Game Books

Don't get this book for instruction. If you want to read some fun and amazing stories in chess (with some instructive parts) you will find "Chess for Fun and Chess for Blood" to be very entertaining! I read this book long ago and recommend it for anyone age 12 or older.

I got this book many years ago. This is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable chess books money can buy. Edward Lasker has a way with words!

This must be the absolute most enjoyable book to read! Once you start you cannot put it down. It doesn't contain as much instruction as it does fun reading.
A must if you love reading interesting things about chess history!

I found this book a lot of fun to read. lasker makes his point precisely. The book is very easy to read and instructive too. It talks abt genreal statergies in chess and the way ametuers and preofessional view it. A must read for all chess lovers...

This is a fun book, not just the part entitled 'Chess for fun'. For the one year when I lived on campus during my undergraduate days, I had a next-door neighbour with whom I played chess, and whenever he would take a piece, he would issue his war-cry, 'Blood!' How could I not purchase this book when I saw the title?

Edward Lasker (1885-1981), an American chess champion, may have been related to Emanuel Lasker (1868 - 1941), who was the second official World Chess Champion, a title he held for 27 after claiming it from Wilhelm Steinitz. The term of 27 years as champion is still a record. Edward Lasker played a famous game against Emanuel Lasker, which is recorded in this book in detail with commentary.

This is not a how-to manual specifically, although one will get many tips, particularly about combinations, end-game set-ups, and general strategy ideas. Edward Lasker brings in many historic games and show their strategies, and does so in both sections. The section on 'Chess for Blood' goes into more detail about major games and master play, but even here the focus is on strategy and psychology, albeit of a different sort. At the highest level, chess ceases to be a game (much like professional sports) - 'Such games are no fun, even for the winner. They are the hardest work imaginable. You play for blood!' Lasker in this section shows a move-by-move recreation of some of his own games, giving not only insight to the chess but also into the state of mind, the psychological aspects, of what goes on during a high level chess match.

This is indeed interesting, but the better part of the book for all but the most obsessive of chess players is the first, in which Lasker looks at the hobby aspect of chess (well, perhaps not entirely hobby). He looks at the history of sportsmanship, good and bad, such as the sixteenth century text that advocated that the chess player try to put the sun in the eyes of his opponent as a distraction. Lasker explores the makings of a good chess player, which includes (in no particular order) memory, mathematical skill, concentration, creativity, and artistry.

While there are definite strategies and tactics in chess (it does sound like war, and with elements such as knights, pawns, and other military features, it makes sense to think of chess in terms of martial imagery), there is no particular science that always leads to the same outcome. 'The general laws of chess strategy are surprisingly simple and few in number. In fact, they can almost be reduced to one single principle which might be termed the principle of mobility.' How this principle is used, however, it dependent upon the psychology and personal taste of the player. Lasker makes chess-playing ability out to be similar to music, where there are definitely guidelines, but also enormous range for individual style.

This is a very personal book in many ways. Lasker was a concentration camp survivor from the second world war, and credits chess with helping him to get through the ordeal. When he arrived in England after the war, he was tired and seasick, and spoke no English, but did find a chess game (and he recounts this game, which he won, in a move-by-move exposition here, too). Lasker's tale is interesting, as much chess as his own life here.

Lasker includes a complete listing of the International Chess rules, well worth having. The notations throughout the book are standard to chess books, and Lasker's love of the game comes through very clearly, from a boyhood obsession to a lifelong avocation that becomes a true calling.

Check!

If you're looking for an intelligent, well thought out and organized guide to using tarot cards, this is the best I've ever found. It is not, strictly speaking, a traditional, Waite-deck, 'fortune-telling' approach. Originally published under the title, 'Choice Centered Tarot', this allows one to use the tarot as a guide to reflection, choice-making and everyday living. It can be used for creative projects and busting out of mental ruts. It is also easy to read, use and understand, and it's fun.

I've been reading for over 30 years, and this is *still* my absolute favorite tarot book. I like the different approach she takes to it, addressing symbolism and numerology, rather than just the meanings of the cards. I'm thinking about starting to teach classes and, if people can still get it, this is the book I'll use.

