We answer a question from one of our awesome Patreon patrons who asked what we think publishers can do to better set expectations for their board games. We also share the games we’ve been playing lately, including Grandpa Beck’s latest game, Whoa There Cowboy! Plus we dive into detailed reviews of two games where we got exactly what we expected, Alhambra Family & Friends Edition from Queen Games, and Beer & Bread from Capstone Games.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 291 was recorded on December 17th, 2025. We usually record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep291/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) CHECK-IN

(00:02:23) Announcements
Upcoming Events:

Dec 28th - Pop up Board Game Cafe at Hidden Trail
https://tabletopbellhop.com/hidden

Jan 6th - ProtoWIN Game Designer Night at Hidden Trail
https://tabletopbellhop.com/protowin/

Jan 22nd - Brews & Board Games at the Walkerville Brewery
https://tabletopbellhop.com/local/

(00:03:39) Ask the Bellhop

(00:59:01) The Bellhop’s Tabletop

(01:11:08) The Game Room - Beer & Bread
Beer & Bread: https://amzn.to/4qfdsQ2
Check out the Capstone Games Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/4qlf7n5
27 Quick & Fun Easy to Learn Two Player Board Games https://tabletopbellhop.com/gaming-advice/quick-and-easy-two-player-board-games/
24 More of the Best Two Player Board Games for Date Night https://tabletopbellhop.com/gaming-advice/date-night-board-games/

(01:28:34) The Game Room - Alhambra Family & Friends Edition
Pick up Alhambra Compact Edition: https://amzn.to/4sg7j8f
Check out the Queen Games Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/4pcGE9v
Our other Queen Games coverage: https://tabletopbellhop.com/tag/queen-games/

(01:45:26) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

FIND US:
Webpage: https://tabletopbellhop.com
Discord: https://discord.tabletopbellhop.com
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopbellhop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopbellhop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabletopbellhop/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabletopbellhop
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop