Gulf Games 7: Ben Baldanza

Orlando, Florida
March 1 – 4, 2001

A big thank you to everyone who organized Gulf Games at Orlando this weekend. It was another well run and truly enjoyable event. Greg, Vickie and everyone else involved deserve a medal for the effort that goes into making this work so well.
I also want to thank everyone who attended for providing another great gaming experience where the games were
topped only by the people!
For me, the gaming highlights of the weekend were:
Die Macher — even though Derk thinks I blew it, it still is always such a joy to play this game with people who know it well and this time was no exception. Congratulations to Vonda Matthews who won and keeps the GG Die Macher crown home with the DC Gamers female contingent!
San Marco — I had the pleasure of teaching this game twice and its play continually impresses me.
Strand Cup — A very fun beach volleyball card game that is a great team play concept.
Tichu — Lost one game by 10points (1060-1050, teamed with my wife Marcia) and won another on a final “Tichu” hand (teamed with Chris Lohroff) in a game where I blew my card play and allowed Derk to complete his Grand Tichu. This game is fun every time I get to play it.
Was Sticht? — While this is still my favorite 4-player trick taking game, I came to the conclusion that it is not one to start at 4:00 am!
Liar’s Dice — The game putting me in the finals of this tournament was the most enjoyable I’ve played of this game. It was truly tense and ended dramatically when both me and Tim rolled a “3” on our single die. Games that I did not get to play but hoped to included Evo, Spekulation and any rail game.
Thanks all, and I hope to see everyone in Nashville!