BAB BOWL XXX

Bab Bowl XXX took place on May 22nd, 2009. The Crusade expansion was used for a seventh time. This game used a deck size of 100 cards. As of Bab Bowl XXV, using a Crusade deck is optional. This game was a scenario game where the Shadow War was to be expected since we declared which of the 3 sides we were going to play.

Sean = Centauri (Londo) + Shadows
Simon = Humans (Sheridan) + B5
JP = Minbari (Delenn) + Vorlons

Final Score (Total points in all Bab Bowls in brackets)

JP = 29 (530)
Sean = 10 (483)
Simon = 0 (500)

The longest game ever! JP won another major victory with a straightforward Minbari/Vorlon deck that used primarily characters, fleets and conflicts. Simon worked at raising B5 influence to go for a power victory. Sean went with a classic Centauri/Shadow deck that raised Shadow influence. JP collected only influence so when the power limiting cards were slapped down on Sean and Simon, things got hairy. The game lasted more than 7 hours when we decided to call it a night (almost 3AM).

Simon was about to run out of cards so in the end, he had to forfeit. Sean was stuck at 10 influence and could outlast JP in card draws with Imperial Telepaths. JP could keep pounding on either of us for a while, but he had already fulfilled the Major Victory conditions by that time.

Koodos to JP for his 3rd M.V. in the last 5 games. Unprecedented in our 30-game history.
Ranking (Major Victories, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in brackets)

Simon = 69 points (4-7-9-10)
JP = 68 points (4-5-12-9)
Sean = 60 points (1-8-10-11)

BAB BOWL XXX - Coming Soon

We have a go for BAB BOWL XXX. It will take place on Friday May 22nd at our usual secret location. I will post all the gory details as well as new statistics this weekend.

Stay tuned for the carnage!

BAB BOWL XXX Delayed

I am sorry to say that Bab Bowl 30 did not take place last week. Due to a work emergency, the game was postponed. We are hoping for next Friday. I will let our many fans know as soon as it is worked out.

Until then, may your cards shuffle well!

Next Game - May 8th, 2009

Bab Bowl 30 will take place on May 8th with the following factions:

Sean = Centauri (Londo) + Shadows
Simon = Humans + Babylon 5
JP = Minbari (Delenn) + Vorlons

The Great War Spectacular should be quite the battle.

Stayed tuned for the recap this weekend.

BAB BOWL XXIX

Bab Bowl XXIX took place on April 25th, 2009. The Crusade expansion was used for a sixth time. This game used a deck size of 100 cards. As of Bab Bowl XXV, using a Crusade deck is optional.

Sean = Minbari (Delenn)
Simon = Humans (Clark)
JP = Centauri (Londo)

Final Score (Total points in all Bab Bowls in brackets)

JP = 28 (501)
Sean = 23 (473)
Simon = 16 (500)

The longest game in recent memory. Simon played a Clark/Shadow deck with Managed Growth as his agenda. JP replaced Londo with Councilor La'Shan and caused not small matter of headaches for all of us. I went with a Minbari / TechnoMage / Ranger strategy. JP started the Shadow War only to cancel it a few turns later. Quite the bold move.

Ranking (Major Victories, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in brackets)

Simon = 68 points (4-7-9-9)
JP = 63 points (3-5-12-9)
Sean = 58 points (1-8-9-11)

Next Game - April 25th, 2009

Tonight, Bab Bowl 29 will take place with the following factions:

Sean = Minbari (Delenn)
Simon = Humans (clark)
JP = Centauri (Londo)

I am looking forward to this game. Whoever wins BB29 will get first pick of their faction for the Great Shadow War Showdown!

Stayed tuned for the recap this weekend.

Basic Deck Building

Deck building is an art. It can seem great on paper but suck royally in a game. Your starting hand sets the tone for the entire game.

According to the rulebook, a starting hand can include the following cards:

• Starting Ambassador
• Ambassador's Assistant
• Homeworld
• Agenda
  

The problem with this basic combo is that it might take a couple of turns to get 3 cards on the table and to play the Homeworld, 10 influence must be used, which take at least 6 turns to reach.

Another philosophy is to add cards that can all be played quickly for maximum effect. Something in I did in Bab Bowl 23. I played all 4 cards in the first turn. Can't always do this, but it sure is fun to have an empty hand so quickly. However, you are now at the mercy of your deck and good cards coming out to continue your quest for victory.