 60 Forrest Speck, MD 27 Richard Meyer, MA 48 Henry Pfeiffer, SC 18 Rod Spade, PA 39 Chris Gnech, PA 18 Lyman Moquin, DC 33 Lauren Vessey, VA 18 Barb Flaxington, NJ 33 Tom Pavy, OH Frank Mestre, NY 12 Eric Brosius, MA J.J. Jaskiewicz, MD 30 Bob Jamelli, PA 9 David Houston, MD 30

Pirate’s Cove (PRC) Power Grid (PGD) om Pavy knows his way around a cutlass, dvancing into the Final were 2004 champ Eric Thaving been in the Final every year of the ABrosius, Ian Miller, GM and two-time champ event. 2008 was his year. He cut it close, though, Jim Castonguay, and alternate qualifiers Bill Mur- by waiting until the third heat to win a game. dock and Barbara Flaxington. Jim got the northern Although they didn’t make it to the Final, moth- region to himself on the first turn builds and all er and daughter Katherine and Verity Hitchings the players cried “game over.” Turn 3 Eric bought demonstrated fine blood-thirsty ideals. Togeth- the 18 plant for 21 over Jim. Jim paid 22 for the 22 er they sank 16 fellow pirates in just two games plant. That meant Eric had turn order for the auc- and 53 ships total. tion market on Turn 5, earning him the 30 plant for Advancing to the semi were 15 pirates cost. Ian paid 29 for the 24 plant and Bill paid 29 for flushed by the heat of recent victory and five the 21 plant, leaving Barbara, Jim, and Eric in the knaves looking for a second chance. (We had to auction round with the 28 being the top plant and go ten deep on the alternate list to fill the crew.) the 30 sitting as plant number 5. Barbara passed so 2007 runner-up Forrest Speck was the last man as not to have the 30 drop, Jim promptly scooped aboard. Chris Gnech, Chris Striker, Henry Pfe- up the 28 to go along with his 22, and Eric took the iffer, Forrest and Tom made short work of the 30. On Turn 6, Jim paid $47 for plant 31. Barbara pretenders and moved on to the Final. Whoev- built to seven and caused stage two. Ian, Bill, and er says, “Cove is all luck” should consult with Barbara were able to pick up end game plants for Tom and Forrest! cheap on Turn 7’s auction round. When Chris Striker set sail for another Ian overbought coal from Turn 2 on “to make event, GM Larry Lingle went with a four-player it more expensive for everyone else”, however, Final. Henry Pfeiffer sank four pirates in his given how much coal he needed compared to quest for a score of 49. Chris Gnech hung in for everyone else, he hurt himself BIG. Totals for 42 points, but ol’ salt Pavy blew his way to 49 the Final were Eric with six plants and a total and his long-sought championship. of $482, with 15 cities powered; Bill with five Ah, let us not forget poor Forrest. He had plants, $491 earned, and 15 cities powered; Jim barely faltered last year and had squeezed his with six plants, $487 earned, and 14 cities pow- way into the semi and Final this ered; Barb with five plants, $499 time only to get off to a rather earned, and 14 cities powered; and slow start. He scored his first point Ian with six plants, $470 earned, on turn 8 of a 12-turn game!!! and 13 cities powered. 38 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Alex Bove, PA Nick Page, ON Winton LeMoine, AZ Matt Peterson, MN Aran Warszawski, IS John Weber, MD O Chris Senhouse, MA Chris Moffa, NJ O Eric Freeman, PA Sceadeau D’Tela, NC O David Platnick, VA O Luke Koleszar, VA

Eric Brosius, MA John Weber, MD 67  2001-2008 164  2002-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Eric Brosius, MA 94 Barb Flaxington, NJ 138 Rod Spade, PA 70 David Platnick, NY 126 L. Dan Hoffman, MD 52 Arthur Field, SC 96 Bryan Reynolds, MD 50 Christian Moffa, NJ 95 John Kerr, VA 50 John Weber, MD 69 Arthur Field, SC 50 Bill Murdock, VA 63 Doug Kaufman, MD 49 Nick Page, ON 60 Eugene Lin, WA 44 Nicholas Anner, NY 60 Raphael Lehrer, MD 54 Alex Bove, PA Alex Bove, PA 42 Nick Page, ON Ian MacInnes, NY 40 Malinda Kyrkos, NY 54

Princes of Florence (POF) Puerto Rico (PRO) here were many close games in the prelimi- t the Final table were two familiar faces, Tnaries. The “bad luck” award went to Winton A2006 champ Chris Moffa and GM John LeMoine. In his first heat, he finished second be- Weber, and two first-timers, Nick Page—the hind Brian Kowal when they both scored 53 Pres- only undefeated player—and Matt Peterson— tige Points but Kowal had more cash. In Winton’s attending his first WBC. In some spirited bid- second heat the scores were 52-52-52-51-49. Win- ding, Nick took the #1 corn seat for 2 VPs, ton, Jason Levine and Cally Perry each had 52 PP, Chris the #4 seat for 1.5, John the #1 seat for 1/2 but Winton fell behind in florins and took third. VP. Matt had won in the semi with the #2 in- Winton’s luck finally changed in the semi, when he digo position, and he was happy to take on the again tying for first in Prestige Points, but had 700 challenge again. John departed from the usual florins left to defeat David Platnick. Settler-Quarry opening and went Builder-Con- Three others who were in the Final for the first struction Hut. Nick took full advantage and time joined Winton, as did last year’s champ, Eric built a strong shipping position, amassing four Freeman. Alex bought the first Jester for 1200 flo- corn plantations supplemented by purchase of rins, and Winton earned the Best Work bonus with the game’s only Harbor. A couple of well-timed a 10 WV Bell Maker in Round 1. In Round 2, Aran Captain plays put Nick into the lead. realized he had built a Laboratory in Round 1 rath- Late in the game, John’s choice to ship in- er than the Library he needed. He built the Library stead of trading, crafting for income with his in Round 2 and contemplated how to recover from Factory or building for more points on his this error. Just as last year, Eric earned several Best Guild Hall proved key. He blocked Nick, who Work bonuses. It was an extremely close game go- had four corn in the warehouse, from the only ing into the final round. Alex bought a Prestige open boat, and froze himself out of the game’s card for 200. Eric won another Best Work, and it last two building phases. Matt made up lost was all down to the Prestige cards. Chris and Win- ground and, a turn later, triggered game end by ton scored 14 PP, and Alex managed to pick up 7 as filling his building display. In the end, it was a result of his late buy, which gave him just enough a narrow win for Nick, who staved off Matt’s points to beat Winton by one. Winton strong finish. Raw scores were Nick 37, Matt 34, ended with an unusually large bank of John 31, Chris (who did not get 900 florins knowing that if he had tak- a large building) 29. Adjusting en just 200 florins less and one Prestige for bids, Nick pulled out the win Point more, he could have won. with only one point to spare. Century Events 39

2008 Results 2008 Results Alex Bove, PA Eve Secunda, MD Winton LeMoine, AZ Chuck Foster, ID Eric Freeman, PA Ron Secunda, MD Greg Thatcher, CA Gary Chamblee, GA O Brad Sherwood, PA Chester Lanham, MD O Jean-Francois Gagne, QC O Donna Balkan, ON

Steve Scott, CA Ron Secunda, MD 145  2000-2008 49  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Tom Dunning, NY 166 Steve Okonski, MD 120 Alex Bove, PA 124 Ron Secunda, MD 101 Joe Jaskiewicz, MD 70 Doug Galullo, FL 80 Winton LeMoine, CA 64 Brian Conlon, OK 74 Steve Scott, CA 43 Mark McCandless, CA 72 Bobbi Warczak, CA 40 Chuck Foster, TX 60 Chris Terrell, VA 40 Ed Wrobel, VA 60 David Rohde, MI 40 Stan Buck, MD 60 Heikki Thoen, QC 60 Alex Bove, PA Michelle Hymowitz, MD 38 Eve Secunda, MD John Reiners, NY 30 Inger Henning, CT 56

Ra (Ra!) Rail Baron (RBN) nly one previous player, Tom Dunning, istory repeated itself this year. In 2006, a Ohad become a two-time champion of Ra in Hhusband and wife (Inger and Harald Hen- its nine-year history at WBC. In 2008, Alex Bove ning) were both seated at the Final. Inger won. joined him. This year, it was husband and wife Ron and Eve The experiment of moving the Tuesday Secunda. Eve won. The two had made it into the heat to Saturday failed as only five newbies ap- semi-final as alternates, replacing two no-show peared to join 27 returnees. The surprise heat players. 1991 champ Chuck Foster managed to was Thursday at 3 PM with 83 participants. win all three of his first round games and his Attendance for the four heats were 12-17-12-7 semi-final, assistant GM Chester Lanham won games respectively. Ten double winners left 38 two first round heats and his semi-final, and winners in the hunt to advance. Only 22 of the Donna Balkan won two first round heats. 38 appeared for the semi-final. A welcome mi- Several players qualified for the Casey Jones nor miracle occurred when only three alternates award: Mike Brophy had the most hostile desti- appeared to make a perfect 25 for the semi. The nations, with 12 out of 21 in Heat 3. Mark Kennel 25th semi-finalist, whose highest finish in any had the highest rate of hostile destinations, with heat was third place, was ranked 94th! (Anyone 10 hostile out of 15 destinations in his semi-final who had at least a second or third with a win- game. On the other end of the spectrum, 1998 ning margin of four points or more would have champ Eyal Mozes managed zero hostile out of made the semi.) 21 destinations in Heat 2. The semi-finalists included three past cham- The top northeastern railroad was the PA, held pions. Alex Bove was the only one to reach the by 12 winners out of 29. Of the next “big four,” win- Final. Eric Freeman advanced by showing the ners held the ATSF most of the time 15, followed highest sun in a dead heat with Jean-Francois by the SP seven, the UP four, and the CRIP four. Gagne who earned 6th place laurels by virtue of The railroad getting the least respect was the IC: his near-miss. Brad Sherwood won his game by It was held by only two winners, followed by the one point over Lyman Moquin. Greg Thatcher T&P, which was held by only three winners. One and Winton Lemoine won by eight last surprise: In the southeast, the SAL was held and 19 points respectively. The Fi- by eight winners, but the nal was a well played game with L&N was held by 12! The Alex Bove prevailing by five points ACL was held by eight, over Winton and six over Eric. and the SOU seven. 40 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Brandon Bernard, PA Brad Johnson, IL Alan Hayes, IL James Kendrick, UK Keith Galbraith, PA Brad Davis, VA O Rob Larkins, PA Ralph Gleaton, SC O Andrew Wilson, NJ O Reikko Brooks, TN O Bram Walzl, VA O Craig Trader, VA

Alan Hayes, IL Marc Houde, VA 36  1999-2008 68  1999-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Rob Lightburn, VA 108 Brad Johnson, IL 192 Steve Dickson, CA 50 Scott Buckwalter, MD 40 Phil Rennert, MD 40 Jeff Cornett, FL 40 Alan Hayes, IL 39 Jeff Ribeiro, NH 40 Brandon Bernard, PA 34 Dan Lawall, VA 39 Keith Galbraith, PA 30 Tamara McGraw, VA 30 Gary Schaefers, PA 30 Bill Navolis, MD 29 Eric Wrobel, VA 30 Rich Shipley, MD 28 Craig Melton, VA 30 Jason Levine, NY 26 Brandon Bernard, PA Brad Johnson, IL James D. Long, PA 26 James Kendrick, UK 24

Risk (RSK) Robo Rally (RRY) o one won twice in the preliminaries. The six rad Johnson acquired his fifth champion- Nfinalists, in order of seeding, were Keith Gal- Bship plaque in the event despite a Final that braith (a 2007 finalist), Rob Larkins, Kevin Broh- offered a plethora of scrap-making, with 18 of Kahn, Bram Walzl, Andrew Wilson, and Brandon 24 robots destroyed over the 25 turns. There Bernard. When Broh-Kahn was a “no-show”, GM were eight options in this game, more than in Alan Hayes rounded out the field for the Final. previous years, likely as a result of the modi- During Round 11 of the Final, Rob brought fied rule system used this year. The board setup his garrisons in Greenland, Alaska and Brazil to had one of the boards from the new edition. On 20 each and passed for the fourth straight turn. these boards, the double wrenches have been When Keith turned in the tenth card set, Brandon replaced by a crossed wrench and hammer. In- urged him to attack Rob, while Rob lobbied for the stead of choosing between repairing two points reverse. Keith split his forces between Kamchatka and collecting an option as with the double and Iceland and conquered most of North Ameri- wrench, a player who stops on the wrench/ ca. Brandon turned in the 11th card set and swept hammer repairs one point AND gets an option. up to Central America, capturing Rob’s four cards. Unfortunately for the rest of the table, Brad That allowed Brandon to turn in the 12th card set managed to pull three options, one of which and attack the Middle East, India, and Siam. Bran- was the mechanical arm, which can be a huge don eliminated about 70 of Alan’s armies, but he advantage to a skilled player (and nobody can couldn’t finish the job, so he ended his turn. deny that Brad is a skilled player). Alan decided the game had gone on long The setup included four crossings of the can- enough, turned in the 13th card set and turned on nery. Brad finished well ahead of everyone else— Keith, attacking China and continuing throughout on Turn 20. Craig Trader and Reiko Brooks lost Asia and Europe and into North America. After their last robots on Turns 23 and 24 respectively. wearing the corners off their dice, it came down to On Turn 25, James Kendrick needed two turns one of Alan’s pieces versus one of Keith’s in West- (seven cards) with an optimal hand to make it to ern US. Alan won the battle, and captured Keith’s the last flag, Ralph Gleaton was physically closer, three cards. Alas, he didn’t have a set but with three locked registers he need- for immediate play, and Brandon did. ed to shut down before he could get the On Round 12. Alan settled for second cards he’d need to finish. Brad Davis place and conceded the game and scored a moral victory by reaching the championship to Brandon. second to last flag on the last turn. Century Events 41

2008 Results 2008 Results Rob Beyma, MD Doug James, NC Jim Eliason, IA Gary Dickson, CA Art Lupinacci, ON George Karahalios,IL O Richard Beyma, MD Bert Schoose, IL O Lembit Tohver, ON O Tom Gregorio, PA O Doug James, NC O Alex Gregorio, PA

Rob Beyma, MD Tom Gregorio, PA 19  2006-2008 27  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Rob Beyma, MD 90 Tom Gregorio, PA 290 Art Lupinacci, ON 48 Doug James, NC 290 Jim Miller, VA 21 Gary Dickson, CA 237 Jim Eliason, IA 18 Rob Beyma, MD 76 Richard Beyma, MD 18 Bert Schoose, IL 75 Craig Champagne, NJ 12 George Karahalios, IL 74 Lembit Tohver, ON 9 Phil Evans, VA 63 Jim Tracy, OH 6 Pat Flory, CT 61 Doug Richards, ON 6 Ed O’Connor, NJ 40 Rob Beyma, MD Doug James, NC Doug James, NC 3 Art Lupinacci, ON 40

Russia Besieged (RBS) Russian Campaign (TRC) or the third consecutive year—the tourna- oug James was back this year and took home Fment’s entire existence at WBC—Rob Beyma Dhis fifth crown. Getting to that win, though, came out on top. In the Final, Jim Eliason opened involved being defeated by Bruno Sinigaglio. the bidding at 18. Rob, who was tired of playing Bruno used his patented powerhouse move of the Germans, wisely kept his mouth shut. The Ger- capturing Moscow in 1941. Onlookers roared mans got off to a good start, killing or trapping 18 when Bruno’s Germans rolled an Exchange result units. A successful Blitzkrieg attack in the center at 1-1 to capture the Russian capital. The look on put a lot of pressure on the Russian defense. The Doug’s face was priceless but, of course, ultimate- Russians failed to block the Lvov gap and the Ger- ly getting the wood would cure that frown. mans drove forward in Jul/Aug, eliminating large In the Final, Gary bid 16 to play the Ger- numbers of Russian units. By the beginning of Sep/ mans. Doug’s Red Army setup aimed to prevent Oct, the game hung in the balance. Jim rolled the the Odessa Overrun. Nevertheless, the opening first of two big weather rolls and got Clear/Clear. German assault killed every defender on first im- Rob was in for a rough turn. His Russians dodged pulse. On second impulse, a few Russian units a bullet when a German invasion to undouble survived in the BMD and WMD. These survivors the Luga was aborted. The Germans set up for an became the foundation of the Russian northern undoubled 2nd Impulse attack on the Luga and defense. The weather was light mud in Septem- swept into Veliki-Luki, Smolensk, and Bryansk. ber/October and Gary used it to good effect, cap- In the south, the Germans eliminated the Odessa turing Sevastopol, Kiev, and Dnepropetrovsk. pocket and captured Kiev with Stuka support. At On the last turn, the Germans needed to capture this point, Rob took a strategic gamble with an al- objectives worth SIX VPs, normally insurmount- ready weak Russian army. The Russians advanced able. Nevertheless, Gary got Minsk and Kharkov, west of Dnepropetrovsk and in the center towards and contested Stalino and threatened Leningrad! Veliki-Luki and Smolensk. The next turn, the Rus- Doug ably responded to all of these threats sians lucked out when winter arrived in Novem- through judicious tactics and some nifty die-roll- ber. They unhinged the Luga in November and, ing. Kharkov remained Russian occupied (11% in December, hit the German defenders in front of chance) and the armored corps that Veliki-Luki and Smolensk. Facing previously captured Minsk managed heavy losses and a rapidly deterio- to capture Brest. Stalino was effi- rating position, Jim conceded at the ciently saved via a frontal 4-1 assault end of Turn 4. on the Germans threatening the city! 42 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Norman Herrick, NE Matt Tolman, UT Cary Morris, NC Tom Dunning, NY Arthur Field, SC Harald Henning, CT Rob Flowers, MD Mikkel Christensen, DK O Robert Cranshaw, RI Sue Lanham, MD O Kevin Brown, GA Nick Henning, CT

