June 2, 2011 Session Report

Attendance hit nine for our first session of 2011 with the summer hours. Attendees included Patrick, Mike, Paul, Doug H, Tim, Rembert, Brian, Doug M and myself. Games played: Cheeky Monkey, Thurn and Taxis, Settlers of Catan, Ra, Cloud Nine.

First up was Cheeky Monkey, a relatively short game while waiting for everyone to show up. Patrick, who was the last to join the game, was the winner, with 23 points. Paul tied for first with 23 but the tiebreaker -- highest bonus tile -- meant Patrick, who had the most money, was the winner.

We then split into two groups as more people arrived. One group played Settlers of Catan. It was a close game, filling most of the remaining time, won by Doug H who came from behind. Final scores: Doug (10), Patrick (9), Tim and Rembert (7).

The other group got in two games: first, Thurn and Taxis, which we haven't played at the Laurel club for a long time. Winner was Mike (26) ahead of John (22), Doug M (19) and Paul (5). By then Brian had arrived, and we played a five-player game of Ra. Mike scored an even more crushing win, with a total of 68 (!) points, almost double that of second place, who was Doug M (38). John (32), Paul (31) and Brian (16) also played.

Finally, we wrapped up the session with a quick game of Cloud Nine which featured two 25-point balloon trips. Brian took the win with 63 points, ahead of Paul (55), Mike (43), Doug H (39), John (35) and Rembert (32).

After the session I learned Brian is planning on moving out of the area, so we will miss him at future club sessions and wish him well. He did say he will try to stop in from time to time if his future travels in connection with work bring him close to Laurel on Thursday evenings.