Spiel Des Jahres (Game of the Year) awards...

So every year Germany gives out an award for the best board game of the year. They take their games VERY seriously. It's always a family game that wins, usually something with a fair amount of strategy but not an overwhelming amount of rules. For me, a game of the year award usually is a must-buy. They are guaranteed lots of fun and are usually great games to introduce people to the hobby. Classics like Settlers of Catan and Elfenland have all won in previous years. I don't have 'em all but I'm working on it.

The finalists will be announced at the SdJ website on May 25 and I'm definitely curious to see what is nominated. My vote for the winner: Dominion (of course...) Most original game of the past year and by far the best. Easy to teach but endless playability. It'll be a travesty if it doesn't win.

You can check out previous years SdJ winners and nominees here. For the next couple weeks I'll probably do some mini-reviews of winners that I own in the leadup
to the award announcements.