Steve Quade, MD Kathy Stroh, PA 106  2005-2008 113  1999-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Anne Norton, NJ 60 Tom Dunning, NY 81 Arthur Field, SC 56 Roy Gibson, MD 66 Chris Robbins, UT 52 Matt Tolman, UT 60 Tom DeMarco, NJ 51 Tom Stokes, NJ 60 Norman Herrick, NE 40 Rob Effinger, ON 60 Tom Browne, PA 38 Aram Warszawski, IS. 60 Peter Staab, PA 38 Charlie Faella, RI 60 Tom McCorry, VA 30 David Buchholz, MI 60 Cary Morris, NC 24 Craig O’Brien, VA 60 Norman Herrick, NE Matt Tolman, UT Joe Harrison, KY 24 David Platnick, VA 60

Saint Petersburg (SPB) Settlers of Catan (SET) he Final board found Rob Flowers, 2005 champ inalists and their semi-final game scores were TArthur Field, Norman Herrick, and Cary Mor- FTom Dunning 10-9-9-7, Harald Henning 10-7- ris in a neck-and-neck race to the last round. Pow- 6-6,Matt Tolman 11-8-7-6, and Mikkel Christensen er cards Mistress of Ceremonies, Judge, and Obser- 10-9-9-9. Only Tom Dunning had previously vatory dared not show their heads until near the earned laurels in the event. end, making things exciting. Arthur took advan- In the Final, Mikkel set up first, placing his tage of an early Gold Smelter upgrade, followed settlement on Grain, Brick and Wool; Matt chose by a Lumber Mill upgrade for Rob to allow easier the Lumber and Ore intersection on the Ore port; money management. Rob also took an early lead in Harald chose Lumber and double Grain; Tom also number of workers for a better edge going into the chose Lumber and double Grain; he then chose building and noble-buying phases. Brick, Lumber and Ore for his City. Harald placed Two-thirds of the way through, Arthur led his City on Brick and double Wool, Matt placed his with four nobles, followed by Rob and Cary on Grain and Wool, and Mikkel chose Wool and with three, and Norman with but one. Seeing double Lumber. On Turn 5, the scores were all tied the pressure of a looming game end, the purchase at 4. On the next turn, Mikkel claimed the Longest of nobles was fast and furious. Rob and Norm in- Road to take the lead. On Turn 8, Matt claimed the creased their nobles to five each, Cary to seven—all Largest Army and Harald took the Longest Road unique, and Arthur to nine—with seven unique. away from Mikkel. That left Harald in the lead The final scores were 84 for Norman, 74 for Cary, with 7, Matt with 6, Hom 5, and Mikkel back at 4. and a tie of 73 for Arthur and Rob. Arthur edged By Turn 14, Tom had taken the lead, with 9 Rob on the tie breaker. points. Harald and Matt were on his heels with 8 In his inaugural WBC outing, GM Steve Quade each. Mikkel was up to 5. On Turn 15, the Develop- performed well. In one heat, he managed to get ment Cards ran out. Mikkel had gotten only five of 52 players checked-in and seated in under seven them, but three were Victory Point cards. Matt had minutes. There were door prizes at each heat and drawn 13 before he found his only VP card. Harald Arthur Field generously supplied actual gifts from had four (one was a VP card) and Tom held the Saint Petersburg to the finalists. As- other two. On the last turn of the sistance from Rodney Bacigalupo, game, Matt built two roads and a Arthur Field, and last year’s GM, Dan settlement to put him over the top. Mathias, was greatly appreciated and Final scores were Matt 10 and Mik- helped to smooth the organization. kel, Harald, and Tom tied for 9. Century Events 43

2008 Results 2008 Results Ken Gutermuth, NC Gerald Lientz, VA Kaarin Engelmann, VA John Shaheen, MA Sam Edelston, CT B. Passacantando, CT Derek Landel, NJ Tim Mossman, MD O Brooks Beyma, MD O Robert Kircher, RI O Sam Brosius, MA O Kevin Keller, MD

Bruce Reiff, OH Doug Schultz, MD 171  1993-2008 24  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Kaarin Engelmann, VA 66 Scott Cornett, FL 162 Derek Landel, NJ 41 Kevin Keller, MD 97 Ted Simmons, NJ 40 Terry Schulz, PA 80 Greg Berry, VA 39 Gerald Lientz, VA 73 Ken Gutermuth, NC 30 Jimmy Fleckenstein, VA 70 Jeff Cornett, FL 30 John Welage, OH 56 Doug Galullo, FL 30 Dennis Nicholson, NY 56 Devin Flawd, PA 30 Lance Ribeiro, NH 52 Mark Guttag, VA 30 Ken Gutermuth, NC Gerald Lientz, VA Doug Schulz, MD 46 Richard Curtain, NY 30 Trevor Bender, CA 32

Slapshot (SLS) Speed Circuit (SCT) lthough 2001 champ Kaarin Engelmann ix different drivers won the qualifying races Agarnered additional laurels and extended Son new tracks—Catalunya, Istanbul, and Mo- her lead in WBC’s hockey hall of fame, it was naco. Three more qualified for the Final with a Ken Gutermuth who squeaked out a victory and second place finish in one of the three heats, and claimed the Slapshot championship. The two WBC the last three finalists qualified with a third place honchos traded players a combined 13 times and finish. Defending champion Terry Schulz, came only drafted twice. For comparison, Derek Landel up a tie-breaker short, ending his title defense. and Brooks Beyma (4th and 5th) drafted a com- Don Tatum and two-time champ Kevin bined 14 times and only traded three times. Keller began the race on the front row after bid- It wasn’t a piece of cake for any of the fi- ding for the pole. Kevin failed to push his start nalists to advance. In the first semi-final game, speed and stalled on the pole. Don sped out to Brooks and Sam Brosius advanced over David the lead and spent a good amount of wear in Meyaard, Jordan Shea, John Ellesworth, Jacob the first lap creating a gap between 1993 champ Hebner and Joe Yaure. In the second, Derek and Chris Hancock and 2003 champ Doug Schulz in Kaarin advanced over Tom Gregorio, the ‘Voice the pursuit group. After one lap, Don continued of Slapshot’ Keith Hunsinger, the sultan of swat to lead; however, while crossing the line com- Andy Latto, and Geoffrey Entwistle. In the third, pleting lap 1, Don broke his acceleration down Ken and Sam Edelston advanced over Louise to 20 mph, putting him out of the race. Strickland, Craig Yope, Bert Calentime, two-time Afterwards, Doug and Jim Fleckenstein champ Leonard Omolecki Jr (who says there fought for the lead. Doug went for the win in isn’t strategy in this game?) and Tom Paruda. the final corner and crashed. Jim and Bruno There were plenty of stories from the pre- Passacantando pulled up right before the final liminaries. In one game, Mike Gentile played 25 corner. Jim took his chance to roll for the win straight games and only won one, but he STILL after Bruno went a safer speed through the cor- made the playoffs. Also at that table, Catherine ner. Jim crashed out and Bruno, forced to avoid and Nathan Paull jointly won the traveling Han- Jim’s crash, spun. 1997 winner Robert Kircher sen Brothers trophy for their great followed Bruno’s bad example. Gerald Lientz outfits and true hockey spirit. Referee managed to avoid the bad Mark Yoshikawa (in costume) escort- luck of the leaders, made that ed several coaches to the penalty box, last corner, and secured his including the GM’s daughter Nicole. second championship. 44 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results  Eric Stranger, OH Nick Page, ON Bill Thomson, TX Rick Sciacca, FL Scott Bramley, NJ Greg Zegalia, PA O Chuck Leonard, PA OKarl Henning, CT O Phil Grasha, PA O John Schoose, IL O Bill Sosnicki, NJ O Larry Lingle, PA

Bill Thomson, TX Buddy Sinigaglio, CO 25  1991-2008 55  2002-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Pete Pollard, CA 156 Larry Lingle, PA 79 Bill Thomson, TX 128 Brian Sutton, MD 48 Eric Stranger, OH 127 Karl Henning, CT 42 David Bronkhorst, VA 86 Buddy Sinigaglio, CO 34 Mike Pacheco, CA 78 Nick Page, ON 30 Andrew Cummins, UK 65 William Sparks, MD 30 Michael Hennessy, VA 30 Alex Bell, MD 30 Michael Day, AZ 27 Phil Rennert, MD 27 Allen Kaplan, NJ 27 Sean McCulloch, OH 25 Eric Stranger, OH Nick Page, ON Chuck Leonard, PA 22 Bill Morse, VA 24

Squad Leader (SQL) Star Wars: Queen’s Gambit (QGB) uring a year when ASL made its WBC exit, ecause the game is out of print, a tie breaker Dthe Squad Leader Series tournament at WBC Bfor making it to the playoff rounds is “bring 2008 saw increases in number of players, games your own game.” In 2008, many players checked (30) and scenarios played (18), relative to recent in for the playoffs with a copy of the game, even years. The parent has outlasted its much bally- though they had not brought one to the prelims. hooed progeny. In 2009, game status will be determined during Key players from the email circuit, including the prelims only. Phil Grasha (3-0) and Bill Sosnicki (2-1), had family In the prelims, David “The Hutt” Gubbay conflicts preventing play in the last round. That left showed up to play in his clothes rather than his the Final in the hands of defending champion Bill underwear. It should be noted, that “The Hutt” Thomson (3-0) leading the Germans in ‘Hitdorf on Gubbay will always be classified as bringing his the Rhine’ versus 1996 champ Eric Stranger’s (2-1) own game, even when he does not, based on the attacking Americans. The green stacks eluded bul- fact that he has been the only Queen’s Gambit play- lets from a 2af-2 attack and a 12af-0 attack to make er nominated for the Sportsmanship Award. swift work of the HIP Germans. Eluding exploding In the Final, “Geonosian Overseer” Nick Page minefields and early capture of the high ground, bested Rick “Rancor” Sciacca in a hard fought Eric’s Americans were able to channel the German contest that could have gone either way. Those reinforcement’s entry into the village. In the ensu- who made it into the playoff rounds, but not to ing firefights, the Americans whittled down the the championship game included “Battle Droid” German effort to decide the game before entry of Bill Morse, two-time champ “Red Queen” Lingle, the German panzers. Rob “Purple Queen” Flowers, 2004 champ Brian Floridian John Sharp, winner of the 2007 Per- “Nute Gunray” Sutton, Alex “Jedi Padawan” Bell, sonal Leader competition, saw his PLC fall in the Jacob “Quigon” Hebner, Paul “Bomarr Monk” first round. (Generally, PLCs had a survival rate Menders, Greg “Zuckuss” Zegalia, Aaron “Mus- of over 40%.) Eric Stranger picked up the Pollard tafarian Flea Rider” Fuegi, 2005 champ Karl “Sith Memorial Plaque for this coup. At the end of Eric’s Witch” Henning, John “Sidious” Schoose, Gino win, SGT Thomson squeeked out a +20 élan to +17 “The Vornskr” Sinigaglio, John “Lobot” Pack, edge to win the 2008 plaque. A and Kerry “Sly Moore” Codoley. missed AFPh bazooka shot versus 2002 champ Buddy Sinigaglio and a loaded German halftrack was defending champ William Sparks the deciding factor. did not get past the preliminaries. Century Events 45

2008 Results 2008 Results  Steve Caler, OH  Rich Moyer, MN Kevin Brown, GA Bill Beckman, SC Luke Koleszar, VA John Welage, OH O Tom McCorry, VA O Bob Menzel, VT O Seth Gunar, NJ O Roderick Lee, CA O Cameron Spaner, MD O Andy Lewis, DE

John McLaughlin, VA Chris Palermo, NY 51  ‘99-’01, ‘05-’08 42  ‘91-’94, ‘96-’08

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Seth Gunar, NJ 66 Rich Moyer, MN 70 Steve Caler, OH 36 Harry Flawd, PA 66 Kevin Brown, GA 30 Chris Palermo, NY 47 Jean Younkin, VA 30 Bill Beckman, SC 40 Devin Flawd, PA 30 Mark Giddings, NY 40 Tim Dolan, NJ 30 Randy Cox, SC 28 Derek Miller, VA 18 Ken Samuel, VA 28 Mike Buccheri, MD 18 Devin Flawd, PA 22 Jim Bell, MD 18 John Welage, OH 20 Steve Caler, OH Rich Moyer, MN Keith MacFarland, NJ 18 Gordon Elgart, CA 20

Stock Car Championship (SCC) Superstar Baseball (SSB) n the WBC 500 (Final) Doug Porterfield (#95) sing the quality points system, Andy Lewis Itook the pole followed by Luke Koleszar (#71 Ufinished first, followed by Mike Lam and Teddy Bear) and Cameron Spaner (#44 Slim Jim). John Welage. Rounding out the eight playoff-el- Tom McCorry was the last qualifier with a provi- igible spots were Bob Menzel, Bill Beckman, Mar- sional in the #32 Tide car. Luke Koleszar grabbed shall Collins, Rich Moyer and Roderick Lee. Just an early lead and held it until the first round of pit missing playoff eligibility were James Terry, Ilan stops on lap 78. John Shaheen (#5 Tony the Tiger) Woll and Harry Flawd, who had sported an im- stayed out of the pits in order to lead a few laps. Er- pressive 11-1 record. The eight teams were seed- nie Chambers (#28 Havoline) did a splash and go ed, with the final order: 1) Beckman (Indians)— and moved up three positions. Although #71 was for the second year in a row, 2) Moyer (Giants); 3) first out of the pits, he never regained the lead. Lewis (Red Sox); 4) Lee (Astros); 5) Menzel (Red Disaster struck on lap 108 when Carol Caler Sox); 6) Welage (Reds). (#99 Dominos) got impatient and crashed, wreck- In the semi-final, Beckman’s Indians proved ing her car in spectacular fashion. Dave Zimmer- they belonged in the top spot, as Bob Feller pitched man (#10 Tide) took control of the race and led no-hit ball for 7-2/3 innings, ending up with a three- until lap 138 by pulling away in the outside lane. hitter and 14 strikeouts. Barry Larkin broke up the The second pit window was on lap 153. Steve Cal- no-hitter, but the Reds were unable to put a run on er (#41) led out of the pits with an 8.9 second pit the board, falling 8-0 to the Tribe. Gaylord Perry of time, while #63 Lysol lost five spots with his 24.3 the Giants also pitched a shutout over the Red Sox. second pit stop. Ernie Chambers (#28) and John Willie Mays led off the Giants’ first at-bat with a Shaheen (#5) chose not to pit, but came up short. monster homer and the Giants never looked back, With 11 laps to go, Cameron Spaner (#44) made a beating the Sox impressively 12-0. The Final was slingshot pass around slow traffic, passed two cars anti-climactic, as the Indians were no competition (#6 and #42), and another slingshot to the outside for the Giants who continued their torrid offensive lane, finally pulling away with Steve Caler (#41) in display with 16 hits and 11 walks, en route to a 14-5 tow. Steve then passed #44 and beat the win. Rich Moyer, who has led three teams to the second place car of Kevin Brown (#9) SSB tournament playoffs (and two to to the finish line on the last turn. Luke the World Series) walked away with Koleszar (#71) rounded out the top his first championship and helped three taking a close third. Steve’s wife lead the St Paul Rejects to Team Tour- Carol (#99) finished in last place. nament victory. 46 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results  Andy Latto, MA John Faella, RI Nick Henning, CT Nico Parauda, NJ Bill Murdock, NY Jamie Tang, MD Anne Norton, NJ Jonathan Izer, MD O Tom Dunning, NY O Eyal Mozes, NY O Jon Gemmell, CT O Chris Goff, MD

Jim Vroom, PA Claire Brosius MA 100  2006-2008 201  2004-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Andy Latto, MA 70 Virginia Colin, VA 64 Anne Norton, NJ 57 John Faelia, RI 60 Raphael Lehrer, MD 32 Daniel Karp, MD 48 Rod Spade, MD 30 Brittany Bernard, PA 40 Rob Kircher, RI 28 Eric Monte, NY 40 Tom DeMarco, NJ 26 Blair Morgen, NJ 40 David Meyaard, CT 24 Donna Davis, PA 36 Nick Henning, CT 18 Nico Parauda, NJ 36 Eric Brosius, MA 18 Robert Cranshaw, RI 36 Andy Latto, MA John Faella, RI Phil Rennert, MD 18 Tom Dunning, NY 32

Thurn & Taxis (T&T) Ticket to Ride (TTR) aurelists from 2007 who made it to the semi- ournament scores fluctuated wildly—from Lfinal were defending champion Andy Latto, T2-165 points. Norm Herrick got the “cour- Tom De Marco, and 2006 champ Anne Norton. age” award for taking ten tickets in his game. Both Andy and Anne advanced to the Final, along Four other folks took nine, with two of them with Nick Henning and Bill Murdock. making eight of their destinations. Risky stuff Nick went first, followed by Anne, Andy, and that, and it didn’t pay off in a first for anyone! Bill. The men went for the all-countries strategy. Defending champ Brittany Bernard gave Andy scored the all-countries bonus first, fol- it her best, but her quest to repeat ended in the lowed by Bill and then Anne, netting them 6, semis. No other laurelist returned either. The five 5, and 4 points, respectively. Nick could not get finalists were Eyal Mozes, Nico Paradua, John Fa- the cards he wanted, using the administrator ella, Jon Izer and Jamie Tang. Nico built the criti- to throw away six cards and deal six new ones cal Houston-New Orleans route and Jamie Tang three times early in the game. He eventually took Nashville-Atlanta. Only Nico, John and Ja- placed houses in every city in Bavaria, the only mie built 6-train sections, leaving the two 6-train player to do so, earning the five point bonus. sections in the south open. Jamie took nine tickets Those who say that the administrator is rarely and completed seven for a score of 123. That total a good move should note that Nick managed to would have won many games, but in the Final it come in second despite the card-cycling. Andy was only good for third. Eyal made two of five ended the game quickly by being the first player tickets for fifth place laurels with a score of 25. to build his seven carriage, ending four points Jon took fourth with a 63 tally on four of five ahead of Nick to defend his championship. tickets. Nico was the close-but-no-cigar runner- Some grumble that Thurn and Taxis is too luck- up making all six of his tickets for a score of 129. dependent, but the consistent performance of the However, John Faella also made all six tickets for top players suggests that skill must play a large part a winning score of 132 and the title. in the game. Not only is there a repeat champion, Original TTR continues to dominate, with Eu- but Anne Norton has now made it to the Final all rope and the 1910 variant coming in second. First- three years, without losing a tournament game to year GM Clair Brosius was grateful for help from any player except two-time cham- Glen Pearce, Virginia Colin, pion Andy Latto. Records like that Anne Norton, Tom DeMarco, in a 100-player event rarely hap- Eric and Cally Perry, Tom De- pen purely by chance. Marco, and Tom McCorry. Century Events 47