"The only limit to the ways the Tarot can be used is your own imagination. Each life event, each emotional interaction, each inner awareness, presents us with an opportunity to understand ourselves and our Universe better. Every new problem or question is a challenge; with each challenge we discover new ways of using the Tarot." - From the book

Author Gail Fairfield advocates a choice-centered approach to Tarot, which encourages Tarot readers and querents ("readees" as she calls them) to use the cards for making better life decisions. In her book Everyday Tarot, Fairfield explains the structure of a Tarot deck, the development of number (such as "Two-ness"), the four suits, designing a layout (card spread) and more.

An excellent book for both Tarot beginners and experienced readers, Everyday Tarot provides an overview of the Major and Minor Arcana. According to Fairfield, every card is neutral in value, i.e. neither good nor bad in and of itself. However, the meaning of the card can be stretched along the entire spectrum of positive or negative. She likens cards to rain: rain is neutral, but too much can cause a disastrous flood and too little can cause a drought. Determining whether a card is to be interpreted positively or negatively depends largely on a querent's personality, question, and spread position.

Regarding reversals, Fairfield doesn't feel that the basic card meaning is affected, although the way an individual experiences the concept may change quite a bit. Upright cards indicate that an individual is experiencing the concept in a public, clear, objective or obvious way. Reversals, however, indicate that an individual is experiencing the concept in a more subtle, private, subjective, internal way.

For each suit and card, the author provides General/Neutral meanings as well as Positive, Negative, Upright, and reversed.

Arguable the most intriguing part of Everyday Tarot is the development of number throughout the Minor Arcana. Fairfield groups all the Minors in sets of three, except the 10's and Kings. These groups describe four different cycles-each having a particular level. She explains that every triad contains THIS, THAT, and THE OTHER. THIS refers to something new that is established, THAT challenges, confronts, changes or expands THIS and THE OTHER resolves and integrates the interaction between THIS and THAT. For example, Aces start the first cycle of three (the conceptual level) and are THIS, while Two-ness solidifies or confirms the direction of the Ace (THAT). Three-ness (THE OTHER) then unifies the aggressive energy of the One/Ace with the stabilizing energy of the Two. (The way she explains these groupings and cycles are easier than it sounds.)

The 10's are described as "hesitating" and aren't included in the triads or cycles. The Kings represent a completion point, and thus are outside of the triads as well.

Everyday Tarot also includes information on the reading process, choosing a Tarot deck based on symbols, ways to use the cards, and expanding your reading skills.

Personally, I found a lot of new, helpful information in this book. For example, I hadn't considered numerical values all that much when performing Tarot readings, but Fairfield's methods are so sensible and accessible, that I've started employing her system. I am also enjoying exploring reversals as internalized versions of cards as opposed to interpreting them merely as blocks, hindrances, or opposites of upright meanings. Everyday Tarot has also provided me additional insight regarding the suit of Wands. Fairfield considers Wands the suit of "Self", representing personal growth, awareness, and personal direction. It's the suit asking, "Who am I and where am I going?"

I've highlighted my copy of Everyday Tarot to death, and refer to it often. Overall, it's probably the best Tarot book that I've read thus far. Fairfield writes in the engaging style of a fellow reader as opposed to some high-minded "expert" pontificating in brittle prose. Her explanations are clear, her organization is tight, and her methods are empowering to both the reader and the querent. At 153 pages, it's not a huge book, but it's packed with immediately useful information and new ways of looking at-and using-the Tarot.

Fairfield's take on the Tarot is a little different than what most of us are used to. She bases her meanings for the Minor Arcana solely on numerology rather than visual cues; her meanings for the cards are based on what the numbers mean to her. The result is an unusually positive meaning for each card--a little bit politically correct, IMHO. 5 of Pentacles? You're not having financial trouble, you're just going through a period of re-adjustment! *chuckle* While I'm sure these meanings would give a different slant to a tarot reading, I don't use them much because some of them differ vastly from the traditional meanings and from the artwork in my decks. I'm more story- and picture- oriented than number-oriented; I want to look at a card and sense its meaning intuitively, rather than having to look up a number in a book. The card itself, rather than any book, is the biggest clue to its meaning--at least the way I work. But there is room for all opinions, and besides, this book would work well if you were reading a deck with pips, or an ordinary playing card deck. Fairfield's system wasn't my cup of tea, but that doesn't mean it won't be yours. The true treasure of this book is the last several chapters, which focus on doing readings. She provides suggestions about creating your own layouts, using the tarot for dream analysis, using the tarot to clarify yourself in a discussion, etc. She encourages the reader to do things her/his own way. And I can't argue with that.

