Going last typically a key

It’s always interesting when a game hits the table and you learn something new as a result.

HOD is one of those games.

A hod, according to an online dictionary is “a builder's V-shaped open trough on a pole, used for carrying bricks and other building materials,” something I didn’t know previously – which I suppose may allow me to know one additional clue on Jeopardy.

But back to the game. HOD is another among the many by designer David McCord, and publisher  at newventuregames.com – a combo which equates to a fine quality game.

This one is played on a 4x4-inch wooden peg board, and 64 coloured wooden pegs, all of which are very nice.

There are also a couple of dice that play a role in the set-up, so they are not influence play through random rolls once the play begins.

HOD is a peg game for two-to-four players – with our group’s experience leaning toward more interesting play with more involved.

The placement of a peg scores you points – multiples of the points on which it is placed, so 15 on the intersection of three and five.

Some holes will be blocked – that is why you roll dice so the board changes somewhat each game.

Now the game plays quick – yep another game that seems a fine ‘in the cabin for rainy day play’ option – but lacks the depth to become a regularly suggested game. That is a result to the last peg to be placed is generally going to be at the intersection of six and six, scoring 36 points which is a big swing.

Scores by the nature of HOD stay close and that 36 looms as the determining score rather often – meaning it’s positioning to get that final peg – which typically goes to the last player in rotation. In HOD going last tends to be a big benefit – so you need to play multiple games with each player going last then adding up overall scores to determine the winner – at least we feel that way.

Nice components with short term interest but not the longer term appeal of some other McCord creations.