2008 Results 2008 Results Bryan Eshleman, NC Eric Freeman, PA John Ellsworth, IL Barb Flaxington, NJ Tom Thornsen, NY Charlie Mitchell, VA Ray Freeman, CA O Greg Thatcher, FL O Bob Hamel, CT O Davyd Field, SC O Rick Sciacca, FL O M. Imbeault, QC

Ray Freeman, CA Dan Broh-Kahn, MD 19  2000-2008 42  2000-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Ray Freeman, CA 157 Arthur Field, SC 107 Jim Winslow, ME 72 Davyd Field, CA 101 Tom Thornsen, NY 70 Barbara Flaxington, NJ 62 Ric Young, NC 61 Harald Henning, CT 60 Brad Jones, FL 57 Kevin Garber, VA 52 Bryan Eshleman, NC 50 Eric Freeman, PA 47 Mike Mishler, CA 36 Jack Jaeger, VA 44 Robert Mull, CO 36 Brian Jones, MD 40 Murray Cowles, UK 32 Jason O’Donnell, OH 30 Bryan Eshleman, NC Eric Freeman, PA Ric Sciacca, FL 19 James Hopkin, CA 24

Tigers in the Mist (TIM) Tikal (TKL) n the Final, Bryan Eshleman’s Allied forces he three semi-final winners, Charlie Idefended against John Ellsworth’s Germans. TMitchell, Eric Freeman and Greg There were few casualties on either side dur- Thatcher, and the closest of the runners- ing the opening moves. John decided to change up, Barb Flaxington—who won in 2003, played tactics and ordered attacks all up and down the in the Final. Taken together, they have well over line. The dice cooperated (for both sides) and the two dozen year’s experience, including several dead piles began filling up. December 20th saw Final forays. a major German effort. They reached the Ourthe In the game, Greg failed to recognize poten- River and attempted to cross, but successful Al- tial thievery of a monument, which, in his own lied bridge demolitions prevented any serious words, cost him any chance for victory. Eric paid breach. Meanwhile, at Bastogne the battle turned a staggering eight points for the right monument extremely bloody, and several units on both sides tile at the right time. (He was able to score twice, were wiped out. On the second impulse, the Ger- easily recovering his investment.) The last scor- mans packed six steps and two supporting artil- ing round started with Greg, Charlie and Barb lery units into the city. The Americans had a sin- struggling to amass as many points as possible gle step remaining, left behind as a roadblock so to prevent Eric from running away with the that other positions could be held more strongly. whole thing, but it was too late. This group of GIs knew how to keep their heads Though Eric was able to “steal” access to the down, and when the dice were cast, all eight Ger- 6 monument that Greg had planned to control man shots missed. An American victory seemed later, doing so cost him protection on the 7 and assured. However, Bryan failed to detect a route 8 monuments he had built next to his centrally- by which a single German unit could reach Nives, placed camp. Greg established a camp and used cutting the last supply line to Bastogne. Starvation 20 APs to steal and cap the 7 temple with his accomplished what the German guns failed to do, leader and one other worker. Barb did the best and the city fell on the last impulse. job of protecting all her investments, which al- With six points in hand, the Germans went lowed her to close in on Eric. In the end, Eric pro- looking for more, but the Allies held. By the mid- tected his dig sites well, making the Action Point dle of the 21st it was clear that cost of obtaining a lead anywhere the Germans had reached their prohibitive. Scores were Greg, 30/85; high water mark. Bryan had won Charlie 34/92; Barb, 38/98 and Eric, for the second year in a row. the winner, 37/101. 48 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results  Jason Ley, WA Aaron Fuegi, MA Robert Masso, NY Ed Rothenheber, MD David Finberg, MA David desJardins, CA Joe Harrison, KY O Jason Ley, WA David des Jardins, CA O Brian Sutton, MD Steve Koleszar, VA O Nick Page, ON

Bruno Wolff, WI Rich Atwater, WA 37  1991-2008 29  1994-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Aaron Fuegi, MA 193 Aaron Fuegi, MA 118 Dave Finberg, MA 169 David des Jardins, CA 101 David des Jardins, CA 140 Brian Sutton, MD 69 Jason Ley, GA 111 Dan Strock, PA 55 Rich Atwater, WA 98 Andrew Gross, WA 49 Brian Sutton, MD 97 Jason Ley, WA 35 Steve Koleszar, VA 84 John Sharp III, FL 32 Kevin Hillock, VA 80 Ed Rothenheber, MD 30 Dan Strock, PA 72 Sean McCulloch, OH 30 Jason Ley, WA Aaron Fuegi, MA Ed Rothenheber, MD 70 David Finberg, MA 30

Titan (TTN) Titan Two-Player (TT2) itans managed upsets in two of the semi-fi- ight of the 11 former champs were on hand Tnal games. In the first, Akihisa Tabei attacked Efor the first round. There were two upsets, Bob Masso with a significant edge, but Bob took a when past champions Dan Strock (2002) and chance with a giant hoping it would live through Sean McCulloch (2007) were ousted by Nick Page 16 50/50 dice and give him two strikes against and Rick Northey, respectively. Mike Rogozin- Akihisa’s 12-die titan and the chance to throw ski outlasted Eric Monte in the longest game of in a second giant. It was a long shot, but things the tournament at 7 hours 50 minutes. Average went his way and Bob advanced. In the second, match length was 2 hours 28 minutes. David desJardins had a significant edge over Joe 1998 champ Ed Rothenheber had one of the Harrison. David kept his titan back while almost more interesting wins of the second round. The everything else in the battle was eliminated. final score was Geoff Pounder 662 to Ed’s 69, but Then he closed his fresh titan on Joe’s heavily what mattered was Ed won the final battle. In the wounded titan. Both were 12-die titans and Joe’s quarter-final, two-time champ Brian Sutton lost to already had nine hits. It took two rounds to kill two-time champion David DesJardins. Ed put 1995 the wounded titan, who dealt a death blow on champ and GM Bruno Wolff out of his misery in David’s titan the same turn. David rolled low on an hour, Jason Ley spent nearly four hours advanc- the roll-off, and Joe advanced. ing past Rick Northey in a remarkably low scoring The last two players standing in the Final were 246 to 108 match, and 2003 champ Aaron Fuegi Bob Masso and Jason Ley. Jason had done well schooled Nick Page in 25 minutes. in the preliminary rounds and had finished with Aaron’s semi-final defeat of Jason lasted only the top seed. However Bob was doing well with 20 minutes and Ed’s defeat of David didn’t run too a colossus in his titan stack. But before he could much longer. The most unusual aspect of the Final get a second colossus, which probably would have was intermittent. Aaron and Ed set up at 11:10 am sealed the victory for him, Jason attacked with and played for 50 minutes, adjourning 4:30, when an archangel and three angels and summoned a they played for another 1-1/2 hours until they fourth angel during the battle. Bob had a seven-die could get back together. They reconvened at 10 pm. titan, colossus, two dragons, unicorn and warlock. Aaron Fuegi prevailed in a final battle, ending 23 While Bob had more meat in his minutes later. The score was Aaron stack, his titan was vulnerable. Ja- 361, Ed 576. Playing time was 2 hours son engaged and killed it to win the 35 minutes; elapsed time to comple- battle and the tournament. tion was just short of 12 hours. Century Events 49

2008 Results 2007 Results Matt Calkins, VA Stefan MeCay, TX Dan Eshleman, NC Rick Young, NC Devin Flawd, PA Phil Rennert, MD O Steve Cameron, PA Paul Sampson, OH O Brooks Beyma, MD Bruce DuBoff, NJ O Greg Thatcher, CA O George Young, VT

Greg Crowe, VA Ananda Gupta, MD 116  1997-2008 54  2006-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Rebecca Hebner, CO 54 Stefan Mecay, TX 260 Alan Witte, NJ 50 Rick Young, NC 80 Joseph Sposito, NJ 40 Marvin Birnbaum, NY 70 Harry Flawd, PA 38 Keith Wixson, NJ 51 Bruce Monnin, OH 38 Chris Withers, CA 51 Kaarin Engelmann, VA 35 Bill Edwards, VA 42 Devin Flawd, PA 32 Stuart Tucker, MD 31 Matt Calkins, VA 30 Bruce Monnin, OH 30 Gerald Lientz, VA 30 John Emery, SC 30 Matt Calkins, VA Stefan MeCay, TX Olin Hentz CT 30 James Terry, NJ 29

Titan: The Arena (TTA) Twilight Struggle (TWS) rom the 33 games in the heats, two players tefan MeCay, two-time defending champion, Fhad two wins each. Play in the semi-finals Scame into the tournament having never lost was markedly quick. Of the five games, only one in WBC live play. The average bid in the tourna- was a blow-out; the others had margins of two ment was up slightly, from 2.3 last year to 2.4, points or less, and one was won on the tiebreak- but the balance of wins was almost exactly 50-50. er. No former laurelists emerged. The opening rounds saw some brilliant play and By the end of the Final’s first round, every surprising upsets. Last year’s fifth-place laurelist creature had a bet on it, but Dan Eshleman’s’s George Seary, fell victim, as did wargameroom. Ranger died, possibly because the others liked com veteran Keith Schoose. Rick Young scored a the prospect of the draw deck lasting awhile. surprise DEFCON quarter-final win over new- Dan suffered another blow when his other first- comer Bruce DuBoff. Paul Sampson’s meticu- round bet (and Matt’s second-round bet), the lous, close-fought semi-final win over veteran Unicorn went off to pasture. At this point, both Chris Withers came down to the treachery of Matt and Brooks had two surviving first-round Aldrich Ames. bets, while Devin and Steve each had one. How- Stefan showed his mettle as always. He ever, when Brooks added a third-round bet to dispatched Phil Rennert and George Young en his second-round bet on the Titan, taking over route to a Final rematch against Rick Young. Ste- control from Steve, everyone decided Titan had fan and Rick have faced one another no earlier to go. The Cyclops, who had made a surprising- than the semi-finals in all three years of the tour- ly long run until this point, was the next to die, nament, so a legendary rivalry may very well taking one of Brooks’ first-round bets with it. be in the making. In the Final, both sides bid Surviving creatures were Devin’s Dragon 3 influence, and Rick received the U.S. by ran- (Dan’s and Matt’s secret bets), Matt’s Hydra, dom draw. He drew seven scoring cards, which Brooks’ Troll (with visible bets from everyone but tipped the VP scale towards Stefan’s Soviets, Matt and secret bets from Devin and Steve), and and he was unable to overcome a lethally-timed Matt’s Warlock (with a secret bet by Brooks). As Quagmire and USSR points in Southeast Asia far as the players knew every one had a chance and Central America. The final to win. The game ended when the blow, which sealed Stefan’s third Hydra reared its heads, allowing consecutive title, was OPEC after Matt to kill the Troll quickly, and Central America scoring for the au- win the game in a landslide. tomatic victory. 50 Century Events

2007 Results 2008 Results Ed Kendrick, UK Charlie Drozd, IL Ralph Gleaton, SC Michael Ussery, MD Richard Irving, CA Andy Gardner, VA Ray Stakenas, WI John Pack, CO O Andrew Maly, MD Mark Booth, VA O John Emery, SC Jim Eliason, IA

Jim Burnett, TN John Sharp, FL 22  1991-2008 36  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists John Emery, SC 158 Dan Henry, IL 272 Bruce Young, SC 141 Andy Gardner, VA 234 Ray Stakenas II, MI 106 Ed Menzel, CA 214 Bruce Wigdor, NJ 68 Michael Kaye, CA 186 Ray Stakenas Sr., MI 46 Charlie Drozd, IL 152 Larry Davidson, CA 46 Alan Applebaum, MA 113 Ed Kendrick, UK 45 Darren Kilfara, UK 110 Paul Wright, PA 40 John Pack, CO 78 Ed Kendrick, UK Jeff Matthews, CA 30 Charlie Drozd, IL Michael Ussery, MD 78 Bari Herman, NJ 26 Joe Dragan, MI 66

Up Front (UPF) Victory in the Pacific (VIP) ive previous champions returned to attempt harlie Drozd went 6-1 over seven Fto recapture past glory; however, there was Crounds to claim the championship no repetition of the virtual sweep by those past wood over the highly competitive field winners in last year’s tournament. All of them which numbered five former champions. suffered at least one defeat in the opening five There were 46 Japanese wins (57%) vs 35 Al- Swiss rounds. Andrew Maly was the lone player lied wins and no ties, making the win ratio closer to post a 5-0 score. 1996 champ Bill Edwards and than last year’s 63% IJN victory level. Bids rose three-time champ Bruce Young, came in at 3-2 slightly—non-zero bid games featured 3.974 but were eliminated by the strength of schedule POC bids, while overall bids averaged 3.827. tie breaker. NT1 games averaged 0.67 POC per bid. Five Five-time champ John Emery, 1995 winner games had a bid which changed the victorious Herbert Gratz, and 2001 champ Bruce Wigdor side to the Allies. reached the elimination round, but their royal Over half of the games (44) had bids of either lineage did them no good, and it was sure a new 4.0 or 4.5 POC. Win rates were 48% and 70%, champion would be admitted to the club. Ralph respectively. There were 13 games with bids of Gleaton, Richard Irving, Ed Kendrick, and Ray 5.0 or 5.5. They still resulted in a majority of IJN Stakenas advanced to the semi-final, where they wins, 75% and 55%. Among the games with bids played Scenario “F” (The Infantry’s Iron Fist). between 2.0 and 3.5 (there were no games with Ralph’s defending and Ed’s attacking Germans bids of 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 POC), IJN win-rates were defeated their Russian opponents. 50%, 100%, 40%, and 57%. Two games had zero In the Final’s Scenario “L” (Outpost Line), POC bid. One of them resulted in an IJN win. Ed’s Americans attacked Ralph’s Germans. In a NT1 games featured two games with 1.0 POC couple of swift moves, Ed established his M-20 bids and one game with a zero POC bid. None in a flanking position against Ralph’s main of them resulted in an IJN win. About a third of group. Ralph suddenly ran out of both Fire cards the games went all eight turns, whereas 15% went to attempt a response with his Mortar and Move seven turns, 20% went six, 17% five, and 12% four. cards to cancel the flank. With a few Five games went three turns or less. swift shots, Ed reduced the flanked Changes for 2009 will include squad to cap a victory. It only took Swiss-Elim and different levels of a little over half a deck—one of the tournament points for different lev- fastest finishes to a Final ever. els of victory, Century Events 51

2008 Results 2008 Results Curt Collins II, PA Jon Lockwood, VA Bruce Bernard, PA Mike Kaye, MD Boaz Gura, NJ Charlie Drozd, IL O Ed Kendrick, UK Rob Drozd, IL O Brian Farrelly, IL O Ewan McNay, CT O Jason Levine, NY O Ed Menzel, CA

: Mark Neale, RI : Vince Meconi, DE 31  2000-2008 50  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Jimmy Fleckenstein, VA 60 Andy Gardner, VA 145 Bruce Bernard, PA 57 Ray Freeman, CA 133 Joe Pabis, VA 57 Pat Richardson, VA 110 Brandon Bernard, PA 45 Darren Kilfara, UK 94 John Charbonneau, NH 40 Ed Menzel, CA 92 Jason Levine, NY 39 Jon Lockwood, VA 79 Paul McCarthy, NY 39 Bruce Monnin, OH 78 Curt Collins II, PA 30 Dennis Nicholson, NY 65 Curt Collins II, PA Mark Neale, RI 30 Jon Lockwood, VA Bruce Reiff, OH 59 Bob Heinzmann, FL 30 Vince Meconi, DE 53

