Carcassonne Central

Carc Central Community => News and Events => Topic started by: danisthirty on July 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

Title: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM
In August last year I received a PM from someone here to say that he was working on a book about Carcassonne, and to ask if I might be interested in collaborating with him on it. A Carcassonne strategy guide was something that I had been thinking about for years, but it wasn't until I was given this opportunity to work with an established author that I decided it was finally time to do something about it. I didn't have to think about his offer for very long, and responded to his message with a resounding "Yes!" the next day...

It's been a very eventful year (almost) since then, but we've persevered regardless of everything that 2020 has had to throw at us and I'm really excited not just by having my name on the front cover of a published book, but in terms of everything that we managed to cram into its 200+ pages!

(http://www.dan.tehill.net/TBOC_Front.jpg)  (http://www.dan.tehill.net/TBOC_Back.jpg)

For anyone who may be interested, here's a quick breakdown of the main areas the book focuses on:
Our hope is that we've included sufficient breadth and depth of detail as to ensure that the book appeals to new and long-standing Carcassonne fans alike, regardless of what specific areas they may be interested to read more about. It is now available through Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Carcassonne-Strategy-Tips-Tactics/dp/B086Y4FV9J) and costs a mere £7.95 so should be within most people's budgets.

If you do happen to buy a copy of the book and enjoy reading it, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and encouraging your friends/ family/ colleagues/ random people in the street to buy a copy too! As always, I'm truly grateful for all the encouragement and support that I've received through the Carcassonne Central community with regards this project and I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks of the finished article, so please be kind ;)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: DIN0 on July 01, 2020, 09:08:31 AM
This is absolutely amazing! I always wondered when something like this would come out  :(y) :(y) :gray-meeple:

You already have at least one buyer in me!

So as I understand it, the majority of strategy oriented content is focused on tournament style 1 vs 1 format known from world championships?

Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: DrMeeple on July 01, 2020, 09:28:21 AM
My order is done! :D


Sent from my iPad Pro using Tapatalk
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Halfling on July 01, 2020, 09:49:22 AM
Book ordered. Hope the sequel will focus on how to win at Carcassonne, so I might have a hope of one day beating Dan, Casumeeple, sincerely, merlin_89, uhone, jackface, wallaceprime, Rosco, thesteveallen and all you others who beat me time and again.
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Sinscerly on July 01, 2020, 10:28:52 AM
That's why you made the FAQ  :o

Congratz on your ?first? published book  :)) :(y)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Sinscerly on July 01, 2020, 10:29:38 AM
 ^-^
Book ordered. Hope the sequel will focus on how to win at Carcassonne, so I might have a hope of one day beating Dan, Casumeeple, sincerely, merlin_89, uhone, jackface, wallaceprime, Rosco, thesteveallen and all you others who beat me time and again.
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Meepledrone on July 01, 2020, 11:28:18 AM
Awesome Dan!

This is a great present for all of us!  ;)

Ordered submitted already. I will receive my copy around July 8th-9th....

Darn! I have another summer ahead full of Carcassonne reading... So impatient!  ;D

Congrats & Cheers!

PS: BTW, for the next one, we expect to read something like you currently live outside Carcassonne (at least in Summer).  ;)

+1 merit from me.  ^-^
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Halfling on July 01, 2020, 12:11:51 PM
Now the book is published, well worth typing Dan Chard Net Worth in your search engine. Amazing.
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: dirk2112 on July 01, 2020, 01:15:54 PM
Well I, for one, am not buying it.  I think $122 is a bit too steep.   :o :(n)

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Carcassonne-Strategy-Tips-Tactics/dp/B086Y4FV9J/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=carcassonne+book+strategy&qid=1593634441&sr=8-4 (https://www.amazon.com/Book-Carcassonne-Strategy-Tips-Tactics/dp/B086Y4FV9J/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=carcassonne+book+strategy&qid=1593634441&sr=8-4)

Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 01, 2020, 01:29:39 PM
Well I, for one, am not buying it.  I think $122 is a bit too steep.   :o :(n)

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Carcassonne-Strategy-Tips-Tactics/dp/B086Y4FV9J/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=carcassonne+book+strategy&qid=1593634441&sr=8-4 (https://www.amazon.com/Book-Carcassonne-Strategy-Tips-Tactics/dp/B086Y4FV9J/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=carcassonne+book+strategy&qid=1593634441&sr=8-4)

The issue with the price has been a strange one, but please know that that is NOT the intended price. It may take a little while for the price to settle on the £7.95 (or equivalent) it's supposed to be in all regions, but please do check again later and let me know if the incorrect price is still being shown. :-[
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: LaPorxada (aka BigBoss) on July 01, 2020, 03:34:12 PM
@danisthirsty