Gail Fairfield's "Choice Centered Tarot" is one of my top 5 tarot books. Rather than a lot of superstitious fatalism, Fairfield offers us a worldview that embraces taking personal responsibility for our choices in the present moment in order to CREATE our futures. The tarot is presented as a tool for gaining insights into those choices so we can be more informed and conscious. The section on choosing a deck based on how certain facets of humanity are depicted in the card images is very helpful and thought-provoking. The section on designing your own layouts is deeply empowering! When I first read "Choice Centered Tarot" in the 1980s, it made a huge impact on my tarot work AND on my personal philosophy of life. It still does. Get it and use it!!!

Cindy Sabulis' Dolls Of The 1960s And 1970s (162-5, pairs pages packed with color photos of the dolls and most often their boxes with identification tips and values ranges. This will prove an invaluable guide for any avid doll collector needing a complete reference to makers and dolls of these eras.

Cindy has done it again - This is a FABULOUS guide to all those dolls we played with back then! Cindy has indexed this book by all of the popular (and not-so-popular) doll manufacturers in order by year of release. Everything is full color, with approximate secondary market values! Vinyl dolls from the 60's and 70's are rapidly growing in value on the collector's market and buyers have the BEST opportunity now to scour, ID and sell - this is one book you do not want to be without at doll shows! I enjoyed reacquainting myself with most all of the dolls displayed. Thanks, Cindy!

This is a terrific book with tons of bright and detailed photos. Contains a lot of the popular dolls from this period- along with some that are not so popular (which is nice for identifying). Contains dolls such as Liddle Kiddles, Dolly Darling, Crissy, Flatsy, Playpal, Thumbelina, Barbie, Darcy, Tammy, and so many more. It is a pleasure to read so you will find yourself coming back to look at it even when you don't have a doll to identify.

I saw this book sticking out on a shelf in the library. Though I don't have a doll interest I decided to check it out. I've checked it out at least five times since then.
The book is so colorful and beautifully laid out. The woman has a sense of humor about the bizarre items of the past, some of which would never pass today like the doll Flatsy. Another item of this book was Growing Hair Cher where a person could make Cher's hair go up and down with a key.
I've shown this to other people and it always manages to get a couple of laughs.

This book is great. I am very pleased with it. It has lots of dolls to look at/look up. The dolls are catagorized by manufactorer but if you can't find your doll that way the index is extremely easy to use. It has helped me a lot in my doll collecting and it has also helped add some dolls to my want list. All in all wonderful book, worth buying.

The second edition includes hundreds of photographs and stories of Boone and Crockett trophies taken in Colorado. In addition, the historical photographs of Colorado's hunting heritage are extremely interesting. This book is a must for the Colorado hunter, as it tells exactly where many of Colorado's trophies were taken, by whom, and how.

I love this book because of all the photos and detailed hunting stories. The book is easy to read because the type is big.

This book is amazing! I'd recommend it. Some folks might be happy simply looking at the tons of photos of big deer and elk, but I am amazed at the historical information and statistics. Very impressive. And it's a good read for anyone who is interested in Colorado's biggest bucks and bulls.

Great photos, but especially liked the personal accounts.

Loaded with up-to-date records and statistics, this second edition of the bucks and bulls record book is a great tool and an interesting read. It doesn't matter if you live in the eastern U.S., South or Midwest, you don't have to have mule deer and elk in your state in order to appreciate this book. If you love to hunt big game, buy this book.

First the downside: Its a bit of work going through this book. This is not some light read, with lots of jokes. Expect to spend a lot of time thinking aabout whats going on given a bidding sequence, and your hand. You want to improve? You have to work at it!

The upside: This will really help you to understand not just overcalls, but hand evaluation, bidding, opening leads, defense, and what in general is going on. Who holds what, etc.


Its a study of whats going on in all 4 players hands, given the information of a single bid, or one round of bidding. Why, with the exact same hand, you can overcall with one sequence, and pass with the other. I spent a few weeks reading this, going over the hundreds of sequences and hands. I'm now more aware of certain lurking dangers, and what to look out for.

The classic book on overcalls. Excellent advice on non-vulnerable overcalls at the one level and on which overcalls to avoid. Newer players might want to start with Edgar Kaplan's Competitive Bidding in Modern Bridge

Everything you need to know about overcalls. That's all.
(4card overcalls are simply outstanding).