Vinci (VNC) War At Sea (WAS) t was winners only for the Vinci on Lockwood won the championship, add- Itournament. Twelve games deter- Jing the WBC crown to his previous BPA 2001 mined the rightful owner of the wood. PBeM championship, completing the set. Jon There were nine games in the two heats. When blitzed the field with eight straight wins, defeat- one winner declined advance, there were two ing former champ Mike Kaye (5-3), who was semi-final games, with the winners and single playing in the event for the first time since 2001. closest runner-up advancing to a three-player Jon got out in front early and coasted to a ten Final. Since only winners advanced, no one POC victory. He was so dominant that he added could coast and plan to advance as an alter- both Best Allied Player (5-0) and Best Axis Player nate. The three-player Final ensured that ev- (3-0) to his championship wood. eryone at the table would get a prize. The Drozd family had their best showing At semi-final table 1 was Jack Stalica, 2000 ever, with son Charlie in third (4-3) and dad champ Jason Levine, Bruce Bernard—finalist Rob in 4th (4-3). Charlie had won Victory in the in 2005 and 2006 and semi-finalist in 2007, and Pacific earlier in the week, and came up just another 2007 semi-finalist—Ed Kendrick. At short in his bid to win both events in a single semi-final table 2 was 2007 semi-finalist Brian year. Other playoff competitors were Ewan Farrelly, 2007 finalist Brandon Bernard, Boaz McNay in fifth at 4-1, Ed Menzel in sixth at Gura, and Curt Collins II. Rick Dutton earned a 4-2, Scott Beall in seventh at 4-2, and the GM spot in the semi-final round but had a schedul- Vince Meconi in eighth at 3-3. Rob and Charlie ing conflict. If all nine semi-finalists had been Drozd did not play each other at any point, but available there would have been three 3-player the Raszewskis, dad Steve and son Brad, did, semi-final games with only winners advancing in a grudge match that may have had higher The finalists were Bruce Bernard and Boaz stakes than the Final. Rookie of the Year was Gura who each won their semi-final games Brad Raszewski in 14th place. and Curt Collins II with the best second place It might have been expected that the expan- (one point behind Boaz). The final was about sion of the playoffs to eight would increase a play- as close as it could be. Curt and er’s chances of making the playoffs, but no player Bruce were tied, with Boaz just repeated from last year. Only John Pack has man- one point behind. The tie breaker aged to make the playoffs of reverse turn order worked in two years in a row since we Curt’s favor. added a quarter-final. 52 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results Chris Trimmer, TX Joe Beard, AZ Jason Levine, NY Rob Beyma, MD Lyman Moquin, DC Mark Gutfreund, KY  Jacob Hebner, CO O Richard Beyma, MD O John Pack, CO O Don Tatum, MD O K. Wojtaszczyk, NY O Bruno Sinigaglio, AK

: Kevin Wojtaszczyk, NY : Marty Musella, VA 28  2006-2008 21  1991-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists Chris Trimmer, TX 58 Rob Beyma, MD 162 Kevin Wojtaszczyk, NY 44 Marty Musella, VA 122 Phil Rennert, MD 30 John Clarke, FL 73 Jason Levine, NY 24 Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 45 George Young, VT 24 Chuck Stapp, NJ 31 Nick Anner, NY 17 Joe Beard, AZ 30 Lyman Moquin, DC 16 Mark Gutfreund, KY 30 Andy Latto, MA 16 Richard Beyma, MD 27 Jacob Hebner, CO 12 Bill Morse, VA 24 Chris Trimmer, TX Joe Beard, AZ Chris Yaure, PA 12 Forrest Pafenberg, VA 18

War of the Ring (WOR) Waterloo (WAT) he One Ring was at the cusp of Mount idespread use of the ten-sided die TDoom, when Chris Trimmer’s Sauron WCombat Results Table (CRT) has re- armies dominated Middle Earth. Poor sulted in shorter games, a quicker tempo Sam and Frodo were captured, which ended the of play, and added uncertainty regarding estab- Middle Earth Pre-Con with Sauron’s forces once lished defensive tactics. The new CRT provides again victorious against the Free Peoples! opportunities for challengers to test the play of Out of 40 games played, 11 used the basic established masters. This year two relative new- game rules and 29 the added expansion rules. The comers competed against two masters in the semi- Dwarven Rings bidding appeared to balance the final with Richard “Beyma the Younger” versus game, with the majority of the bids giving the Free Rob “Beyma the Elder” and Mark “The Warrior” Peoples from one to five rings. Many interesting Gutfreund versus Joe “The Surgeon” Beard, who things happened during the tourney. Christopher arrived at the GrognardCon pre-convention after Yaure gets a nod for Musterings of a Long-Planned a nine-year hiatus. In the first game, there was a War, being involved in two epic length games, last- psychological twist to side selection. Richard bid ing 16 and 17 turns, respectively, that pushed the 13 factors to play the PAA, anticipating his father’s four-hour time limit. Most games fell in the nine- to attempts to bid higher. When Rob only bid 2, Rich- 14-turn range and finished in three hours or less. ard got to play his preferred side, but it came at an John Pack was a Ranger of the North. His Northern elevated cost. Rob had to pull all of his best strat- army took heavy losses on a Dol Guldur siege but egy and tactics out of the playbook to overcome still managed to oust the Orcs for a Moria/Dol Gul- his son’s determined defense. In the other game, dur FP Military victory. Sean Vassey waged some the Surgeon gave The Warrior his choice of sides, Rohan guerilla warfare after losing Aragorn and and Mark chose the PAA. In the end, the Warrior Boromir in a Minas Tirth siege. Ahmet Ilpars fi- died heroically at the hands of French lancers com- nally ousted the Rohan militants for an SP military manding the final Prussian rear-guard and The victory. Eric Brosius raced to a hidden five-move Surgeon rode victoriously into Brussels. FSP start only to see the Hunt tiles turn and cor- A “Clash of the (Waterloo) Titans” lay in store rupt Frodo. Chris Trimmer needed an for the Final, but Rob couldn’t play Isildur’s Bane 3 tile pull plus a double because he was locked into the Russia Eye draw (one skipped with Mithil Besieged Final (his team game, which Coat) to seal the Fellowship’s path to he won). The championship went to the dark side in Mordor in Round 3. Joe. We hope to see him back in 2009! Century Events 53

2008 Results 2008 Results Brian Mountford, NY Henry Russell, PA George Young, VT Ed Rothenheber, MD Keith Wixson, NJ Peter Reese, VA P. Burgin-Young, VT O Nick Frydas, UK O Paul Gaberson, PA O Ahmet Ilpars, TU O Joe Collinson, MD O Jesse Boomer, KS

George Young, VT Mark McLaughlin, CT 38  1994-2008 20  2006-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists George Young, VT 220 Peter Reese, VA 48 Marvin Birnbaum, NY 179 Ed Rothenheber, MD 48 Paul Gaberson, PA 170 Henry Russell, PA 30 Brian Mountford, NY 170 David Gantt, SC 30 James Pei, TX 118 Rob Mull, CO 12 John Poniske, PA 88 Robert Vollman, AB 12 Dan Leader, MA 60 Nick Frydas, UK 9 Keith Wixson, NJ 50 Rob Olsson, MD 9 Chris Byrd, CT 40 Melvin Casselberry, PA 9 Brian Mountford, NY Henry Russell, PA Bill Peeck, NY 36 Robert March, CA 9

We the People (WTP) Wellington (WLL) ive new recruits took part in the Coached n the ten games played during two FDivision: four Continentals and one British Iheats, a semi-final, and a Final, wins Regular—Nick Smith who visits annually from were split down the line with five across the pond. The Minuteman Militia Award, French and five Allied victories. Of those, the presented to the surviving player of the Coached French South won two, French North three, Brit- Division, went to Tod Whitehurst. Relative new- ain three and Spain two. Pete Reese has made the comer Ray Freeman received the Valley Forge Final all three years and has yet to win. Award for demonstrating remarkable fortitude Two of those games were particularly close, and commitment by continuing the struggle de- one coming down to a half-point difference be- spite outrageous fortune and disappointing de- tween the two sides in a game that went the dis- feat. Ray competed in all four Swiss rounds, earn- tance all the way to the end of 1814. There were ing a 1-2-1 record. Three of his four opponents three runaway victories, including a rare libera- were laurelists, including eventual tournament tion of Spain and an even more rare conquest of victor 2000 and 2001 champ Brian Mountford. Portugal. The Portugal feat was orchestrated by In the Final, three-time champ George Young Ed Rothenburg setting it up for his ally Henry bid 3 to take the Americans but was trumped Russell to complete and claim the victory. They by Brian’s +4 strategy. The game opened with gained that conquest in the middle of the first the traditional flurry of PC placements. By the turn, earning that contest the prize for shortest end of 1775, aided by the extra PCs and a Minor Wellington game of any convention. Campaign, the British had taken the upper Hud- Adapted from The Napoleonic Wars, this se- son Valley and isolated and removed the Ameri- quel covers the campaigns in Spain and Portu- can presence in New Hampshire and Falmouth. gual between 1812 and 1814 where Wellington That was to be the high tide position of the game distinguished himself before his big date at Wa- for the British. In 1776, the British were forced to terloo. The game is shorter and simpler than its play the Declaration of Independence and make predecessor due to the lack of diplomatic and three discard actions, while Brian had naval elements. Play is more battle a nine-card hand and only had to oriented. The four players play in discard one. It didn’t get much better two teams, yet ultimately, only one of throughout. When George opened his the four can win. Although the event 1781 hand and saw another fistful of didn’t make the cut for Century in discards, he resigned. 2009, it will be back as a trial event. 54 Century Events

2008 Results 2008 Results James Pei, VA Jason Levine, NY George Young, VT Craig Fox, PA Paul Gaberson, PA Jennifer Drozd, IL Don Chappell, TX O Gerald Lientz, VA Bill Edwards, VA O Ken Gutermuth, NC O P. Burgin-Young, VT O Rachel Harley, VA

Keith Wixson, NJ Ken Gutermuth, TX 27  2002-2008 34  1992-2008

Top Laurelists Top Laurelists James Pei, TX 244 Ken Gutermuth, TX 97 Keith Wixson, NJ 150 John Welage, OH 66 Ron Fedin, PA 141 Dave Steiner, DE 62 Paul Gaberson, PA 130 Bruce Reiff, OH 59 Peter Reese, VA 111 Robert Drozd, IL 48 Tom Drueding, MA 98 Stuart Tucker, MD 47 George Young, VT 91 Jason Levine, NY 45 John Buse, IL 75 Jim Bell, MD 24 Rob Winslow, NY 70 Jeff August, VA 24 James Pei, VA Jason Levine, NY Bruce Wigdor, NJ 48 Gerald Lientz, VA 21

Wilderness War (WNW) Win, Place & Show (WPS) op seed, 2004 champion James “The Master” or the second year in a row, the finalists unani- TPei, became the second two-time winner in Fmously agreed to use the race cards produced the event’s history. Pei went undefeated, beating by Stuart Tucker for Avalon Hill’s General maga- Randy Pippus, Chris Senhouse, Michael Ussery zine. The Big Board race card featured jockeys and Bill Edwards in the preliminary rounds, Don crafted by Ellen Hoam. They depicted former Chappell in the semi-final and George Young in champions, including Bruce “Hawaiian Shirt” the championship game. Young was also unde- Reiff, Ken “Texan” Gutermuth, Dave “The- Car feated entering the Final, having defeated Frank rot” Steiner, Rob “Businessman” Drozd, Stuart Mestre, Jason White, Philip Burgin-Young (his “The Mona Lisa” Tucker, John “The Beer Man” son) and defending champ Paul Gaberson twice. Welage, and Dennis” Wild Hair” Nicholson. The Pei-Young championship game was a rematch Three familiar faces—two-time champ Ken of the recent PBeM Tournament championship Gutermuth and perennial finalists Jason Levine game which had only concluded with a Pei victory and Gerald Lientz—joined Jennifer Drozd, Rachel a week before WBC. Harley, and newcomer Craig Fox. Jason got out to Half of last year’s laurelists made it into the a fast start in the first three races and threatened top six again, and three of this year’s four semi- to run away with his first championship. In the finalists were repeats. That was something of a fourth race, it was obvious that Jason had bet on his break with the tournament’s tradition of a com- own horse. It appeared that a concerted effort on plete or near complete turnover of the laurelists the straight away would box in Jason’s horse, but from year to year. The Top New Player Award the last horse before his—run by Rachel—freed up went to Senhouse who defeated 2006 champ and the lane to let Jason’s horse pass. Jason won the race GM Keith Wixson and Grant LaDue, the second and continued to build his lead. Craig ran his horse and sixth seeds respectively. to a win in the fifth race to keep within striking dis- The French won 67% of the games played, up tance, though still $50K behind. The sixth race saw 6% from 2007. French dominance is finally being wild bets placed in an effort to catch Jason. They embraced by the players. The average almost paid off. Gerald, Jennifer, and Craig reaped bid to play the French shot up to 1.35 large payouts, but they were not enough to make VPs from 1.02 VPs in 2007. up the difference. Final scores In 2009, the event will eliminate were Jason $168K, Craig 147.5K, the quarter-final in favor of four swiss Jennifer $146K, Gerald $142.5K, and two SE rounds. Ken $48.5K, and Rachel $46.5K. Century Events 55

2008 Results BPA PBeM Tournaments Chris Goldfarb, OR Greg Wilson, NJ and Mini-Conventions Bruce Harper, BC The big event runs an entire week—Mon- Randy Scheers, TX day through Sunday—and begins on Aug. 3, Rob Carl, MD 2009, but you don’t have to suffer while wait- Don Stanley, SK ing. You can scratch your gaming itch at play- by-e-mail tournaments and any of these fine Mike Crowe, VA BPA gaming mini-cons. They offer outstanding 24  1992-2008 competition, the opportunity to earn laurels and a chance to improve your gaming perfor- Top Laurelists mance—not to mention, time to have fun! Get Jason Moore, NY 156 more details about any of this gaming—as well Greg Wilson, NJ 96 as past results—at www.boardgamers.org. Bill Moodey, PA 96 Eric Thobaben, MI 72 Aug. 1-2, 2009 • WBC Pre-Cons Herbert Gratz, AA 66 Bruce Harper, BC 61 Lancaster Host Resort, Lancaster, PA Chris Goldfarb, OR 60 So many games, so little time. WBC offers a few Vic Hogen, CA 60 events for early play without distractions, from Randy Scheers, TX 54 Chris Goldfarb, OR Brock Heathcote, AZ 48 wargames to Euros. Play in Grognardcon and Omens on Saturday. Guns of August, Middle Earth, and Through the Ages will be on Sunday. World At War (WAW) ix full campaign games were completed dur- Nov. 12-15, 2009 • EuroQuest VII Sing the tourney. All made it to early or mid- Holiday Inn, Timonium, MD 1945. Three matches played to completion in Tournaments for popular Euro games, open Europe. Two matches played to completion in gaming, plus a wild-card event and a hot new the Pacific. The games resulted in three ties, two Euro title from Essen. Axis victories, and one Allied victory. The most convincing Axis victory was a successful inva- Jan. 28-31, 2010 sion of Britain. The other resulted from a failed invasion of Britain, followed by an invasion of Winter Activation Meeting (WAM) VIII Spain, conquest of Gibraltar, and 1942 invasion Holiday Inn, Timonium, MD of Russia. Two games tried a traditional Bar- Four days of two-player card-driven wargames: barossa. Both were ties overall, but the Axis lost Paths of Glory, Twilight Struggle, and more. in Europe. This was the first convention without - Ber March 26-28, 2010 chtesgaden as a potential Axis redoubt. In the Enlightenment XIII high tech arena, jets were the most popular proj- Holiday Inn, Timonium, MD ect for Germany, but advanced subs made an Four rounds of Age of Renaissance and appearance in two games as well. Both projects Manifest Destiny over three full days. now require fewer research points, but appear later and in lower quantity. The atomic bomb was key for the Allies in two games. In one, Ger- PBeM Tournaments many stopped an attempted atomic bomb drop, Year-round events for selected games, including and Japan stopped two, although it eventually 1960: The Making of the President, Adel Verpflichtet, succumbed to an invasion aided by a tactical Age of Renaissance, Amun Re, Breakout: Normandy, nuke. The end result was a tie. In another game, For the People, Empire of the Sun, Gettysburg ‘88, the Allies used two bombs to advance in France, Here I Stand, Manifest Destiny, March Madness, and would have dropped enough Monty’s Gamble, Panzergruppe Guderian, Paths of on Germany by Winter 1945 to Glory, The Russian Campaign, Saratoga, Shifting ensure an overall tie. In the same Sands, Sword of Rome, Twilight Struggle, Victory in game, there was a failed bomb drop on Japan in Fall 1944. the Pacific, War at Sea,and We the People. 56 2008 Trial Events

To read after-action reports, visit www.boardgamers.org/yearbook08.

1776 (776) 1960 (960) 17  1993-2008 55  2008  Steve Packwood, MN  Chris Byrd, CT O Robert Frisby, VA O Chris Withers, CA O Chuck Leonard, PA O Jean Francois Gagne, QC O Matt Burkins, MD O Keith Schoose, CA O Greg Smith, FL O Phil Rennert, MD O Frank Sinigaglio, NJ O Raphael Lehrer, MD Matthew Burkins, MD AGreg Schmittgens, KS

Ace of Aces (AOA) ASL Starter Kit (ASK) 29  2004-2008 13  2004-2008  George Deutsch, MD  Pete Pollard, TN O Grant LaDue, NY O Jonathan Squibb, PA O Chris Villeneuve, MI O Dan Leader, MA O Craig Yope, MI O Andres Dunn, MD O Richard Irving, CA O Gary Phillips, FL O David Zande, MI O John Vasilakos, VA Doug Porterfield, VA Perry Cocke, MD

Age of Empires III (AE3) Agricola (AGR) 33  2008 48  2008  Evan Davis, IN  Rob Kircher, RI O Jacob Hebner, CO O David Platnick, VA O Alex Gregorio, PA O Rodney Bacigalupo, MD O Bill Morgal, MD O Jeff Bowers, UT O Kaarin Engelmann, VA O Joshua Cooper, MD O Doug Mercer, MD O Mike Kaltman, PA Karsten Engelmann, VA Tom McCorry, VA

Amazing Space Venture (ASV) Athens & Sparta (A&S) 27  2008 13  2008  Roger Knowles, OH  Fred Bauer, VA O Bob Menzel, VT O Phil Rennert, MD O Connor Davis, MD O Harvey Harmon, NJ O Barry Shutt, PA O Michael Dauer, TX O Brandon Bernard, PA O Brian Mountford, NY O Mike Davis, MD O Dave Metzger, NY Steve LeShay, DE Jeff Cornett, FL 2008 Trial Events 57

To read after-action reports, visit www.boardgamers.org/yearbook08.

