This week, we started off with a trip Around the World in 80 Days, although some of us didn't take it too literally. It was the first time for John and Steve. In this outing, John and Nige were the trailblazers, vying each turn for the bonus chit available to the first visitor to each location. I generally kept just behind them, which isn't very good for gaining bonuses. I did, however, manage to pick up an elephant just before the long trip to Calcutta but my die rolling skills inevitablymeant it still took me 12 days to do the journey.

Steve and Mark K stuck to the back of the field to pick up the other bonuses, with Steve catching up quite quickly, after looking like he might get left adrift at the back. Eventually, John struck home getting to London in 77 days, with most people well behind in terms of locations visited. I knew I was never going to beat John so opted to get home quickly, even though it took me 87 days. Mark G nearly managed to get there for the win but could only match John's journey time and lost on the tie break, whereas Mark K nearly got lost at sea but instead chose to limp home in last place after 92 days.

80 Days remains a fun game, although the start player in the first round can have an advantage which, with the right cards, can be hammered home. John did this very effectively this time (not to take anything away from his win) and I look forward to trying to get it right next time.