Mike Lawrence must be a direct descendant of Sherlock Holmes! He uses every scrap of information available on any particular hand/auction, and uses these to arrive at the best bid to make. And it is because of this attention to detail that this (and his other books) are intended for those players in the intermediate or advanced category.

Interesting to place this book's approach alongside more modern bridge textbooks. Take the likes of Cohen's 'Law of Total Tricks'. It expounds the 'Law' and then illustrates how a player should use it via a modest selection of example hands. By contrast, Mike Lawrence bombards the reader with every conceivable hand and explains (albeit in logical order) how you should be thinking about these along the way.

This hardly SEEMS a sound teaching approach: the type is small, there is loads of repetition (Lawrence admits it), and the 'quizzes' at the end of each section are not organised in a 'reader-friendly' way.

But where this book succeeds and some modern books fail, is curiously in its insistence upon looking at each hand in a strictly individual way, as opposed to selling out to easy mnemonics or rules.

While more modern books (take one of Eddie Kantar's books on defence, which I also think are excellent) are nicely presented, contain witty 'after-dinner' asides, and have an interactive feel, their neatness sometimes makes me feel that bridge is all clearcut rules and decisions, hard for the beginner, easy for the expert.

But Mike Lawrence seems to be experiencing real pain on many of his example deals! You will frequently see him write, 'I don't know what to do with this hand', not because he's not a good player, but because he understands the difference, for a bridge player, between 'knowing the path' and 'walking the path'.

The writer of this book won't sit on his pedestal and lecture you with rules, he will walk the path WITH you. If you will take the time to let him lead you, it should prove time well spent.

This book is probably the best book on bridge ever written. There is so much insight in this book that you will have to re-read it time and time again each time adding to your own insight in not only overcalling but the game as a whole. The style is lucid sometimes nonchalant; Lawrence gives insight into his own considerations when making bidding decisions and makes it clear that many decisions are not absolute. But following the logic and type of arguments he presents you will get more and more decisions right. I strongly recommend this book to every bridge player who aspires to improve his or her game.

It was a good book,but I personally think it could've done with the puzzles.Otherwise,this book will keep kids entertained on long car rides or on rainy days.

I have to say digimon rock, because it does teach teamwork, and so does Pokemon(but not as much). I mean, would Tai or any of the others defeat Myotismon or The Dark Lords if they wouldn't of worked together. And that shows kids that if you work together then you can accomplish anything.

OK. You might think we are to old for Digimon (or Pokemon) but actully it helps us learn the value of friendship and teamwork. I would recommend digimon for anyone with friend problems (like Matt and Tai) If you think the same e-mail me at digimonfreak3@hotmail.com

Digi-Know?! digimon rocks who ever thinks digimon is like pokemon is crazy.I'm a girl even I know the difference between pokemon and digimon.The kids in pokemon KNEW what to do.The kids in digimon was force to go to the digiworld.EXCITEMENT is writen all over it.

I THINK THAT LAST GUY HAD A GOOD THOUGHT BECUSE DIGIMON IS A GRAET THING I'M 11 AND I LOVE DIGIMON I'V NEVER MISSED ONE SHOW AND THE BOOK IS GOOD TO AND IT MAKE'S ME HAPPY TO SEE PEOPLE TALK ABOUT DIGIMON AND TO SEE PEOPLE READ DIGIMON IT'S EVEN BETER

Los Angeles Times, July 29, 1990
"DOMINO teaches the chants, clap patterns and jump - rope songs of the Virgin Islands, with a cassette recorded on playgrounds of St. Croix by author Karen S. Ellis; the syncopated rhythms are irresistible, and some of the lyrics quite salty."

The Orff Echo, Fall 1990, page 44
"All material is clearly presented with precise and easy-to-understand directions for the games and dances. To maintain authenticity, the words of the songs are written in a mixture of standard English and Cruzian, the dialect of St. Croix. A glossary is provided to assist with unfamiliar words and phrases. Especially interesting is the author's account of her use of an Orff Schulwerk-based approach to teach language skills to the children in a small island town. The accompanying cassette tape, available separately, includes nearly all of the items in the book, most of it performed by the children themselves. No one should miss the priceless rendition of "Ding Dong."