Battleline (BAT) Candidate (CDT) 45  2001-2008 11  1992-2001, 2008  Bruce Reiff, OH  Bruce Reiff, OH O Kate Taillon, SC O Leonard Omolecki, PA O Chris Yaure, PA O Peter Staab, PA O Austin Walzl, VA O Jason Levine, NY O Eric Kleist, MD O Mark Love, MD O David Burkey, PA O -

Bruce Reiff, OH Jeff Mullet, OH

Clash for a Continent (CFC) Conquest of Paradise (CQP) 21  2005-2008 19  2008  Ted Drozd, IL  Mark McCandless, LA O Stan Hilinski, MD O Ed Beach, MD O Bill Morgal, MD O David Cross, VA O Matt O’Connor, NJ O Alan Sudy, VA O Philip Yaure, PA O Jack Stalica, ON O Grant Wylie, VA O Daniel Pappas, MD Grant Wylie, VA Kevin McPartland, MD

Crusader Rex (CRX) Cuba (CUB) 16  2007-2008 20  2008  Joe Pabis, VA  Nick Palmer, UK O Scott Moll, VA O Mike Kaltman, PA O Fred Bauer, VA O Michael Sosa, FL O Michael Dauer, TX O Kevin Brown, GA O James Miller, VA O Stan Hilinski, MD O Wesley Chapman, IN O Bruce Bernard, PA Ric Manns, IN Michelle Hymowitz, MD

Die Macher (DIM) Downfall of Pompeii (POM) 17  2003-2008 21  2008  Chris Trimmer, TX  Jonathan Squibb, PA O Steve Simmons, NJ O Larry Lingle, PA O Jim Castonguay, PA O Dan Hoffman, NC O Tom Browne, PA O John Ellsworth, IL O John Weber, MD O Rick Kirchner, KY O Tom DeMarco, NJ O Steve Shambeda, PA

Steve Simmons, NJ Larry Lingle, PA 58 2008 Trial Events

To read after-action reports, visit www.boardgamers.org/yearbook08.

Elchfest (ELC) Empire of the Sun (EOS) 64  2001-2008 11  2005-2008  Dave Meyaard, CT  Dennis Culhane, PA O Jon Gemmell, CT O Mark Popofsky, DC O Dan Dolan Sr, NJ O Pablo Garcia, CH O Andres Dunn, MD O Paul Gaberson, PA O Rebecca Hebner, CA O Bob Heinzmann, FL O Bruce Monnin, OH O - Dan Dolan Jr., NJ Mark Herman, MD

Euphrat & Tigris (E&T) Fast Action: Bulge (FAB) 43  1999-2008 25  2008  Alfred Smith, NC  Bob Heinzmann, FL O Jeff Cornett, FL O Scott Moll, VA O Craig Moffitt, NJ O Kevin Garber, VA O Rob Kilroy, PA O Grant LaDue, NY O Aaron Fuegi, MA O Jack Stalica, ON O Matt Calkins, VA O Stu Hendrickson, VA Craig Moffitt, NJ Rick Young, NC

Hamburgum (HBG) Hammer of the Scots (HOS) 19  2008 23  2003-2008  Chris Trimmer, TX  George Seary, NY O David Burkey, PA O Lyman Moquin, DC O Joshua Ostrander, NY O Joe Pabis, VA O Luke Koleszar, VA O Phil Rennert, MD O Dan Hoffman, NC O Steve Lollis, MD O Steve Cameron, PA O Mike Dauer, TX Chris Trimmer, TX Lyman Moquin, DC

Ivanhoe (IVH) Kaiser’s Pirates (KPR) 69  2001-02, ‘05-’06, ‘08 41  2007-2008  Andy Latto, MA  Phil Barcafer, PA O John Ellsworth, IL O Joel Tamburo, IL O Ed Beach, MD O Stan Buck, MD O Donna Balkan, ON O Rob Winslow, NY O Bobbi Warczak, CA O John Emery, SC O Forrest Speck, MD O Bruce Young, SC Jeff Senley, PA Jim Day, MD 2008 Trial Events 59

To read after-action reports, visit www.boardgamers.org/yearbook08.

Manoeuvre (MAN) Monty’s Gamble (MGM) 57  2008 14  2003-2008  Chris Byrd, CT  David Long, NC O John Miklos, GA O Andrew Cummins, UK O Scott Moll, VA O Jim Eliason, IA O Mark Giddings, NY O Ken Dunn, MD O Marc Berenbach, MA O Mark Gutfreund, KY O Bob Heinzmann, FL O Tod Whitehurst, VA

Andy Lewis, DE Dave Long, NC

Mystery of Abbey (MOA) Notre Dame (NTD) 46  2003-2008 47  2008  Chuck Halberstadt, IN  David Platnick, VA O Josh Githens, SC O Cary Morris, NC O Gene Pappas, MD O Geoffrey Pounder, ON O Alexandra Henning, CT O Nick Page, ON O Allyson Field, SC O Robb Effinger, ON O Chris Yaure, PA O Greg Crowe, VA Ellen Hoam, OH Jim Vroom, PA

Nuclear War (NUC) Pro Golf (PGF) 25  2008 67  1994-2008  Blair Morgen, NJ  Brian Farrelly, IL O Scott Beall, OR O Rod Weaver, PA O Bill Peeck, NY O John Coussis, IL O David Weinstein, NY O Keith Hunsinger, OH O Paul Camina, NJ O Charles Drozd, IL O Gary Schaefers, PA O Nick Kramer, PA Rick Loomis, AZ Bruce Monnin, OH

Race for the Galaxy (RFG) Republic of Rome (ROR) 103  2008 14  1991-2008  Robert Renaud, NJ Chris Bartiromo, NJ O Aaron Fuegi, MA O Chris Greenfield, NY O Rob Kircher, RI O Kevin Barry, PA O Ben Stephenson, MD O Sean Larsen, NJ O Raphael Lehrer, MD O Steve Bachman, NY O Lyman Moquin, DC O Matt Miller, NJ Winton LeMoine, CA Sean Larsen, NJ 60 2008 Trial Events

To read after-action reports, visit www.boardgamers.org/yearbook08.

San Juan (SJN) Santa Fe Rails (SFR) 44  2004-2008 43  2003-2008  Tom Browne, PA  Kevin Wojtaszczyk, NY O Eric Freeman, PA O Phillip White, MD O Jason Levine, NY O Bob Wicks, CT O Debbie Gutermuth, NC O Ken Rothstein, NY O Jeff Mullet, OH O Laurel Stokes, NJ O Eric Brosius, MA O Steve Cuyler, NY Jeff Mullet, OH Rob Kircher, RI

Shogun (SHG) Successors (SUC) 20  2008 12  1998-2008  John Emery, SC  Doug Smith, PA O Bruce Hodgins, ON O Dan Dolan Jr, NJ O Pete Pollard, TN O Rob Seulowitz, NY O Craig Moffitt, NJ O Ahmet Ilpars, TU O Arthur Field, SC O Francis Czawlytko, MD O Greg Thatcher, CA O Craig Melton, VA Eric Freeman, MD Rob Seulowitz, NY

Through The Ages (AGE) TransAmerica (TAM) 39  2008 56  2004, 2006-2008  Jason Ley, WA  Laurel Stokes, NJ O David Metzger, NY O April Gardner, VA O Eric Brosius, MA O Matt Calkins, VA O Raphael Lehrer, MD O Virginia Colin, VA O David des Jardins, CA O Janet Ottey, PA O Aran Warszawski, IS O Daniel Ottey, PA Raphael Lehrer, MD Lisa Gutermuth, TX

Union Pacific (UNP) Vegas Showdown (VSD) 32  2000-2008 56  2008  Paul Bolduc, FL  Andrew Gerb, MD O Fred Minard, PA O Sceadeau D’Tela, NC O Max Jamelli, PA O Kevin Brown, GA O Cliff Ackman, PA O Robb Effinger, ON O Tom Johnston, IL O Chris Robbins, UT O Steve Shambeda, PA O Anne Murphy, MA Joe Lux, NY John Weber, MD 2008 Trial Events 61

To read after-action reports, visit www.boardgamers.org/yearbook08.

War of 1812 (812) Waterloo: Fate of France (WFF) 12  1999-2008 9  2008  David Metzger, NY  Rob Beyma, MD O Mark Miklos, GA O Allen Kaplan, NJ O Rob Doane, MA O Chris Orszak, CT O James Miller, VA O Richard Beyma, MD O Brad Raszewski, MD O - O Wesley Chapman, IN O - Frank Cunliffe, PA Richard Beyma, MD

Winds of Plunder (WPL) Wooden Ships (WSM) 16  2008 16  1991-2008  James Tyne, NJ  Evan Hitchings, DE O Danielle Zack, MD O Dale Long, NC O Ryan Myslinski, NJ O Rob Doane, MA O John Ellsworth, IL O Tim Hitchings, DE O Chris LeFevre, AZ O Katherine Hitchings, DE O Forrest Speck, MD O Keira Herzfeld, DE Chris LeFevre, AZ Tim Hitchings, DE

Year of the Dragon (YOD) WBC 2008 Vendors   25 2008 Our vendors help make the WBC possible.  Rod Spade, PA We encourage you to support them. O Rob Effinger, ON Against the Odds O Robert Kircher, RI Belle & Blade War Video O Tom McCorry, VA Clash of Arms O Jessica Crandell, FL Columbia Games O Geoffrey Pounder, ON Decision Games Keith Levy, MD Flying Buffalo GMT Games Harmony House Hobbies L2 Design Group Yspahan (YSP) Lock ‘N Load 42  2008 Lost Battalion Games  Nate Hoam, OH Mayfair Games O JR Tracy, NY Multiman Publishing Our Game Table O Scot Palenshus, OH Rio Grande Games O Chris Trimmer, TX SherCo Games O Paul Bean, MA THe GAMe PLACe O Matt Peterson, MN Worthington Games Jeff Mullet, OH Z-Man Games 62 Juniors Events

12 20 10 16

Matt Leader, 12 Jaclyn Sands, 12 Jordan Shea, 11 Lissa Rennert, 11

32 17 16 20

Joanna Melton

Thomas Melton, 9 Rebecca Melton, 12 Brian Sherwood, 11 Ben Gardner, 12

19 18 19 11

James Confoy, 8 Thomas Melton, 9 David Rennert, 12 Virginia Melton, 12

15 17 17 17

Jordan Shea, 11 Rebecca Melton, 12 Rebecca Melton, 12 Jaclyn Sands, 12

11 20 12 12

Rebecca Melton, 12 Jordan Shea, 11 Brian Pappas, 11 Matt Leader, 12 Teen Events 63

 14 WBC 2009 Logistics t’s easier than ever to get to WBC this Iyear. Cape Air (flycapeair.com) offers five round-trip flights daily between Lan- caster and BWI airports for $50 each way. Cape Air has ticket and baggage agree- ments with most major airlines. The hotel David Pack offers its guests complimentary Shuttle Service to and from the Lancaster (LNS) airport. It must be booked in advance. 11 For additional transportation details, see boardgamers.org/hotellan.htm. All WBC events take place at the Lan- caster Host Resort, 2300 Lincoln High- way East (Route 30), Lancaster, PA (lan- casterhost.com). $99/night, plus 11% tax. One night’s deposit, $109.89, which will be credited to the guest’s last scheduled night of stay, is required with each reservation. It is possible to cancel 30 days prior to arrival at no penalty, but any reservations Natalie Beach canceled after 30 days prior to arrival will forfeit one night’s deposit. In addition, there are a number of convenient hotels at every price range within walking distance. BPA has negotiated favorable group 9 rates with the following hotels which offer especially good value for the budget conscious with free breakfast packages. However, WBC occurs during the tourist season and sellouts are common so make your res- ervations early. Cancellation policies are more lenient than at the Host. The walk to the Host is short, but it crosses a busy highway. The Continental Inn is directly across the street from the Host. The amenities include indoor and outdoor pools and jacuzzi, remote, color cable tv, free wireless internet, refrigerators, coffee makers, and more. A complete, complimentary hot breakfast is included to start your day. Pam Gutermuth The special WBC rate is $94 per day plus 11% tax per single thru quad occuancy with 1 King or 2 Double Beds. Rollaways beds, if requested, $7 additional. A three-night minimum stay is required for this special 8 group rate. One night’s deposit will be required upon booking. The de- posit is refundable up until 48 hours prior to arrival. Phone 717-299- 0421 to make your reservation or email [email protected] for a callback by the reservationist. Alternatively, you may book on line at continentalinn.com at the regular rates and identify yourself in the com- ments as claiming the WBC rate, providing you are booking the three- night minimum stay. This offer is valid until July 11 or our room block sells out, whichever occurs first. Special Event The Red Roof Inn is across the street and a short walk away from the Host, next to some excellent restaurants. The amenities include an outdoor pool, a free Deluxe Continental breakfast, complimentary USA 15 Today newspaper, free local phone calls, wireless internet, and voice- mail, Cable TV with HBO, microwave and mini-fridge in every room, and discounts at the aforementioned restaurants. The special WBC rate is $89.95 per night plus 11% tax per single thru quad occuancy with 1 King or 2 Double Beds. No deposit is required, but the reservation must be confirmed with a valid credit card. Any reservation that is not canceled by 3 pm on the date of arrival will automatically be charged for one night’s stay. Call 866-225-2066 toll free to make your reserva- tion. This offer is valid until June 1 or our room block sells out, which- Michael Wojtaszczyk ever occurs first. 64 Team Champions

John Pack, CO Steve Packwood, MN Mike Backstrom, MN Rich Moyer, MN Victory in the Pacific • 3 1776 • 7 Settlers of Catan • 0 Superstar Baseball • 9

hree-time defending champion Nest of capper. Despite the record field of 90 teams, 14 TSpies, a coalition of card-driven wargamers of his top 25 picks (56%) made the Top 25—up from four different states reinforced their team 4% from 2007. with Chris Byrd in 2008. On paper, it was their Buoyed by a record-breaking field of 90 strongest team ever and an overwhelming favor- teams, scoring was up considerably with the ite, with 25-1 odds to continue their dominance points needed to break into the Top 25 up four of the Team Tournament. However, they hadn’t points. The other side of that coin saw 30 teams counted on Riku Reikkinen of Finland, who shutout—an even third of the field. The high- snatched victory from their outstretched hands est ranked squad to post nothing but goose in the Final of Paths of Glory and For the People, eggs, and thereby earn the 2008 title for Most costing them 10 points. The latter win was espe- Overrated, was Galaxy Quest at 65-1, which cially noteworthy, as it ended a seven-year reign had been the 29th ranked team. However, the of terror by Master Pei in his specialty. Greenville Mafia’s third-rankedFamine squad Thus humbled, the mighty Nest fell to 8th at 37-1 was the highest ranked team to fall out place. They were replaced by the St Paul’s of the Top 25. Rejects—no slouches themselves—fifth ranked No other teams were able to join the James at 41-1 odds. The team, with its roots in Min- Gang in scoring across the board at every posi- nesota, included Steve Packwood, who won his tion although the Greenville Mafia’sWar squad sixth straight 1776 title and 12th overall. But the came closest. David Gantt came up one player points that put them in contention came from short in Acquire, which kept him from scoring Rich Moyer, whose first win in Superstar Base- and giving his team sixth place. ball yielded nine big points. John Pack’s steadily The Wonder Women team won the Misery improving Victory in the Pacific prowess netted Loves Company title with 484 entrants for an three more points to put them over the top and average of 122 entrants per event. On the oppo- edge The James Gang by a single point. site end of the scale, claiming the Big Fish in the The latter team, ranked seventh at 43-1, and Small Pond title was The James Gang, with a composed entirely of traditional hex wargam- total of 103 total entrants, averaging fewer than ers, scored at every position. The team was 26 players per event. anchored by Doug James and Rob Beyma who The most frequently named choice for the won fifth and third titles in their respective Team Tournament was Carcassonne which was specialties. Both teams earned two points in bo- the selection of nine of the 360 players in the nuses for members not having previously won tournament. In all, 129 of our 154 events were their respective events. selected by someone with 18XX and Ticket to The year’s biggest over-achievers were Ride tying for second with eight each. Other top Three Beers and a Chardonay and Pixel Juice choices were Queen’s Gambit and Twilight Strug- who both overcame 2300 -1 odds to finish 12th gle which were named by seven teams each and and 17th respectively and thumb their respec- Atlantic Storm, Puerto Rico, Robo Rally, Victory tive noses at the Happy Handicapper. However, in the Pacific, and Commands & Colors Ancients, overall, it was an up year for the Happy Handi- which were each selected by six teams. PBeM Champions 65

lay-by-e-mail tournaments are the answer to many players’ most common com- Pplaints—lack of time and inability to find skilled opposition. BPA does not run PBeM tournaments; rather, we provide support for hobbyists willing to host events. E-mail tournaments are counted the same as face-to-face action in BPA’s prestigious Caesar com- petition, with Laurels based solely on size of the field and the average face-to-face playing time. Entry in these tournaments is free to current BPA members. For anyone who is not already a member, an associate membership costs only $10 to cover the costs of this program. (Players have no obligation to keep their memberships current once the tournament begins.) For information about running a PBeM tournament, contact the BPA PBeM coordinator Hank Burkhalter at uss- [email protected] or check out his webpage at www.abovethefields.com/top_pbem.

