Lords of Vegas

Games from the Cellar

The panel rolls the dice on a game of Lords of Vegas.

Lords of Vegas, designed by James Ernest & Mike Selinker, was first published by Mayfair Games in 2010.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we discuss Lords of Vegas, a two to four-player, light-complexity game first published by Mayfair Games in 2010. The panel focuses on the concept of calculated risk and its integral role in Lords of Vegas. We discuss the importance of taking risks and the value of recognizing when risk-taking is no longer beneficial. We then touch on the concept of viewing the casino colors as a resource, and the tactical decision-making required to be successful in Loads of Vegas. Finally, we conclude with enthusiasm for the game, which we've played multiple times in the past few months.

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Chapters:

(0:01:00) - Exploring Lords of Vegas (0:14:54) - Managing Risk in the Casino (0:31:14) - The Risky Strategy of Risk Mitigation (0:40:32) - Taking Risks in a Seat-of-Your-Pants Game

Chapter Summaries:

(0:01:00) - Exploring Lords of Vegas (14 Minutes) Lords of Vegas is a two to four-player, light-complexity game first published by Mayfair Games in 2010. The game's goal is to build big casinos, take over other people's big casinos, and make lots of money. Players draw cards that allow them to purchase property and establish blocks of casinos. Whoever has the highest die in the block is the boss of the casino, and when someone has a casino along Las Vegas Boulevard, they get big cash.

(0:14:54) - Managing Risk in the Casino (16 Minutes) Lords of Vegas is an exciting and dynamic game that requires tactical decision-making. The panel focuses on the concept of calculated risk and its integral role in the game of Lords of Vegas. The participants discuss how taking risks can help you win by rebranding existing casinos or expanding them onto a space you don't own. They also discuss the importance of being able to recognize when risk-taking is no longer beneficial. Through this conversation, the panel illustrates the strategic elements that are necessary to be successful in Lords of Vegas, such as understanding the value of certain spaces, planning, and managing resources. Players must also react to the luck of the roll and seize opportunities to make a difference by taking risks. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about their recent game, where Stephen emerged as the victor and John was a close second. The panel then address their enthusiasm for Lords of Vegas; which has seen play multiple times in the past few months, and their decision to start the podcast.

(0:31:14) - The Risky Strategy of Risk Mitigation (9 Minutes) Lord of Vegas is a game of risk-taking and calculated decision-making. The participants discussed the risk mitigation strategies employed by Stephen, and how he was able to control the large gold casino. Briefly mentioned was how Stephen's "All in on Gold" strategy was inherently risky, as one lucky (or unlucky) die roll could have undone him because he wasn't as diversified as the other players. We acknowledged the lack of casino control changes in this particular play; that control of casinos did not flip-flop as much as in previous games. We also discussed the impact of the cards drawn, and how the chance factor could be directed by the players.

(0:40:32) - Taking Risks in a Seat-of-Your-Pants Game (20 Minutes) Lords of Vegas is a game that requires players to make calculated gambles to get ahead. Though it has an unpredictable element, there are still strategies that can be employed to increase the odds of success. Players can make the most of their turns by taking risks and pursuing opportunities that come up, as it is possible to be locked out of the game if they take a passive approach. In addition, the game rewards those who take a chance and can offer a thrilling experience as players can celebrate when their risky moves yield success.

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