In 2021 I set up a 10×10 goal for board games. It was fun, but I didn’t actually complete the goal of playing 10 specific games 10 times over the year (made it to 72). I still had a successful gaming year (played 174 games, many of which were not on the 10×10) but I didn’t like the fact that I “failed.” In reviewing my gaming history for the year, I realized I had a lot of games I played 4-6 times. Hm. A 10×10 results in 100 games being played. A 20×5 also results in 100 games being played, but with more variety. I decided to try that for 2022. I thought I made the concept up. I didn’t. 🙂 There are plenty of different configurations that people use; a 10×10 just seems to be the most popular.
How did my 20×5 go for 2022? Fantastic! Not only did I finish, but I had my best gaming year ever since returning to the hobby. Continue reading “2022 20×5 Review”
Last year I did a 10×10 for the second time. Both times I felt a bit let down at the end. The first reason was I never managed to complete the 10 games I committed to play 10 times. The second reason was I knew I was playing more than 100 games during the year, and just wasn’t getting credit. This year I fixed that. 🙂 Instead of a 10×10 I created a 20×5 goal sheet. I listed twenty different games with the goal of playing each of them at least five times. It has been so much better!
I think the main reason I have enjoyed it more is the variety. Instead of looking at my list and thinking, “oh, wow, I have to play that game again?” I can look at my list and pick from twenty different options. I was also able to involve some other folks in the process. Specifically, I asked my younger son if there was a game he would like to play with me this year and he selected Chess. So yes, we’ve played that at least five times this year.
Merchants of the Dark Road For example…last Fall I purchased the deluxe edition of Merchants of the Dark Road. It was a game that caught my eye at one of my favorite local game stores. I had read a bit about it and decided to buy the package that included the game, the expansion, the cloth bags, the sleeves, and (of course) the metal coins. I didn’t get it played last year so I put it on my list. I have played it six times so far, and I certainly enjoy it, but I’m glad I have other options instead of trying to play it four more times to finish out the year. Will I play it four more times? Possibly! But only if I want to, and not because I have to. A 10×10 (20×5) is supposed to be fun, not a chore.
Tekhenu Another “new to me” game that hit the table this year is Tekhenu. This game came out back in 2020. I bought a copy, then sold it when it was between print runs. Then I bought a used copy, and sold that. Then I bought another new copy and finally decided it was time to open it and play it. 🙂 I played it for the first time at BGG Spring 2022, and have played it four (actually five) more times since then. I am quite happy with my play count at that level. Would I play it again this year? Sure, I enjoy it. But with a 20×5 I can decide to play something else without feeling disappointed that I’ve missed my goal.
It did not take me long to realize that a 20×5 suits me better. I will be doing the same strategy going forward.
What else made my 20×5 this year? I carried over some old favorites like Wingspan and Cascadia and Azul. I added some games I just purchased this year like Bumúntú, Fae and Chai. I finally got to learn and play Everdell and Quacks of Quedlinburg. At the current time I have 19 games on my list (the 20th is a “to be named later” slot) and have played almost all of them five times. Here’s the actual list and status.
Azul played 6 times
Wingspan played 6 times
Cascadia played 11 times
Quacks of Quedlinburg played 19 times
Merchants of the Dark Road played 6 times
Tekhenu played 8 times
Village played 6 times
Chess played 8 times
Scythe played 4 times
Fae played 9 times
Stone Age played 6 times
Everdell played 4 times
Bumúntú played 6 times
Tsuro of the Seas played 5 times
Whistle Stop played 5 times
Chai played 9 times
Downfall of Pompeii played 7 times
Under Falling Skies played 5 times
Dwellings of Eldervale played 3 times
To Be Named Later!
So that’s it, that’s how my gaming year has gone so far. How about you? Do you do a 10×10? Do you like the idea of a 20×5 or not? Let me know in the comments. 😎