Event Results Previous Winners  Ken Gutermuth, NC None O Sharee Pack, CO 2008-2009 PBEM O Tom Browne, PA Tournament in progress O Alex Bove, PA O Greg Thatcher, FL O John Pack, CO

John Pack, CO Ken Gutermuth, NC 34  2007-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Mark Neale, RI 2004 Arthur Field, SC O Jeff Mullet, OH 2006 Harald Henning, CT O Mark Frueh, IL 2008-2009 PBEM O Harald Henning, CT Tournament in progress O Ken Gutermuth, NC O Tedd Mullally, NJ

Greg Stripes, WA Mark Neale, RI 48  2007-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 2003 Ed Menzel, CA O Ed Menzel, CA 2009-2011 PBEM O Barry Smith, NY Tournament underway O Jon Lockwood, VA O Ted Drozd, IL O Mark Gutfreund, KY

Bruno Sinigaglio, AK Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 26  2005-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Kevin Wojtaszczyk, NY None O Mike Kaltman, PA 2008-2009 PBEM O Alex Bove, PA Tournament in progress O Eric Freeman, PA O Tom Browne, PA O Tom Dunning, NY

Arthur Field, SC Kevin Wojtaszczyk, NY 30  2007-2008 66 PBeM Champions

Event Results Previous Winners  Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 2001 Bob Ryan, MI O Buddy Sinigaglio, CO 2002 Tom Gregorio, PA O Bill Morse, VA 2009-2011 PBEM O Steve Likevich, OH Tournament underway O Jeff Lange, JP O Frank Sinigaglio, NJ

Bruno Sinigaglio, AK Bruno Sinigaglio, AK 32  2006-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Vince Meconi, DE 2006 Barry Shoults, MI O Ed Menzel, CA 2008-2009 PBEM O Bill Place, PA Tournament in progress O Allen Kaplan, NJ O Ted Drozd, IL O Robin Chiang, CA Vince Meconi, DE Vince Meconi, DE 28  2007-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Dan Gallagher, MD None O Rob Seulowitz, NY O Steve Caler, OH 2009-2010 PBEM Tournament in progress O Mike Brophy, NC O George Young, VT O Jeremiah Peterson, IL

Bryan Collars, SC Dan Gallagher, MD 54  2007-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Bill Edwards, VA 2007 Tom Taffe, VA O Bill Crenshaw, VA 2009 PBEM O Pete Staab, PA Tournament scheduled O Stefan Mecay, TX O Tom Taaffe, VA O Harald Henning, CT

Bill Crenshaw, VA Bill Edwards, VA 35  2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Bruce Monnin, OH 2006 Bruce Monnin, OH O Pete Staab, PA 2007 Jeffrey Martin, GA O Harry Flawd, PA 2008-2009 PBEM O John Coussis, IL Tournament in progress O Jim Gutt, AZ O Bob Jamelli, PA

Bruce Monnin, OH Bruce Monnin, OH 38  2007-2008 PBeM Champions 67

Event Results Previous Winners  Tom Gregorio, PA 2003 Tom Gregorio, PA O Ed O’Connor, NJ 2006 Doug James, NC O Gary Dickson, CA O Doug James, NC 2008-2009 PBEM Tournament in progress O Larry Hollern, TX O Roy Walker, UK

Tom Gregorio, PA George Karahalios, IL 31  2007-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Tom Drueding, MA None O Scott Burns, UK 2009-2010 PBEM O Ottore Cossuta, IT Tournament scheduled O Sergio Montagner, IT O Nick Frydas, UK O Dennis Nicholson, NY

Tom Drueding, MA Tom Drueding, MA 35  2007-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Stefan Mecay, TX None O Chris Withers, CA 2009-2010 PBEM O Darren Kilfara, UK Tournament in progress O George Seary, NY O Bill Edwards, VA O Suzanne Tuch, NY

Darren Kilfara, UK Stefan MeCay, TX 86  2005-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  Darren Kilfara, UK 2004 Don Grenwood, MD O Alan Applebaum, MA 2006 Andy Gardner, VA O Ewan McNay, NY 2009-2010 PBEM O Dennis Nicholson, NY Tournament scheduled O Ed Menzel, CA O Scott Beall, OR

Kevin Shewfelt, CA Darren Kilfara, UK 46  2007-2008

Event Results Previous Winners  James Pei, VA 2003 James Pei, VA O George Young, VT 2006 John Buse, IL O Adam Deverall, AU 2008-2009 PBEM O Ron Fedin, PA Tournament in progress O Bill Edwards, VA O Peter Reese, VA

Keith Wixson, NJ James Pei, VA 62  2007-2008 68 PBeMEuroQuest Champions VI

espite concerns about the economy and Dincomplete renovations at the Days Ho- tel, the sixth rendition of EuroQuest man- €20 aged to hold steady, with approximately 250 in attendance. Top individual honors for the weekend went to Alex Bove, the 2007 runner- up to Rob Kircher, who reached four tourna- ment finals and compiled 24 points to 22 for Sam Atabaki • CA the reigning Caesar, Ra- phael Lehrer. Alex won the Harald Siegelman Award despite win- ning no events to Ra- phael’s two by scor- €16 ing in six of 11 main event tournaments. The award goes to the top overall individual performer in all con- Raphael Lehrer • MD vention events. Alex Bove, PA For the second Harold L. Siegelman straight year, it was Award Winner Raphael who won the most games overall (18), but because he posted €42 wins in two fewer events, Alex scored higher. Defending Siegelman champ Rob Kircher com- peted well also, winning a total of 17 tourna- ment games and placing fifth in the Wild Card tourney. He also won games in seven tourna- Lyman Moquin • DC ments to place third, two points behind Raphael and four behind Alex. Wild Card specialist Eric Freeman became the first three-time EQ Champ in the same event. His margin of victory was much closer this year. He was hard pressed by a number €26 of challengers, including two EQ I winners, former Wild Card champ Anne Norton and Ohio’s Jeff Mullet. In the end, though, Winton Lemoine, a California native came the closest. The final Wild Card standings were: 1. Eric Brian Reynolds • MD Freeman 242; 2. Winton Lemoine 210; 3. Jeff

€43 €32

Michael Brazinski • MD J.J. Jaskiewicz • MD PBeMEuroQuest Champions VI 69

Mullet 190; 4. Michael Thompson 189; 5. Rob Kircher 159; and 6, Anne Norton 156. A duo of two-time defending EQ champs fell just short in attempting to become the first €242 three-time consecutive winners in the same tournament as Virginia Colin reached the Final in Ticket to Ride (finishing second to Donna Da- vis) and two-time defending Goa Champ Alex Bove was third. Mike Brazinski (Puerto Rico), Eric Freeman • PA Donna Davis (Ticket to Ride), Mark Delano (Race For the Galaxy), Tom DeMarco (Saint Petersburg) and Raphael Lehrer (Goa & Thorn & Taxis) were first-time winners, while Sam Atabaki (Caylus), Tom Dunning (Settlers of Catan), J. J. Jaskiewicz (Ra), and Lyman Moquin (Power Grid) proved €48 their adaptability by winning different events this year. Brian Reynolds repeated his 2004 Princes of Florence win, after having won the Settlers title last year. Euro Quest provides a competitive forum Donna Davis • PA for the play of popular “European” style board- games in a focused, in-depth format not avail- able elsewhere. All tournaments are run to pro- vide multiple opportunities to compete in the same game, with a minimum of three prelimi- €42 nary heats preceding the elimination rounds. The Wild Card is a unique, free-form event that includes up to 15 titles. In addition to the tour- naments, EuroQuest provides a game library and space set aside for Open Gaming. Raphael Lehrer • MD EuroQuest VII will be Nov. 12-15 at the Holi- day Inn in Timonium, Md. The Wild Card event will return, as well as up to 11 different main event tournaments, including Caylus, Power Grid, Princes of Florence, Puerto Rico, Ra, Race for the Gal- axy, St. Petersburg, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride €56 Combo, Thurn und Taxis, and one other as yet-to- be identified game, plus a “Hot New Game” to be announced at the 2009 World Boardgaming Championships in Lancaster, Pa. For additional information see euroquest.gamesclubofmd.org. Tom Dunning • NY

€36 €39

Mark Delano • CT Tom DeMarco • NJ 70 Waterloo VI

y the end of the week- the tune of ten units. John, gazing at what would Bend, players had com- be his worst Russian hand of the day, immedi- pleted 39 official games (us- ately offered Submission and one key. Onlookers ing second edition rules) and raised a few eyebrows as the chances of retaking 89 turns. Only four of the of- Vienna seemed far from hopeless. ficial games went more than Surprised by this easy victory and a guar- 3 turns. Ken Gutermuth and anteed Turn 1 lead, Rich accepted—a choice he John Nestor played the later regretted. Austria, safe from French attack, most official games, with now plied the diplomatic track and soon bought eight each. Ken also lay claim to the most turns Prussia, while Britain consoled itself over the in the lead, with nine. Rich Shipley gained the loss of Napoli and Lisbon with a Swedish Pact. most points from defeated winners, with 11, It became apparent that there was method while Kevin Sudy and to John’s madness. Subject Ken Gutermuth had 10 2008 Results Neutral Austria equalled each. Kevin Emery took John Emery, SC the card draws of both the Horatio Hornblower O Kevin Sudy, VA Russia and Britain. By award for playing the O Rich Shipley, MD Turn 3 the Austrians Brits seven times. O Bruce Young, SC were back in the war After the dust of the O Ken Gutermuth, NC accompanied by their preliminaries settled, Kev- Prussian allies. The O Melvin Casselbury in Sudy, Rich Shipley, and Austrians ended the 23 Bruce Young had each Turn with the lead and won four games, while a chance to roll for vic- John Emery had won three. However, tory. Turn 4 opened with John edged out Bruce on tournament Past Winners France threatening Aus- points. In the Final, Rich grabbed the tria and Russia’s denuded 2003 – John Emery, SC French, who he had already led to three rear. Undeterred, Kutuzov 2004 – John Emery, SC victories. John opted for the Austro-Rus- took Paris, followed by Na- 2005 – Ken Gutermuth, TX sians, leaving Kevin with the English. It poleon and then Charles 2006 – Kevin Sudy, VA appeared that Waterloo was in for a re- taking the French capital. 2007 – Kevin Sudy, VA run of the 2007 Final when the French va- Meanwhile, the Turks took porized the Austrians on their way to a Vienna but were unable to Turn 2 conquest of Russia and an automatic win. flag it and were driven out by Ferdinand. As the With the British occupied by three Foreign turn drew to a close, Napoleon retook Paris and Wars, Napoleon met Kutuzov at Linz in a 21-19 then routed Kutuzov’s attempt to take it back. Army Group clash. He routed the Coalition to John had a chance to win with a roll of 4 or better, but he only managed a 3. By Turn 5 the French had been bled white. Which of the two jackals pick- ing at the French carcass would come out ahead? Britain landed Wellington on the continent to grab keys from the defenseless French countryside and another army under Hill landed in Spain and failed several sieges. He was never able to go for Madrid. Welling- Rich Shipley, MD • &Best French ton took Paris. France was down to one unit and Napoleon. Kevin rolled a 5 for Bruce Young SC • &Best Austro-Russia the maximum number of French keys in the conquest. With a count of the VPs Ben Sternick, SC • &Best British John had 8 to Kevin’s 7. WAM VII 71

AM VII in Timonium, MD was a rous- meet up with Chris Byrd in the Final. Tom won Wing success, drawing 40 players. There the AP with a bid of 3. By Turn 5 it was looking were four formal tournaments with scheduled bleak for Chris. By Turn 10 he realized that his rounds: Paths of Glory (POG), Wilderness War CP forces were in an untenable position and, (WNW), Twilight Struggle (TWS), and 1960: The being the sportsman that he is, conceded. Making of the President (960). There was also the Three-time defending WBC Champ Stefan annual informal March Madness tournament. In Mecay made his WAM debut and surprised no- Paths of Glory, the mean bid was just over 2 to body in besting a field of 28 to win the Twilight play the AP, though one player bid 4 to keep Struggle five-round Swiss tournament with a the AP from Tom Drueding! It was to no avail, perfect score. Mecay played the USSR in all five as Tom worked his way through the ladder to games, bidding 3 IPs thrice and 4 IPs twice. The Best Soviet Player award went to Mecay and the Best €12 American Player award  Tom Drueding, MA went to Sean McCulloch. O Chris Byrd, CT 1960 continued its suc- cessful run at WAM. In what O Ken Gutermuth, NC turned out to be probably O Charlie Hickok, PA the event’s wildest game, O Tim Hall, UT Bill Pettus built a huge lead O Bill Pettus, NJ early versus Steven Brooks. But Steve’s Kennedy per- formed well in the debate € and managed to eke out vic- 28 tory. It was a big loss for Bill,  Stefan Mecay, TX as he finished just behind the O Bill Edwards, VA 4-0 records of Texan Stefan O Keith Wixson, NJ Mecay and Terry Coleman. O Sean McCulloch, OH In the Final, Stefan won go- O Marvin Birnbaum, NY ing away, 394-114. O John Wetherell, PA After three rounds of Wilderness War, Sean Mc- Culloch was the only un- beaten player, and he was €17 declared tournament win- ner. He defeated two former  Stefan Mecay, TX WBC champs, Paul Gaber- O Terry Coleman, CA son and Keith Wixson. O Bill Pettus, NJ In the unofficial March O Steven Brooks, FL Madness tourney, Bill Ed- O Joe Yaure, PA wards top-seeded 1956 San O Marvin Birnbaum, NY Fancisco squad went 3-0, de- feating Bruce Monnin’s 1959 Cincinnati team in the Final. BPA will host its next €14 Winter Activation Meeting  Sean McCulloch, OH (WAM VIII) in Timonium, O Paul Gaberson, PA MD, from Jan. 28-31, 2010. O Tom Drueding, MA The event is designed for O Michael Sosa, FL experienced players, but O Doug Mercer, MD all are welcome. Additional O Bruce Monnin, OH details are available on the boardgamers.org website. 72 Enlightenment XII

nlightenment XII had Manifest Destiny Results E30 diehard players in Game designer and GM attendance, with 28 of them Bill Crenshaw reclaimed the participating in at least one Manifest Destiny crown with round of Age of Renaissance. back to back, last to first, It is the second straight come from behind finishes year that Enlightenment in the final two rounds. He has outdrawn WBC’s AOR was the only three-game tournament in both total winner, scoring an impres- players and games played. There were 25 play- sive 35, 36 and 36 VPs in those wins. In the third ers in the Manifest Destiny tournament. round, Bill cashed all three Oil cards for $300 on the final turn to come from Age of Renaissance Results worst to first. Throughout the AOR tour- Past Winners nament, there were 17 games In the final round, Bill, played, with seven 6-player 1998 – Bill Crenshaw, VA playing Pennsylvania, cleverly and ten 5-player. After three 1999 – James Pei, TX lost eight consecutive expan- 2000 – Tom Taffe, VA rounds, for the first time in sion attacks over two turns to 2001 – Bill Crenshaw, VA seemingly fall out of conten- Enlightenment history, the 2002 – John Coussis, IL five contenders—Rodd Pol- 2003 – Chris Byrd, CT tion. He came back strong to sky, Jeff Mullet, Tom Browne, 2004 – Jeff Mullet, OH cash $225 with two Ore pay- Ken Gutermuth, and Arthur 2005 – Bill Crenshaw, VA outs, plus $70 in Technology Field—were at the same table. 2006 – Jeff Mullet, OH and $40 in Tourists to buy 14 As the Final game entered 2007 – Ken Gutermuth, TX Progression VPs in the final 2008 – AOR Steve Simmons, NJ the halfway point of Epoch Investment Phase and finish MFD Ewan McNay, CT III, it was a very close contest. with 36 VPs and cash to spare. Ken made a speculative run on Two-game winner Pete Grain that paid off as he drew the grain card on Staab (Quebec) took second and was $5 short the turn that saw all the leaders come out. Ken of winning the final game (and the tournament) used the leaders and purchased Cathedral to take on the next to last turn. Since he was short, Pete a lead that he never relinquished. With his three sacrificed himself to grab Storytelling and pre- wins, Ken posted a score of vent Stefan Mecay (Mexico) 329. Rodd Polsky took sec- from winning. Stefan re- ond with 313, followed turned the favor on the by Jeff Mullet 302,- Ar last turn using Yankee thur Field 299, Eric Es- Ingenuity to snag hleman 298, and Tom Urban Renaissance Browne 291. from Pete, dropping Genoa led the Pete to last. Stefan way with six wins fol- finished second in the lowed by Barcelona final game and fourth and Paris with five each. overall. Ewan McNay Venice, had only one (Louisiana) finished win while London 2009 AOR Results 2009 MFD Results fourth in the game and Hamburg went Ken Gutermuth, NC Bill Crenshaw, VA and fifth overall. winless. Eight play- Tom Browne—third &Rodd Polsky, PA &Peter Staab, PA ers bought all of the overall and the only &Jeff Mullet, OH &Tom Browne, PA advances. For the first two game winner &Arthur Field, SC &Stefan Mecay, TX time in recent history, beside Pete—and Ar- &Eric Eshleman, PA &Ewan McNay, NY no one reached the thur Field, sixth over- &Tom Browne, PA &Arthur Field, SC CHAOS space on the all, sat out the final     misery track. 30 1998-2009 25 2006, ‘08-’09 round to play AoR. Caesar Award 73

lex Bove, in his sixth year of WBC competi- competitions. This honor goes to the player who Ation, laurelled in nine Euros competitions accumulates the most Laurels over the course of to claim the Caesar title by topping all players the BPA year (including the pre-WBC weekend, with 159 laurels in the 2008 season. He owed his mini-cons and PBeM events), as victory to persistence by scoring in every tour- measured from one WBC to nament possible, save Pre-Cons, although he the next. won only three tournaments overall. His Laurels are earned margin of victory was razor slim, edging for each of the top six Ewan McNay by a single laurel. Alex places in every event had 46 laurels coming into WBC from offered. The level of his play at Euro Quest, and 25 more points earned for a from e-mail tournaments, but he still given event are di- trailed several other contenders enter- rectly related to the ing WBC. But Alex had a good week, event’s length and winning two events (Princes of Florence field size. Thus, big- and Ra) outright ger and longer events while laurelling in offer more Laurels. WBC two more. The only events, whether Century question remaining or Trial, mini-con, or PBeM is how does he look all count in determining the BPA’s in a toga? top annual competitor and no matter what the As good as his genre, all are weighted fairly using Laurels. year was, it wasn’t Every member is automatically entered into good enough to this championship hunt. The more you play, the rule the BPA roost more chances you have to score. Scoring is auto- alone, however, as he finished sixth in WBC matic and requires no extra effort by either GM statistics for Consul honors. Rounding out the or player. Laurels are awarded by multiplying top six BPA competitors for Caesar were Chris the player hours category times the finish rank Byrd, Andy Latto, Ken Gutermuth and new- value to yield Laurels earned. Recent and total comer Riku Riekkinen, in that order. Eleven of Laurels are displayed on your badge. last year’s Top 25 players managed to repeat in 2008, led by Bove who rose from 21st to lead the pack. Byrd, Gutermuth, Harald Henning, Past Caesars Eric Brosius, Kevin Sudy, James Pei, Tom Dun- 2002 Marvin Birnbaum, NY 146 ning, Tom Browne, reigning Caesar Raphael 2003 Nick Benedict, CA 113 Lehrer and Bruce Reiff all managed to retain 2004 James Pei, VA 293 2005 Arthur Field, SC 224 Top 25 status another year also while 14 new 2006 Jeff Mullet, OH 166 names graced the leader board. 2007 Raphael Lehrer, MD 170 Commencing in 2002, the Caesar Award be- 2008 Alex Bove, PA 159 came the crowning achievement of BPA’s many

