Go Big or Go Home

Go Big or Go Home

Author: Tabletop Bellhop January 25, 2026 Duration: 1:22:28

This episode we share a rather large list of games we think are great for large groups, groups of seven or more players, and that’s not just a bunch of party games.

We also share what we’ve been playing and wrap up with three featured reviews: 3-2-1 Countdown from Grandpa Beck’s Games, Brick Like This! from Asmodee, and Hand Games 21 a book by Don Eskridge.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 293 was recorded on January 21st, 2026. We usually record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep293/

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

(00:01:59) Announcements
February 2026 Events: Feb 8th - Board Game Bazaar Feb 22nd - Pop Up Board Game Cafe Feb 26th - Brews & Board Games Our event calendar: https://tabletopbellhop.com/local/

(00:02:56) Ask the Bellhop - Great games for seven or more players

(00:37:31) The Bellhop’s Tabletop

(00:51:15) The Game Room - 3-2-1 Countdown
Pick up 3-2-1 Countdown on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4k4hB7O
Or better yet order it direct from Grandpa Beck’s where you can use BELLHOP to save 15%, https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/products/3-2-1-countdown?sca_ref=9131133.6jeLXLbaBX
Check out our Skull King review on Ep 263 https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep263/
And our Reign of Dragoness review on Ep 283 https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep283/

(00:58:20) The Game Room - Brick Like This
Pick up Brick Like This! on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4rbxwDm
You may also dig Monkey Palace another newer LEGO Game, https://amzn.to/3NMVjep
Learn about more of our favourite party games on ep 166 https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep166/

(01:11:57) The Game Room - 21 Hand Games
Pick up Hand Games 21 on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4sXsuMB Check out Don’s hit social deduction games The Resistance https://amzn.to/4pYNfoi and/or Avalon https://amzn.to/3O3pgHd
An apology: During the review of Hand Games 21 we say Dan Eskridge instead of Don, sorry about that Don.

(01:37:27) 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


Ever find yourself staring at your shelf of board games, wondering which one would actually work for your particular group this weekend? Or perhaps you’ve just unboxed a new game and feel a bit lost in the rulebook. That’s the space where the Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast lives. Hosted by the folks at Tabletop Bellhop, this show is like having a knowledgeable friend on call to help navigate the vast world of tabletop gaming. Each episode dives into practical advice and genuine conversations aimed at making your game nights smoother and more fun. You’ll hear detailed reviews of specific games, discussions on common gaming hurdles, and tips for everything from teaching rules to managing player dynamics. While the focus is firmly on board games, the occasional role-playing game conversation slips in, reflecting the full spectrum of tabletop hobbies. The tone is welcoming and down-to-earth, avoiding insider jargon in favour of clear, useful insights. It’s a resource built on the idea that the best games are the ones that actually get played, and that a great experience is about more than just the components in the box. Tune in for a podcast that feels like a direct consultation with your own cardboard concierge, dedicated to answering the real questions that pop up around the gaming table.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 100

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Playing Librarian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:51:56
This episode we share tips on building a game collection that will appeal to a wide range of players, share what we’ve been playing lately and review two games on opposite ends of the spectrum, the meaty Vienna and the s…
Tag Team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:07
We share our favourite team-based board games, Deanna and Moe share the games they played at the Spring Northern Board Gaming Retreat put on by Changeling Gaming at Springwood Cottage Resort, and we review both Rowdy Par…
Apples and Oranges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:11
Tonight we’re talking about how to compare games that are similar and pick a favorite. As well, we’ve got reviews of Ham Helsing and First Class Mail along with plenty of talk about the games we’ve played lately includin…
We're Still Playing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:07
A special episode of The Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast where we celebrate the fact this is our three hundredth episode! Celebrations include talking about the games we keep coming back to again and again, revisiting ou…
Pure and Simple [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:01
We’re keeping it simple, answering a question from someone who’s looking for some super simple board game suggestions. In addition to easy game recommendations, we will be sharing what we’ve been playing lately, includin…
Show Some Respect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:11
In addition to answering a question about a pretty common game night problem we will be sharing first thoughts on 3 Witches, Cats Vs Cucumbers, Flora Funga and more. We’ve also got two reviews, of Whoa There Cowboy from…
Break out the Games [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01:59
We share all the great new to us games we’ve played since getting back from GAMA Expo including some awesome experiences at Breakout Con in Toronto. We finish off with two reviews, one older game and one brand new one th…
GAMArama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:25:32
A special all GAMA Expo episode where we talk about our experiences in the Tabletop Industries biggest trade show. Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 296 was recorded on March 11th, 2026. Episodes are recorded live…
Caught Red Handed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:43
This episode we have a discussion about cheating at the game table and what you can do if you think someone is cheating. We also share first thoughts on Robotech Reconstruction from Strange Machine Games and Cats Knockin…
Snowed In [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04:19
This episode we share our favourite long and really long board games. We also talk about what we’ve been playing including first thoughts on Scurry Up from Up Games, and wrap up with two featured reviews, How to Save A W…