Tonight it was the usuals, Matt, Kathleen, Burr, Laura and myself. After a six-person game last time, a little too chaotic, we tried a five-person game of Alhambra. Laura once again worked her Garten strategy (makes sense because it's her game). This is a good game for our group, quick turns, enough tension and "Augh, I wanted that tile," but not too much direct confrontation, it is all mediated through the board.

While Laura was off to study, and Kathleen headed home, Burr and Matt stayed for a few games of Coda. It's a guessing game in the beginning, but the choices soon narrow and logic takes the fore, making for a quick game with enough brain-chugging to keep you occupied. Sure, there's player elimination, but for only 2-5 minutes. It's good for opening or closing the evening, and tonight we played three rounds with each of us as first player. Matt came back for the win twice, while Burr finally triumphed on the last game.