The Midwest Book Review, May 26, 1990

An oversized paperback with spiral binging and a 35 minute audio cassette introduce both adult and child listeners to traditional children's songs and proverbs from the American Virgin Islands, providing a unique opportunity to absorb the culture and sounds of an area which has received relatively little attention.
An oversized paperback and 35 minute cassette provides a unique opportunity to absorb the culture and sounds of an area which has received relatively little attention. More than just another ethnic song collection, the tape alone holds merit, the paperback/tape package is recommended above each singly: the book is an essential enhancement to the tape, offering a political and cultural review of the Virgin Islands, teaching advice to teachers who may be considering the tape and workbook for classroom use, and illustrated musical instructions and score sheets for the tape's songs. The small black and white photos of the children at play are particularly intriguing."

Come-All-Ye, Vol. II No. 2, Summer 1990 A Review Journal for publications in the fields of Folklore, American Studies, Social History and Popular Culture. "It is a thoroughly delightful compilation, of interest to folklorists, teachers and everybody else can enjoy it."

"An oversized paperback and 35 minute cassette provides a unique opportunity to absorb the culture and sounds of an area which has received relatively little attention. More than just another ethnic song collection, the tape alone holds merit, the paperback/tape package is recommended above each singly: the book is an essential enhancement to the tape, offering a political and cultural review of the Virgin Islands, teaching advice to teachers who may be considering the tape and workbook for classroom use, and illustrated musical instructions and score sheets for the tape's songs. The small black and white photos of the children at play are particularly intriguing."

Jim Cox Midwest Book Review

Dr. John Rickford Ph.D (1997, Feb. 28) Dept of Linguistics, Stanford University

I recieved Domino, and was impressed both by the book and the tape. It was enjoyable for my wife Angela and I--the similarities with so many songs we knew growing up in Guyana were so striking, especially for Angela. (As your photos show, these clap patterns and circle songs are more popular with girls than boys.) For instance, for "Brown Girl in the Ring," we sing, "There's a Colored girl in the ring, etc" and end with "She likes sugar, and I like plum!"

WRT the "Congo Saw" proverb on page 22--I'm pretty sure this is the same as the "Conguseh" we have in Guyana, meaning "gossip," so the proverb really means that gossip is worse, more harmful than working obeah. See the entry for _congosa_ in Allsopp's wonderful, just released _Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage_ (Oxford U Press).

Also, the wording for Mother Goose on page 39 seemed to us perhaps to be "Come look a me ya" ("Come look at me here") but it wasn't so clear. This is a wonderful achievement, Karen, and the kids must have LOVED the attention and interest you showed in them and their songs. I bet they missed you when you left.

Dragon Dice is a good game, but the rules are somewhat complex at first. You position and move your dice, most of which represent creatures. During your turn, you can roll for maneuver, magic, melee, or missile. Magic can be used for various spells, which are specific to each race of creatures. Some of the spells, like ones that remove damage, are difficult to keep track of from turn to turn. The goal, although I prefer blood lust, is to maintain 2 locations. This game comes out as a nice blend of chance and skill and often allows someone who is far behind to win. This game is long-lasting; it can be played over and over again. I recommend this game for people who like fairly complex card games, such as Magic and Pokémon.

This is an incredible game. With addictive gameplay and fantastic creatures, this is a great game to bring to a party. This is the kind of game a group of people could play, not only having fun but also taking advantage of the social aspects made available at Dragon Dice matches. This is definitely a game that improves your social interaction with people as well as expands your imagination.

Well, I have been obsessed with dragons for years, so when I saw this game, it's name caught my eye. I had been looking for a battle game without the "kiddiness" of Pokemon cards or the complexity of Magic or Star Wars. Well, I guess you could say Dragon Dice hit the mark dead on! The perfect balance of strategy and luck make this origional game extremely addictive, and impossible to let go of!!

I loved this game!! It's a pity WOTC (which bought TSR) doesn't produce it anymore (well, more or less). It's as addictive as Magic, the dice are really wonderful and you get the rules, 21 dice, the army banners and a great bag to store your dice for only eight bucks! If you wanna know what the game is about, it's basically RISK with dice. You attack your enemie's terrain dice with your armies. Each army is composed of dice; there are three varieties (common, uncommon and rare, as in Magic), and you have lots of races to choose from. Every time you want to attack your enemy in melee or missile fire or magic, you roll your army (all your dice) and count the faces that came up as ths simbol you need. An excellent game which died of an ingnoble death and I hope amazon can breath some life into it.