Wow...I am thrilled and impressed!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH :-)  :(y)
I will order this exciting book immediately  ^-^

While browsing (I always like to order several things at once on platforms like Amazon), I also came across this book by co-author "Steve Dee".
Does anyone know something about this book?
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B084GGZQZR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B084GGZQZR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1)
Think if I should also order this book ;-)

By the way ;-)
I wish you a big birthday party - CONGRATULAIONS!
 :yellow-meeple: :neutral-meeple: :brown-meeple: :white-meeple: :orange-meeple: :pink-meeple: :violet-meeple: :gray-meeple: :red-meeple: :green-meeple: :blue-meeple: :black1-meeple:


Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Meepledrone on July 01, 2020, 05:13:19 PM
Congrats again Dan but this time for your birthday!!!  O0

 :blue-meeple: :green-meeple: :red-meeple: :gray-meeple: :violet-meeple: :pink-meeple: :orange-meeple: :white-meeple: :brown-meeple: :neutral-meeple: :yellow-meeple:

May the Carcassonne strategy be with you!
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: aenima on July 01, 2020, 10:19:19 PM
 :D
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Mr Meeple on July 02, 2020, 05:09:15 AM
That's awesome and such a fair price. Just ordered mine. So excited to read it. Thx Dan! :(y) and all the best for your birthday  :yellow-meeple:
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Willem on July 02, 2020, 06:24:38 AM
Ordered mine as well! Looking forward to receiving it!
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 03, 2020, 02:30:13 AM
@danisthirsty

Wow...I am thrilled and impressed!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH :-)  :(y)
I will order this exciting book immediately  ^-^

While browsing (I always like to order several things at once on platforms like Amazon), I also came across this book by co-author "Steve Dee".
Does anyone know something about this book?
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B084GGZQZR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B084GGZQZR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1)
Think if I should also order this book ;-)

By the way ;-)
I wish you a big birthday party - CONGRATULAIONS!
 :yellow-meeple: :neutral-meeple: :brown-meeple: :white-meeple: :orange-meeple: :pink-meeple: :violet-meeple: :gray-meeple: :red-meeple: :green-meeple: :blue-meeple: :black1-meeple:

Thanks BigBoss.

I'm glad you're so excited about the book; I'm very excited about it too! In fact, trying to keep it to myself over the last 11 months has been quite the exercise in self-control. Please can you share the link at CarcF unless it has already been shared there?

I haven't read any of Steve's other books yet, but he has written a few including
a strategy guide for the game Hive (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hive-Boardless-Board-Tactics-Strategies/dp/151970335X), Tabletop Tales (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tabletop-Tales-1-Steve-Dee/dp/1979384290) (a collection of stories about boardgaming) and Ticket to Carcassonne (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ticket-Carcassonne-Century-Tabletop-Games/dp/B084GGZQZR) (a book about boardgaming in general including references to many different boardgames, mechanics, types of game and modern boardgaming in general). I'm sure they're just as worthy of a read if you're looking for something else to read. :) :(y)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Carcassonne King on July 03, 2020, 07:14:50 PM
A few questions:

Will a kindle version be available at some point?  (I only read kindle books nowadays.)

How extensively does this book cover strategy for the expansions?  Does it have any information about the mini-expansions?
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: jungleboy on July 03, 2020, 10:11:35 PM
Amazing stuff Dan! Huge congratulations!
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Murphy013 on July 04, 2020, 03:05:31 AM
My copy arrived today  8)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Meepledrone on July 04, 2020, 04:03:46 AM
I envy you. You have all the weekend to enjoy it. ;D
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 04, 2020, 04:22:05 AM
My copy arrived today  8)

Wow. That was quick!

Hope you enjoy it :)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Murphy013 on July 04, 2020, 04:25:43 AM
I hope that too
emoji code6]
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Meepledrone on July 04, 2020, 01:53:29 PM
Any teaser for the rest of us?  >:D
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 05, 2020, 09:22:36 AM
Sorry I missed this...

A few questions:

Will a kindle version be available at some point?  (I only read kindle books nowadays.)

How extensively does this book cover strategy for the expansions?  Does it have any information about the mini-expansions?

Yes, it should be. I can't say when, but that's certainly intended.

The expansions covered are purely the 1 - 10 major/ boxed expansions (even #7 ;) ) but we didn't include any of the minis or minor expansions. In general, the level of detail varies from expansion to expansion and is probably best described as intermediate to advanced depending on the expansion.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: LaPorxada (aka BigBoss) on July 05, 2020, 10:01:34 AM
@danisthirsty

Wow...I am thrilled and impressed!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH :-)  :(y)
I will order this exciting book immediately  ^-^

While browsing (I always like to order several things at once on platforms like Amazon), I also came across this book by co-author "Steve Dee".
Does anyone know something about this book?
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B084GGZQZR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B084GGZQZR/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JWKAKR8XB7XF&psc=1)
Think if I should also order this book ;-)

By the way ;-)
I wish you a big birthday party - CONGRATULAIONS!
 :yellow-meeple: :neutral-meeple: :brown-meeple: :white-meeple: :orange-meeple: :pink-meeple: :violet-meeple: :gray-meeple: :red-meeple: :green-meeple: :blue-meeple: :black1-meeple:

Thanks BigBoss.

