Jarl: The Vikings Tile-Laying Game

My wife and I broke this out after the kids went to bed and the tile-laying mechanic had us hooked by round two. The little Ragnar and Floki cards add a nice bluffing layer that keeps it from feeling like plain dominoes. We've already penciled in a rematch for Friday.

Played this with three friends who usually prefer heavy strategy games, and they were hooked by round two. The tile-laying creates constant tension since you're blocking someone's longships while trying to keep your own routes open. Winter nights sorted.

The tile-laying mechanic keeps every round tense because you're never sure if placing a tile will help you or set up the next player. My wife and I pulled it out after dinner and ended up playing four games straight. The Viking theme actually fits the gameplay instead of feeling pasted on.