In TSR's Dragon Dice collectible dice game, players build "armies" from their dice collections of warriors, magic items, monsters, and weird creatures, then roll dice to play out the battle. Play may include summoning dragons to join the armies, and the variety of dice collections possible with the random dice included here and in "Kicker Packs" adds as much diversity to this fast-paced game as do the rolls of the dice.

Play is set in the world of Esfah, which you battle to control. The basic set includes dwarves or Vagha, whose magic combines the powers of Fire and Earth; goblins or Trogs, whose powers use Death and Earth magic; coral elves or Selumari, who command Air and Water; and lava elves or Morehi, magician of Fire and Death magic. The various Expansion sets and Kicker packs available for Dragon Dice (see below) allow the player to add rules for a broader game and expand his collection with artifacts, magic items, and many other races. Dice included are of many possible kinds. Dragon Dice sets of any kind are each a unique collection of dice from a large group of possible dice, so multiple purchases of any given type of set serve to enlarge and diversify your dice army.

Dragon Dice accessories and kicker packs include Battle Ground, Dice Commander's Manual, Dragon Shield, Kicker Pack 1: Monsters and Amazons, Kicker Pack 2: Firewalkers, Kicker Pack 3: Undead, and Kicker Pack 5: Swamp Stalkers.

i havent read it yet but i have a feeling that this will be an excellent novel

I have almost 80 DL novrls and Ive never heard of thes

I've already read the original chronicles and I noticed some differences, but this book is still great! The illustrations are wonderfully drawn and it really gets the point across. I highly recommend this book to all!

I started reading DL in the mid-90's, but I started by being given one of these as a gift. They're hard to find, but well worth it if you can find them. They're based on the books, but even if you've already read the chronicles trilogy, it's well worth it. Recommend these with the highest regards.

This book is an adeptation of the last half of Dragons of Winter Night. It is a very thick comic book that was written in 1985 after the original chronicles came out. I have only books 1,2,3, and 4 and all of them are pretty acurate in there interpretation of the original.

Dragonriders of Pern presents the struggle among the Leaders of the six different Weyrs to be recognized as leader of Pern. Each player vies with the others for the support of the Lord Holders while simultaneously keeping Pern free of Thread. If the northern continent of Pern has been so Threaded that it cannot support life, then all the players lose, along with Pern.

I played Dragonriders of Pern for the First time at dragoncon 2003. The person teaching how to play the game was Todd McCaffery. The game was fantastic. I had a lot of fun playing. The game requires that the players must to some extent work together to survive. But there is still a element of backstabing and good amount of strategy and resource management. To bad it's out of print. Todd McCaffrey stated that he is going to be talking to Mayfair Games about getting it back in print now that they have a little room legally with product licensing.

Will someone please write a CD-ROM version of this??????????????? It would compliment the series perfectly.

I have the first printing of this game and am looking to buy it again (I've lost some of the pieces since I got it years ago. :) ) You can play alone as Benden Weyr or with other players and split control of the Weyrs (no Southern though.) The object is to save Pern from Thread with the resources you have. You have a certain number of flights of dragons to cover your area, and the amount of coverage makes it easier or harder for Thread to spread. There are picture cards for all the Weyrleaders, Craftsmasters and major Holders, all beautifully done! You can gain allies and bribe others (like nasty old Meron!) to help in your fight. The only problem I have with this game is there are so many little pieces (paper disks with dragons, hold crests, or crafthalls) that it's hard to keep from losing them! If you love Pern, you MUST find a copy of this game!

I have the first printing of this game and am looking to buy it again (I've lost some of the pieces since I got it years ago. :) ) You can play alone as Benden Weyr or with other players and split control of the Weyrs (no Southern though.) The object is to save Pern from Thread with the resources you have. You have a certain number of flights of dragons to cover your area, and the amount of coverage makes it easier or harder for Thread to spread. There are picture cards for all the Weyrleaders, Craftsmasters and major Holders, all beautifully done! You can gain allies and bribe others (like nasty old Meron!) to help in your fight. The only problem I have with this game is there are so many little pieces (paper disks with dragons, hold crests, or crafthalls) that it's hard to keep from losing them! If you love Pern, you MUST find a copy of this game!