What does Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game teach us about power, restraint, and focus?

In this episode of Mindful Games Lab, Clay dives into Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game from Brotherwise Games, exploring beginner-friendly strategy, when it's actually worth flaring your metals, which characters feel strongest at the table, and the ongoing tension between dealing damage and racing up the mission tracks. Along the way, he shares gentle, mindful prompts that invite you to notice not just how you play, but how you decide, react, and commit.

Whether you're new to Mistborn, curious about deckbuilding strategy, or interested in more intentional, reflective play, this episode offers insights you can bring to your next game night—and beyond. https://www.mindfulgameslab.com

In this episode, Clay explores Undaunted: 2200 Callisto, the newest and boldest entry in the Undaunted series—now blasting off into full sci-fi territory.

If you've ever wondered what Undaunted would feel like with mechs, lunar colonies, elevation mechanics, and high-stakes tactical skirmishes, this is the episode for you. I break down what makes 2200 Callisto different from the WWII titles before it, how the new systems change the flow of the game, and why the Breakers vs. LFA conflict is such a compelling setting.

Clay talks gameplay, strategy, faction identity, deckbuilding choices, initiative tension, and the emotional ups. Whether you're a longtime Undaunted fan or totally new to the series, you'll get a clear sense of whether Callisto belongs in your collection.

Tune in to hear my full review, beginner strategy tips, and insights into what makes this sci-fi tactical deck-builder so much fun to play.

If you enjoy the show, don't forget to follow, leave a rating, and share it with a fellow board gamer!

Kinfire Council: When Saving the City Means Watching Your Back

Din'Lux is hanging by a thread — and the greatest threat might be sitting right across the table from you.

Join Clay as he dives into Kinfire Council, the gorgeous worker placement game where players must rebuild magical lighthouses to protect the last surviving city… all while silently questioning whether their fellow council members are secretly helping the cult trying to destroy it.

In this episode, we explore:

How cooperation quickly turns into suspicion
The unforgettable gameplay moments where everything falls apart
Strategic choices that push players toward loyalty… or betrayal
Why this game creates big laughs and big tension

If you love strategy games with intrigue, pressure, and the occasional perfectly timed betrayal, this is your invitation to step into the council chambers — where every decision matters and trust is the most limited resource of all.

Hit play, and let's find out whether you'll help save Din'Lux… or doom it.

Welcome to a jam-packed guide to Gen Con — the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America! Whether it's your first time attending or you're a seasoned veteran, this episode is your ultimate prep companion.

Host Clay walks you through everything you need to know to get the most out of your Gen Con experience:

• 🧭 Tips for navigating the massive vendor hall

• 🎟️ How to plan your event schedule (even if you didn't pre-register!)

• 🛋️ Pro tips on where to find quiet spots and take breaks

• 🍕 Food hacks and how to survive the dinner rush

• 🌙 What to do after 6 p.m. when the convention nightlife kicks in

PLUS: Clay's Top 5 Most Anticipated Games at Gen Con 2025, including:

• Kinfire Council (Incredible Dreams Studios)

• Nature (North Star Game Studio)

• The Crew: Family Adventure (Kosmos)

• Solar Gardens (Darrington Press)

• Vantage (Stonemaier Games)

And don't miss Clay in person! He'll be working the Leder Games booth (#643) and making a special appearance at the Leder Hootenanny as Cap'n Clay the Pirate.

If you're heading to Indy this year, or just want to soak in the excitement, this episode will get you hyped, prepared, and inspired to make Gen Con unforgettable.

Visit mindfulgameslab.com for a blog post about Gen Con.

In this episode, Clay dives deep into Almoravid, the second entry in Volko Ruhnke's celebrated Levy & Campaign series from GMT Games. Set in the gritty landscape of 11th-century Iberia during the Spanish Reconquista, Almoravid is a game of feudal logistics, political tension, and brutal siege warfare.

We unpack the game's most compelling systems:
How you command lords—not armies—and what it means to manage medieval loyalty
The dual-role of El Cid, the legendary knight who might fight for either side
The tactical weight behind every card, siege attempt, and ravage action
Why Almoravid isn't just a game—it's a historical narrative waiting to unfold

Whether you're a veteran of Nevsky or just curious about asymmetric wargames, this episode will guide you through what makes Almoravid a must-play for fans of immersive, strategy-heavy tabletop experiences.

🔗 Plus, grab our custom capability player aid at MindfulGamesLab.com!

🎧 Tune in, sharpen your blades, and prepare to outwit the past.