Ewan McNay, NY Chris Byrd, CT Andy Latto, MA Ken Gutermuth, NC Riku Riekkinen, FN

158 144 135 126 122

- The 2008 Caesar Line of Succession - 74 Consul Award

e turned to Roman history for inspira- finishing third in Pillars of the Earth and fifth in Wtion in creating our twin leader honors Amun Re. Harald Henning, who placed sixth in to keep one top honor always up for grabs at the race for Consul in 2007 and eighth in 2004, the World Boardgaming Championships. The moved up to second. He scored 114 laurels by Consul Award goes to the individ- winning Empire Builder and Manifest Destiny ual who earns the most laurels for a whopping 90 laurels and finished off by during WBC week. Taking placing third in Settlers of Catan. Canadian away the points for email Nick Page finished third on the back of tournaments, mini-cons, two wins, in Puerto Rico—one of the and Pre-Cons provides largest events at WBC—and Queen’s a very different pic- Gambit. The rest of his 99 laurels came ture of who was king from a fourth place finish in Notre of the roost for those Dame and a sixth-place in two-player six days in August. Titan. Eric Brosius managed to move Should our Caesar win- up five places from his ninth-place fin- ner also dominate WBC, ish in the 2007 Consul standings. He as happened in 2007 with was just one laurel behind Nick. Eric Raphael Lehrer, no Consul had only a single win, in Power Grid—a award is given. Euro with triple-digit attendance, but also Andy Latto won four events he amassed 38 laurels from a second in Empire outright at WBC 2008—Ingenious, Lost Builder and a third in Facts In Five. Although Cities, Thurn & Taxis, and Ivanhoe—and missed the Ewan McNay was second in the Caesar race, first ever WBC Grand Slam only because Ivanhoe he finished ahead of Alex in the Consul Line was not a Century event (although it earned that of Succession. Ewan took first in Britannia and status in 2008 for 2009). Including those wins and Merchant of Venus, third in Kremlin and fifth in a fourth-place finish inKremlin, Andy earned 129 War at Sea. laurels at the convention and finished in fourth- Laurels serve to give all boardgamers at place in the Caesar Line of succession. WBC a common language whether we play Alex Bove, the new Caesar, was only the ASL or Puerto Rico. The common denomina- sixth best statistically—earning 88 laurels at tor of laurels earned in BPA competition is all WBC by winning Princes of Florence and Ra and part and parcel of that magic “focus” that sets the WBC apart from other gaming conven- Past Consuls tions. Laurels provide a metagame competi- tion beyond individual events. Even those of 2004 Devin Flawd, PA 111 us who are not in one of the lines of succession 2005 None - 2006 Jeff Cornett, FL 134 can benefit from a look back at our own per- 2007 None - sonal best and give ourselves a mark to shoot 2008 Andy Latto 129 for while having a good WBC—whether that be measured in the enjoyment of the moment or chances at wood.

Harald Henning, CT Nick Page, ON Eric Brosius, CT Ewan McNay, NY Alex Bove, PA

114 99 98 90 88

- The 2008 Consul Line of Succession GM of the Year 75

BC exists as a result of the efforts of dedi- Although Carcassonne’s attendance has actually Wcated volunteers serving as GMs. They declined under Tom’s control, that is because keep their motives pure by refusing remu- he has abandoned the four-heat format of his neration and are some of the first dues-paying predecessor’s for a more condensed one-start members. Every year we select one GM format using two-player games. As a com- to single out as WBC’s GM of the promise to those who favor multi-play- Year. This GM is awarded a free er games, Tom introduced a format room for the five days of WBC. change that used a multi-player Players nominate their fa- first round to thin the field before vorite GM. The Convention switching to two-player games Director reviews the rec- for the advanced rounds. ommendations of the play- Every nominee scored at ers and then nominates 12 least as high as 9th and as low GMs of Century events for as 6th, with the Board splitting the honor. Each member its votes in a wide cross section of the Board of Directors— based on the importance each armed with the Convention member gave the various cat- Director’s detailed recommen- egories. The Board’s eight 1st votes dations—then casts a weighted were split among four nominees. Fin- vote for each of the nominees ishing second in the voting—and taking ranging from 12 points (most worthy) his second Top Six nomination—was Eric down to 1 point (least worthy) based on cri- Brosius, who garnered a score of 70 for host- teria that include size of event, suitability of ing Princes of Florence. Kevin Wojtaszczyk gar- event format, prompt submission of required nered his first Top Six honors with 62 points. paperwork, firmness and He took about half of the fairness, player comments/ 1st place votes for host- complaints, scheduling coop- Past Winners ing the Middle Earth eration, bonus services above 1991 – Russ Gifford, NE – ASL pre-con (War of the Ring). and beyond the call (newslet- 1992 – Jim Burnett, TN – WPS The other GMs in the ters, extra prizes, supporting 1993 – Glenn Petroski, WI – VIP Top Six were John We- AREA, etc.), length or quan- 1994 – John Ellmann, MD – MMS ber (Puerto Rico & Vegas tity of service (running mul- 1995 – Ken Lee, PA – GCA Showdown) and Kathy tiple events), and degree of 1996 – David Terry, MD – B-17 Stroh (Settlers of Catan) difficulty. GMs may score a 1997 – Will Wible, VA – ROR who both scored 56, and maximum of 96 points and a 1998 – Bruce Monnin, OH – WAS Ed Beach (Here I Stand) minimum of 12. 1999 – Bruno Wolff, WI – TTN who scored 52. We are pleased to award 2000 – Vince Meconi, DE – WAS Well done all. Our the Best GM honor for 2008 2001 – David Terry, MD – B17 sincere thanks to you to Tom McCorry with a score 2002 – John Jacoby, VA – CMS and all others like you of 81 based on four 1sts, two 2003 – Chuck Foster, TX – EPB who try to make WBC a thirds, a 5th, and a 6th. Over- 2004 – John Coussis, IL – ACS little more special every 2005 – John Sharp, FL – VIP all, scores ranged from Tom’s year. If you encounter 2006 – Don Chappell, TX – WTP 81 to a low of 16. This was an exemplary GM that 2007 – Ivan Lawson, MD – LST Tom’s first Top Six GM perfor- you would like to recom- 2008 – Tom McCorry, VA – CAR mance although he has long mend for consideration been active at WBC as a GM as GM of the Year, pro- and especially as a purveyor of the top new Eu- vide feedback about his or her performance to ros based on his annual field trips to Essen. the registration desk, via e-mail to cd@board- This year Tom drew the attention of the gamers.org or via mail to 1541 Redfield Rd, Bel judges for running two events; the brand new Air, MD 21015. Do not leave GM evaluations Agricola and the always popular Carcassonne. with the kiosk. 76 Sportsmanship

he third and final leg in the BPA Triple land. The only thing left to resolve was an un- TCrown is its Sportsmanship Award. likely French voyage of exploration. It would Coupled with the Caesar for prowess on the have had no effect on a roll of 2 to 9, but the gameboard and our GM of the Year which French player rolled a 10, gaining 1 VP and ty- honors those who sacrifice their time to ing Kaarin for the lead. Applying stan- make the events possible, the Sports- dard HIS tiebreakers, the French manship winner completes our took the win. Still, Kaarin’s VP virtual Hall of Fame by remind- total would normally have been ing us that there is no fun to be enough to advance her to the had with these games without Final; however, the Natu- an affable and enjoyable op- ral Enemies rule penalized ponent with which to cross her 4 VP, knocking her out vicarious swords. of contention. She took this While some get caught up last-minute triple whammy in the quest for “wood,” our exceptionally well, quietly Sportsman of the Year always moving on to her next event. subscribes to a higher standard…a Even if she didn’t agree with shining example of sportsmanship the published tournament rules, that we should all aspire to. These she knew the right thing was to folks are the ones that make it all bear- enforce them (and then help us make able for our GMs and contribute most to the sure they are fixed before next year).” “club” atmosphere of the convention. Their Kaarin took 21% of the 280 votes caste to be- shining example contributes to come the first two-time winner the remarkable esprit de corps Past Winners of the award. Runner-up Sean and camaraderie for which the McCulloch garnered 19% of WBC has always been noted by Chuck Stapp, NJ – 1992 the vote for stepping in to GM those in the know. We believe Tiger Von Pagel, FL – 1993 a Junior’s event for a no-show. the Sportsmanship Award is Rob Kilroy, PA – 1994 Rounding out the top six final- our most important plaque. Ian Lange, AE – 1995 ists were Tom Dunning, Barry Jim Matt, MI – 1996 There are those who lik- Shutt, Craig Moffit and Jona- Ed Connery, NJ – 1997 en the Sportsmanship vote Frank Sinigaglio, NJ – 1999 than Lockwood. which is held during our An- Robert Sacks, NY – 2000 GMs nominate players nual Membership Drive to a Bret Hildebran, OH – 2001 who demonstrate outstand- popularity contest. If that’s so, Kaarin Engelmann, VA – 2002 ing sportsmanship in their there’s no doubt remaining James Jordan, MD – 2003 respective tournaments. Play- who is WBC’s Belle of the Ball Steve Okonski, MD – 2004 ers may also be nominated after this year’s vote. Coming Bruno Sinigaglio, AK – 2005 by other players in a tourna- on the heels of her overwhelm- Phil Barcafer, PA – 2006 ment. If you encounter an ex- Rebecca Hebner, CO – 2007 ing victory in the latest Board ample of outstanding sports- Kaarin Engelmann, VA – 2008 elections, the BPA webmaster manship that you would like has proven herself to be one to recognize, provide details popular lady at WBC. Kaarin Englemann won to [email protected] or via mail to 1541 Red- handily in what was basically a two-horse race field Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015. between herself and Sean McCulloch. Everyone has a different sense of what con- Kaarin was nominated by Here I Stand GM stitutes sportsmanship; however, nominations Ed Beach: “We introduced a new ‘Natural En- are not accepted for individuals who concede a emy’ rule in 2008, which was quite effective in victory to allow a beaten opponent to continue some regards but there were unfortunate side in their place, as it is contrary to the purpose of effects, and they happened to nail Kaarin En- a tournament and is grossly unfair to partici- gelmann. When the last card in her semi-final pants of the event who had to win their right game fell, she was sitting in the lead with Eng- to advance. Hobby Service 77

PA exists solely on the basis of its members’ Not just another Bwillingness to give of themselves for the Past Winners suffering spouse who greater good and their voluntary efforts to sup- makes the best of her port the hobby. Consequently, we have chosen 2005 husband’s weekly va- to honor that spirit of volunteerism by singling Stuart Tucker cation, Debbie is one Kathy Stroh out those who have done the most to improve the of the organization’s Steve Okonski World Boardgaming Championships. Vince Meconi hardest working In all, 12 nominees are annually selected by Mark McLaughlin volunteers and com- the Conference Director for the Board’s consid- Ken Whitesell petitive players. She eration. Although service as a GM is the most 2006 starts her week sort- common qualifier, it is not the only factor with Keith Wixson ing and assembling major consideration given to other behind-the- kiosks and then joins 2007 scenes volunteer tasks. Bruno Sinigaglio the CABS crew to as- The BPA Board of Directors sist with running the 2008 then votes by secret ballot, Auction. Further, she Debbie Gutermuth weighing their votes ac- continues to work cording to their own deep into the night particular values as on the financial payout that makes our Games to what constitutes Auction one of the very best in the hobby. the greatest contri- Aside from taking a turn as a GM ev- bution, by ranking ery year—including Empire Builder and each nominee from five years runningAlhambra, she also com- 12 (strongest) to 1 bines her other hobby interest photogra- (weakest). The result phy to take literally thousands of photos is a good cross sec- annually to document each tion of the nominees. and every event as the offi- We repeat the process cial BPA photographer. (The each year, adding one candid here is one of the few new volunteer to our that actually portrays Deb- Honor Roll (after the bie.) Her photos grace the initial six). BPA ap- results pages of virtually ev- plauds the efforts of ery event on our website. these members and Winner of her share of the shining example events—with championships they provide for the in Carcassonne, Formula Motor spirit of volunteerism Racing, and March Madness, that drives WBC. and laurels in Auction, San The Board has Juan, Lost Cities, and Union Pa- long had an unwrit- cific—one wonders how many ten rule to exclude more plaques she’d earn were itself from any voted she not constantly working the honors decided by the Board. In 2008 and after camera all week. (She creates a special schedule much discussion, Debbie Gutermuth overcame so as to catch at least one early round and the Fi- the burden of her association (as spouse) of nal of all events, plus she catches the board at its BPA Board Chairman Ken Gutermuth and was early morning meetings in order to document the selected by the Board to win the BPA’s Hobby group for the current year.) Even long after WBC Service Award. (Ken abstained from the vote.) ends, she labors on the editing of those photos She garnered a record 73 votes, including four to illustrate our web coverage and create a WBC first-place votes—double her nearest competi- highlight “movie.” Debbie is truly one of the “be- tion—to claim her rightful place among WBC’s hind the scenes” stalwarts that makes WBC our most deserving heroes. favorite week of the year. 78 Top Laurelists

James Pei, Arthur Field, Bruce Reiff, Ken Gutermuth, Harald Henning, Marvin Birnbaum, Chris Byrd, VA SC OH NC CT NY CT 1,253 1,067 987 909 826 822 818

Ewan McNay, Jeff Mullet, Bill Crenshaw, Tom Drueding, Stefan Mecay, John Emery, Peter Reese, NY OH VA MA TX SC VA 764 744 718 674 627 616 614

Tom Dunning, Tom Gregorio, Nick Benedict, Dave Metzger, John Coussis, Ed Menzel, Doug Gallulo, NY PA CA NY IL CA FL 575 553 546 538 529 524 523

Nick Anner, Keith Wixson, Bruce Young, Aaron Fuegi, Tom Browne, Jason Levine, Andy Gardner, NY NJ SC MA PA NY VA 508 507 499 497 493 489 487

David Dockter, Don Greenwood, Jeff Cornett, Nick Henning, George Young, Robert Kircher, Josh Githens, MN MD OH CT VT RI SC 486 458 454 442 439 422 421

Bruno Sinigaglio, Phil Rennert, Andrew Cummins, Rob Beyma, Pete Staab, Jim Eliason, Devin Flawd, AK MD UK MD PA NY PA 420 420 417 416 409 400 400 Winning Streaks 79

ndividuals pictured in this section dis- Iplay excellence in gaming ability. We salute them. Devin Flawd extended his winning streak, now just one short of his fa- ther Harry’s record. Two long current steaks 3 were stopped cold in 2008—in For the People and Great Campaign of the American Civil War, leaving only four players with streaks longer than three years running, but five three-time George Deutsch, MD champs are hot on their heels.

6 3

S. Packwood, MN Ed Menzel, CA

4 3

Devin Flawd, PA Dave Long, NC

4 3 Longest Current Championship Streak at WBC

George Seary, NY Rob Beyma, MD

4 3

Bruce Beard, MD Doug Smith, PA 80 Boardmasters

Most Championships in One Event

new crop of champions is crowned each year at WBC, but recogni- Ation of gaming prowess need not end there. There are higher honors to be earned. Just as the different colored belts of jujitsu display differ- ent levels of achievement, we have multi-colored boards to measure the ultimate masters of their craft. Those who have taken on all comers at WBC and emerged triumphant in the same event not once, not twice— Steve Packwood, MN - 12 but many times—truly merit respect.

