Power Grid

Games from the Cellar

Join us this week as the panel powers up a game of Power Grid!

Power Grid, also known as Funkenschlag, was designed by Friedemann Friese and was first published in the US by Rio Grande Games in 2004. Power Grid was a Spiel des Jahres Recommended Game in 2005 and has won many other awards.

Episode Summary In this episode, we're getting back to our roots with a game that's near and dear to our hearts - Power Grid. Listen in as we brush up on the rules and explore the ins and outs of managing resources, power plants, and cities on the game board.

As we dive into the strategy of Power Grid, we discuss the importance of timing your moves, managing your money, and the intricacies of the game's mechanics. From the costs of connecting cities to the unevenness of the map, we explore how to navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise throughout the game. We also touch on the turn order, resource demand, and how effectively maneuver and take advantage of openings on the board.

Whether you're a seasoned Power Grid player or new to the world of resource management and strategic gameplay, you'll find plenty of insights and tips in this episode. From mastering turn order to predicting resource demand, we share our love for this timeless game and its fascinating blend of strategy, economics, and competition.

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Episode Chapters (0:00:16) - Power Grid (0:16:47) - Controlling the Grid (26 Minutes) (0:42:04) - Powering Up an Energetic Strategy (15 Minutes)

(0:00:16) - Power Grid (17 Minutes) We begin by discussing the various sections of the Power Grid game map, debating which area should be excluded from the game. We then move on to how powering the game works, discussing how resources must be bought and burned in the power plants to power cities. We then discuss how the person with the lowest resources gets the first choice of fuel, and how the fuel gets more expensive as it is used up. We also look at the various plant options, including green energy plants that don't require resources.

(0:16:47) - Controlling the Grid (26 Minutes) We explore how players can use the game's mechanisms to set up their own positions and take control of the game. We also discuss how to manage money, fuel, and power plants in order to gain the most benefit from each turn, as well as the importance of playing strategically. Finally, we examine the importance of timing when it comes to buying cities and fuel in order to maximize the player's advantage.

(0:42:04) - Powering Up an Energetic Strategy (15 Minutes) We discuss the dynamic of the game, focusing on the tactical decisions that must be made to gain control of the board. We examine how players can use their money to buy power plants and cities, and how the game's mechanics can be manipulated to gain an edge. We also consider the cost of connecting different cities, and how the map isn't balanced in certain areas. Finally, we explore how opportunity cost plays a role in the bidding process and how it can affect the outcome of the game. Finally, we recommend the game, noting its availability and the various maps available.

Show notes created with assistance from https://podium.page

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