Session Summary - 14 March 2007

Just the 2 of us this week and a session of very close games. I'm not realy surprised by the low attendance knowing in advance that Steve and Mike were unavailable and that Dave C would be doubtful. So it was just Matt & me.

We opened with.

Great Wall of China 30 mins
Player	Posn.	Points
Matt	1=	27
Dave D	1=	27

We played this once before last September with 5 players, the problem being that all were new to the game and it took longer than expected, leaving people hurrying to get buses. The general view was that the game had potential and I have been intending to get it out again since, but getting round to it. On this playing the game seems pretty good with 2, although perhaps 3 might be better. I think 5 may be too many. In this game the bulk of the cards were played in a titanic battle for 2 wall sections in the middle of the game. Matt had taken an early lead by taking a high tile at the beginning, but I was able to pull this back by taking both tiles on one of the final wall sections, while the other was tied meaning no one got the tiles.

San Juan 35 mins
Player	Posn.	Points
Dave D	1=	41
Matt	1=	41

We don't see many ties at San Juan, which probably explains why I forgot the tie breaker (number of cards) that may have resolved this. 2 opposite strategies were in play, Matt with Guild Hall and production buildings with a palace, while I had Triumphal Arch with 2 monuments, City Hall and a 4 point Chapel.

Industrial Waste 45 mins
Player	Posn.	Points
Dave D	1	81
Matt	2	76

This did not last anything like the 4 player game, the other week, but Matt was able to max the innovation tracks, while I was one innovation short of doing the same. I was able to produce 2 orders on the final turn, enabling me to win with a large amount of money to cancel out the loan which I took out earlier and never got round to paying back.

Hopefully a better turn out next week, I gather Steve should be available.