Great Campaigns

Mike Sincavage, VA - 9 Bruce Reiff, OH - 8 James, Pei, VA - 8 Chris Withers, CA - 8

Phil Rennert, MD - 6 Harry Flawd, PA - 6 Rob Beyma, MD - 6 Bill Rohrbeck, NH - 6

Tim Dolan, NJ - 6 Steve Likevich, OH - 5 Devin Flawd, PA - 5 Mark Miklos, GA - 5

Vince Meconi, DE - 5 Doug Smith - PA - 5 Brad Johnson, MI - 5 Doug James, NC - 5

John Emery, SC - 5 Dave Metzger, NY - 5 Bruce Beard, MD - 4 Ray Pfeifer, MD - 4

Bruce Reiff, OH - 4 Paul Risner, FL - 4 Jim Doughan, PA - 4 Ewan McNay, NY - 4 Boardmasters 81

Bruno Sinigaglio, AK - 4 Brad Frisby, VA - 4 Kevin McCarthy, OH - 4 George Seary, NY - 4

Bruce Reiff, OH - 4 Robert Frisby, VA - 4 Peter Pollard, TN - 4 Steve Koleszar, VA - 4

Bruce Reiff, OH - 4 Doug Galullo, FL - 3 Joe Gundersen, IN - 3 Ewan McNay, NY - 3

Mike Lam, CA - 3 Tom Gregorio, PA - 3 Scott Pfeiffer, SC - 3 Ed Menzel, CA - 3

Steve Cuccaro, MD - 3 Terry Coleman, CA - 3 Marvin Birnbaum, NY - 3 Rob Lightburn, VA - 3

Gary Dickson, CA - 3 Tom Gregorio, PA - 3 Brian Sutton, MD - 3 Stefan MeCay, TX - 3

Bruce Young, SC - 3 Dan Henry, IL - 3 Bruce Monnin, OH - 3 Ray Freeman, CA - 3 82 Patrons

BPA 2008 Patrons BPA gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the following Sponsor, Charter, and Tribune members. 2009 Patrons will be listed next year. Sponsors ($500 contribution in 2008): Nicholas Benedict, David des Jardins, James Doughan, Ken Gutermuth, Rio Grande Games, and Jerald R. Tracy. Charter Tribunes (maintained Charter status since 1999 and purchased a $100 membership in 2008): Alan Applebaum, Alan Arvold, Matthew Bacho, Paul Bean, Mark Booth, Daniel Broh- Kahn, David Brooks, Steve Cameron, Terry Coleman, Gregory Courter, John Coussis, Bill Crenshaw, Tom DeMarco, Bill Dyer, Roger Eastep, William Edwards, Jim Eliason, Kaarin Engelmann, Eric Eshleman, Matt Evinger, Tim Evinger, Matt Fagan, Daniel Farrow IV, Paul Fletcher, Ray Freeman, Paul Gaberson, Mark Geary, Fred Gosnell, Herbert Gratz, Don Greenwood, Johnny Hasay, Mark Herman, Charles Hickok, John Jacoby, Robert Jamelli, James Jordan, Allen Kaplan, Michael Kaye, Kevin Keller, Pierre LeBoeuf, Roderick Lee, Jason Levine, Keith Levy, Jonathan Lockwood, Mark Love, Michael Mahady, Andrew Maly, James Marousek, Dan Mathias, Thomas McCorry, Vince Meconi, David Metzger, Bruce Monnin, Brian Mountford, Michael A. Mullins, Martin Musella, Bill Navolis, Ken Nied, Steve Okonski, John Pack, Tom Pavy, Scott Pfeiffer, Peter Pollard, Joseph Powell, Bruce Reiff, Paul Risner, Chris Roginsky, William Rohrbeck, Robert Ryan, Gregory Schmittgens, Robert Seulowitz, John Sharp, Bruno Sinigaglio, Jerry Smolens, Peter Staab, Ray Stakenas, Mike Stanley, Peter Stein, Kathy Stroh, Joel Tamburo, Roger Taylor, Bill Thomson, Stuart Tucker, Sean Vessey, Jim Vroom, Ken Whitesell, Bruno Wolff, Bruce Young, George Young. Charter Members (purchased Charter membership in 1999 and maintained at least a Sustaining Membership since): Cliff Ackman, Barry Barnes, Ed Beach, Rob Beyma, Jeremy Billones, Rod Coffey, David Cross, Mike Crowe, Pat Duffy, Robert Dwyer, Harry Flawd III, Tom Gregorio, Mark Guttag, Randy Heller, Harald Henning, Tim Hitchings, Marc Houde, Chris Janiec, Brad Johnson, Edward Kendrick, Ben Knight, Sean Larsen, Andy Lewis, Carrie Lewis, Larry Lingle, Ric Manns, Kevin McCarthy, Michael Mitchell, Robert Mull, Theodore Mullally, Bill O’ Neal, Forrest Pafenberg, Bruno Passacantando, Jeff Paull, James Pei, Peter Perla, Ray Pfeifer, John Poniske Sr, Shantanu Saha, George Sauer III, Robert Sohn, Francis Spencer, David Terry, Justin Thompson, James Tyne, Paul Weintraub, David Yoon, David Zimmerman. Tribunes ($100 BPA membership in 2007): Joseph Abrams, Geoff Allbutt, Steve Andriakos, Sam Atabaki, Steven Bachman, Mike Backstrom, Donna Balkan, Phillip Barcafer, Chris Bauch, Fred Bauer, Scott Beall, Joesph Beard, Barrington Beavis, Bill Beckman, Marc Berenbach, Daniel Blumentritt, Jesse Boomer, Evan Brooks, Claire Brosius, Eric Brosius, Sam Brosius, Thomas Browne, Jeff Burdett, Philip Burgin-Young, David Burkey, Matthew Burkins, Chris Byrd, Rick Byrens, Tom Cannon, Melvin Casselberry, Don Chappell, Carl Copeland, Peter Corrigan, Greg Crowe, Steve Cuccaro, Andrew Cummins, Michael Dauer, Debbie Davidson, Rod Davidson, Jim Day, David Denton, Gary Dickson, David Dockter, Charles Drozd, Robert Drozd, Ted Drozd, Tom Drueding, Rick Dutton, Mike Dwyer, Charles Eastman, Peter Eldridge, Christopher Ellis, John Emery, Karsten Engelmann, Ruth Evinger, Brian Farrelly, Scott Fenn, Arthur Field, Barb Flaxington, Ed Foran, Andy Friedmann, Nick Frydas, David Gantt, Andy Gardner, Jim Garvey, Pete Gathman, Michael Gentile, Alex Gesing, Roy Gibson, Josh Githens, Ralph Gleaton, Chris Greenfield, Mark Gutfreund, Jeff Hacker, Kevin Hacker, Robert Hamel, Chris Hancock, Victor Harpley, Chris Harris, Bronwen Heap, Bob Heinzmann, Geoffrey Hill, Dan Hoffman, Lawrence Hollern, Keith Hunsnger, Ahmet Ilpars, Richard Irving, Doug James, Rich Jenulis, Brian Jones, George Karahalios, Paul Konka, Charles Krueger, Grant LaDue, Michael Lam, Rob Larkins, Andy Latto, Daniel Patrons 83

Leader, Raphael Lehrer, Winton Lemoine, William Lentz, Chuck Leonard, Jason Ley, Kathleen Lockwood, Steve Lollis, Larry Luongo, Randall Mac Innis, Mark Mahaffey, Scott Marcotte, Mark McBride, James McCarthy, Robert McCracken, Sean McCulloch, Colum McCurdy, Ewan McNay, Stefan Mecay, Craig Melton, Ed Menzel, Doug Mercer, Mark Miklos, James Miller, Pat Mirk, Christian Moffa, Craig Moffit, Scott Moll, Lyman Moquin, John Morris, Bill Morse, Richard Moyer, Jeff Mullet, Lane Newbury, Richard Northey, John Ohlin, David Pack, Marie Pack, Aurora Pack, Sharee Pack, Nick Palmer, Steve Parrish, Jeff Pattison, Linda Pattison, Joshua Pearce, Bill Peeck, Cally Perry, Roy Pettis, Richard Phares, Doug Porterfield, Craig Reece, Pete Reese, Lloyd Richards, Lance Roberts, Paul Rubin, Henry Russell, Martin Sample, Paul Sampson, Roberto Sanchez, Randy Sands, Frank Schmitt, Bert Schoose, Keith Schoose, Brian Schott, David Schubert, Chris Senhouse, Jeff Senley, Richard Shay, Jordan Shea, Lexi Shea, Lynda Shea, Michael Shea, Barry Shoults, Barry Shutt, Steve Simmons, Buddy Sinigaglio, Frank Sinigaglio, Paul Skrabut, Alfred Smith, Gregory Smith, Mark Smith, Nick Smith, Erica Snarski, Michael Sosa, Jack Stalica, James Stanard, Gordon Stewart, Jamie Tang, Don Tatum, James Terry, Zack Terry, Nels Thompson, Janice Thorne, Tom Thornsen, Matt Tolman, Alice Travis, David Travis, Chris Trimmer, Michael Ussery, Lauren Vessey, Thomas Vickery, Jason Wagner, Patrick Walker, Charles Ward, Bill Watkins, John Weber, Stephanie Welch, John Wetherell, Steve Williams, Jim Winslow, Keith Wixson, Kevin Wojtaszczyk, David Wong, Chris Yaure, Joe Yaure, Phillip Yaure, Mark Yoshikawa. Vendors: Against The Odds, Belle & Blade Video, Columbia Games, Decision Games, Flying Buffalo, THe GAMe PLACe, GMT Games, Harmony House Hobbies, L2 Design Group, Lost Battalion Games, Mayfair Games, Multi-Man Publishing, Our Game Table, Rio Grande Games, SherCo Games, Worthington Games, Z-Man Games. Terms and Conditions of Membership: Membership in the BPA secures voting rights. Also, different levels of membership provide the specified number of votes. Membership is required for participation in Play-By-e-Mail (PBeM) tournaments. Certain levels of membership provide admission to the World Boardgaming Championships and a listing in the annual BPA Yearbook. Multi-day General Admission to WBC grants Associate Membership in the BPA. Those who attend via Guest Pass are not BPA members. • Associate status is granted with all WBC Admissions, except Guest Passes. Associate status or higher is required for participation in BPA-sponsored PBeM tournaments and grants one vote. WBC Admission is not included. • General status is extended to those who will not be attending the full week of WBC but would like to have membership in the Association. This level of membership includes WBC admission for only those days purchased and grants 1 vote. It is only available on the WBC Pre-Registration Form. • Charter status is applied to anyone who supported the BPA via a membership at the Charter, Team or Sponsor membership levels during the critical start up year of 1999. Such early supporters can maintain their Charter status by continuing their BPA membership at the Sustaining or higher level. Charter status is listed on the BPA Patrons page in the Yearbook. This level grants 3 votes. • Sustaining members receive admission to the entire World Boardgaming Championships (Mon-Sun). Yearbook and t-shirt are included ONLY if paid by Dec. 31. This level grants 2 votes. • Tribune members receive all Sustaining-level benefits, plus admission to all Pre-Cons. Tribune members may transfer and/or accumulate unused admissions to WBC. In addition, they receive a listing on the BPA Patrons page in the BPA Yearbook. Yearbook and t-shirt are included for payment by April 30. This level grants 3 votes. • Sponsor members receive all Tribune-level benefits. In addition, a Sponsor may introduce a new Trial event, provided a Game Master volunteers to run that event by the deadline. This level grants 3 votes. • Vendor status is applied to all Vendors at WBC. They receive two admissions to WBC per space purchased. These memberships are not transferrable. Yearbook and t-shirt are NOT included. This level grants 2 votes per space. These terms and conditions may be changed by the Board of Directors at any time, provided that the Company shall honor the benefits of any membership which were in effect at the time such membership was issued. Members are accepted at the discretion of the Board of Directors pursuant to the by-laws of the Company. 84 Board of Directors

ll Boardgame Players Association (BPA) conduct business during WBC. The three can- Amembers of record as of June 1, 2009, are didates receiving the most votes will be elected. hereby notified of their right to vote for up to Note that all paying attendees of WBC— three members to serve on the BPA Board of other than one-day guests—are BPA members Directors. Any BPA member may run for elec- with voting rights. Printed ballots will be tion as a Director. These individuals give their mailed separately from the yearbook. The ballot time without recompense to ensure that WBC includes a brief statement by each nominee. continues on an even keel, representing all in- Alternately, members may e-mail their vote(s) terests fairly. to [email protected] from an e-mail All members have a vested interest in address on file with BPA as their official e-mail the operation of BPA which can be exercised address. An electronic ballot is available at through their vote for members to serve on boardgamers.org/forms/boardballot.shtml. the Board in rotating three-year terms. When All members are invited to attend the contemplating their vote, members are urged Annual Meeting of the BPA at 3 pm on Tues., to consider that the BPA conducts most of its Aug. 4, 2009, in the Lancaster Showroom at the business by email and needs Board members Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster, Pa. NOTE: who are able and willing to offer their time This meeting will take place during a break and skills to the organization in a timely man- in the auction. At that meeting, members will ner. Board members should be considered meet the new Board and may make inquiries more for their ability to contribute to the run- and suggestions regarding the activities of the ning of a successful company than for their at- association. This is your chance to influence the tachment to any particular game or group. decision-making process that drives WBC. You may vote for up to three candidates, The Board would like to publicly thank but only once per candidate. No votes will be the three board members whose terms are up taken during the convention. This election will in 2009. They have contributed greatly to the be completed by mail and e-mail by July 15, so success of this organization. We also appreciate that the newly-elected Board may convene to the candidates who are on the ballot this year.

2007 - 2009 2007 - 2009 2007 - 2009 2008 - 2010 2008 - 2010 Andy Lewis, DE D. Greenwood, MD Ken Whitesell, PA B. Passacantando, CT Keith Levy, MD

2008 - 2010 2009 - 2011 2009 - 2011 2009 - 2011 Bruce Reiff, OH Bruce Monnin, OH Ken Gutermuth, TX K. Engelmann, VA Get the Party Started at WBC 2009 Pre-Cons ust because the World Boardgaming Championships last an entire week in 2009, from Mon., Aug. 3, through Sun., Aug. 9 doesn’t mean there’s no gaming to be had on August J1-2. In fact, it may behoove you to show up early for one of our pre-cons, which are sort of an opening skirmish for everyone who can’t get enough of a good thing. Pre-con events typically have long playing times that interfere with participation during the convention proper. Tribune and Sponsors may freely partake in all BPA pre-cons for no additional charge. The smaller of the two listed prices is for Sustaining level ($70) members; the higher price is for all others. Middle Earth (War of the Ring) GM: Kevin Wojtaszczyk Demo: 10 a.m. Starts: Sun., Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Registration Fee: $10/$30 Features three guaranteed swiss rounds of dedicated play of Fantasy Flight’s War of the Ring. The top four players engage in Single Elimination play-offs. Omens (Hannibal: Rome Vs. Carthage) GM: Stuart Tucker Starts: Sat., Aug. 1, 1 p.m. Registration Fee: $20/$30 Features five 5-hour rounds of Swiss play of Avalon Hill’s Hannibal: Rome Vs. Carthage. Wins and tournament points determine final rankings. Rising Sun (Victory in the Pacific) GM: John Sharp Starts: Sun., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. Registration Fee: $10/$30 Features five rounds of Swiss play of Avalon Hill’s Victory in the Pacificfollowed by 3 rounds of SE for the top eight. Uses chess clocks courtesty of Alan Applebaum and John Sharp. Guns of August (Paths of Glory) GM: Pete Reese Starts: Sun., Aug. 2, 2 p.m. Registration Fee: $10/$40 Features three guaranteed rounds of Swiss play of GMT’s Paths of Glory. The top eight players advance to Single Elimina- tion play-offs. There is also a consolation round. Time Machine (Through The Ages) GM: Raphael Lehrer Starts: Sun., Aug. 2, Mulligan at noon, 6 p.m. Demo: 10 a.m. Registration Fee: $10/$40 Single elimination format with a mulligan round of FRED Distribution’s publication of Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization. GrognardCon (ten classic hex wargames) GM: Bruno Sinigaglio Starts: Sat., Aug. 1, 2 p.m. Registration Fee: $20/$40 Features Free Form Scheduling for preliminary rounds of wargames. None of these events conclude during the Pre- Con. Elimination rounds scheduled later in the week. See you at the World Boardgaming Championships August 3–9, 2009 Lancaster Host Resort • Lancaster, PA Pre-Cons begin August 1 www. boardgamers.org • [email protected]

1776 Fast Action Battles: The Bulge Risk 1830 Football Strategy Robo Rally 1960: Making of the President For the People Royal Palace Ace of Aces Formula De Russia Besieged Acquire Formula Motor Racing Russian Campaign Adel Verpflichtet Galaxy Saint Petersburg Advanced Civilization Gangsters San Juan ASL Starter Kit Gettysburg Santa Fe Rails Afrika Korps Goa Saratoga Age of Empires III Great Campaigns of ACW Settlers of Catan Age of Renaissance Hammer of the Scots Slapshot Age of Steam Hannibal: Rome vs Carthage Speed Circuit Agricola Here I Stand Squad Leader Air Baron History of the World Star Wars: Queen’s Gambit Alhambra Imperial Stockcar Championship Racing Amun-Re Ingenious Stone Age Anzio Ivanhoe Storm Over Stalingrad Atlantic Storm Kaiser's Pirates Street Soccer Attack Sub Kingmaker Successors Auction Kremlin Superstar Baseball Axis & Allies Kutuzov Texas Glory B-17 Liar's Dice Through the Ages Battle Cry Lost Cities Thurn & Taxis Battle: The Napoleonic Wars Manoeuver Ticket To Ride Battleline Manifest Destiny Tigers In the Mist BattleLore March Madness Tikal Bitter Woods Medici Titan Brawling Battleship Steel Memoir '44 Titan Two Breakout Normandy Merchant of Venus Titan: The Arena Britannia Monsters Ravage America Trans America Bulge '81 Monty's Gamble Twilight Imperium Can't Stop Mystery of the Abbey Twilight Struggle Carcassonne Napoleonic Wars Trans America Caylus Naval War Tyranno Ex Chicago Express Notre Dame Union Pacific Circus Maximus Nuclear War Up Front Combat Commander Panzerblitz Vegas Showdown Commands & Colors Ancients Panzergruppe Guderian Victory in the Pacific Conquest of Paradise Paths of Glory War At Sea Crusader Rexr Paydirt War of 1812 Die Macher Pillars of the Earth War of the Ring Dominion Pirate's Cove Warriors of God Dune Power Grid Waterloo Eisenbach Gap Princes of Florence We The People El Grande Pro Golf Wellington Elchfest Puerto Rico Wilderness War Empire Builder Pursuit of Glory Win, Place & Show Empire of the Sun Ra! Wooden Ships & Iron Men Enemy In Sight Race For the Galaxy World At War Euphrat & Tigris Rail Baron Yspahan Facts In Five Republic of Rome

Italics: Trial Event; Bold Italics: New Event; Regular: Century Event; Green: Pre-Con; see previews at boardgamers.org/yearbkex