Transforming a work of literature into a trick-taking game is no mean feat, especially when that work is as influential as The Lord of the Rings. Today, we’re joined by Bryan Bornmueller, creator of the trick-taking versions of both The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. Listen in as we discuss our background with both Tolkien and trick-taking, the difficulties of adaptation, and what’s coming next.

Listen here or download here. Timestamps can be found after the jump.

TIMESTAMPS

2:44 — Bryan Bornmueller, Tolkien and trick-taking
15:11 — bridging those tangents
23:30 — the inevitable comparison to The Crew
32:06 — adaptation into trick-taking
48:45 — leaning into the genre’s strengths
54:21 — solitaire modes
58:14 — release and reception

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