I'm glad you're so excited about the book; I'm very excited about it too! In fact, trying to keep it to myself over the last 11 months has been quite the exercise in self-control. Please can you share the link at CarcF unless it has already been shared there?

I haven't read any of Steve's other books yet, but he has written a few including
a strategy guide for the game Hive (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hive-Boardless-Board-Tactics-Strategies/dp/151970335X), Tabletop Tales (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tabletop-Tales-1-Steve-Dee/dp/1979384290) (a collection of stories about boardgaming) and Ticket to Carcassonne (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ticket-Carcassonne-Century-Tabletop-Games/dp/B084GGZQZR) (a book about boardgaming in general including references to many different boardgames, mechanics, types of game and modern boardgaming in general). I'm sure they're just as worthy of a read if you're looking for something else to read. :) :(y)

I am reading it right now while watching the final between Russia and Japan again ;-)

I have added a recomandation topic for your book on CarcF:
https://www.carcassonne-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=273&t=5124&p=69939#p69939 (https://www.carcassonne-forum.de/viewtopic.php?f=273&t=5124&p=69939#p69939)

Ha a nice sunday!
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Bumsakalaka on July 06, 2020, 12:08:20 PM
Buy it on UK or German amazon.
At U.S. it costs more than 160 USD with postage ;-)
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Performance-Alkaline-Batteries-Count/dp/B086Y4FV9J/
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 06, 2020, 12:17:11 PM
Buy it on UK or German amazon.
At U.S. it costs more than 160 USD with postage ;-)
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Performance-Alkaline-Batteries-Count/dp/B086Y4FV9J/

Thanks for reminding us of this Bumshakalala, it was pointed out here (http://www.carcassonnecentral.com/community/index.php?topic=4708.msg69186#msg69186) that this price is a mistake. Rather an embarrassing one at that, but also one which has been pointed out to Amazon and for some reason they're struggling to put it right.

To explain, Steve has to make the book "live" (i.e. released) whenever he wants to order a copy for himself so that he can see how it looks, but he doesn't want anyone else to buy the book before it's ready so he puts the price up very high to the point that nobody would buy it. Then he can order it at cost for himself as the main listed author (he doesn't have to pay the huge price) and then unrelease it/ switch it out of live and reset the price. He did this one final time just before it was due to be released, and when he reset the price afterwards it did eventually reset to the £7.95 it's supposed to be in the UK and Europe, but apparently it has remained at the "don't buy me!" price in America/ Brazil.

I don't know how complicated it can be to reset a price on Amazon but apparently it's not something that they can fix quickly for the US market. Please accept my apologies for this. Hopefully it will be rectified ASAP. Or sooner.
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Bumsakalaka on July 06, 2020, 01:31:37 PM
You don't need to appologize.
I was working with Amazon and sometimes it's horrible. Some thinks are going quick on "click" some on weekly base.
So I just say:
Good luck.
And congratulation for this book. I'm self educated in Carcassonne. But I have good sparing partner "Adda" in jCloisterZone. She can be sometime verystrong opponent ;-)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Willem on July 07, 2020, 09:48:50 AM
Got mine in today!
Tbh I'm not a great strategic player, and don't intend to be, but I like the idea of the book and think it's a great way to delve a bit more into the game!
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 07, 2020, 12:59:29 PM
Hope you enjoy it Willem! Please leave a review if so ;)

The US pricing issue should now be fixed for anyone who is interested. Apparently Amazon were very apologetic but didn't explain what had gone wrong or why it had taken so long to fix.
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: haep on July 22, 2020, 10:08:44 PM
Book ordered. :green-meeple: :green-meeple:
Ready to ship to México!
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Snowmax on July 23, 2020, 08:42:39 AM
Have ordered! Be good to read up on some tactics!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: danisthirty on July 29, 2020, 08:41:11 AM
Book ordered. :green-meeple: :green-meeple:
Ready to ship to México!

Have ordered! Be good to read up on some tactics!!

Good stuff! Thanks guys. I hope you enjoy reading it! :) :(y)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Snowmax on July 29, 2020, 08:50:11 AM
Book ordered. :green-meeple: :green-meeple:
Ready to ship to México!

Have ordered! Be good to read up on some tactics!!

Good stuff! Thanks guys. I hope you enjoy reading it! :) :(y)
It’s a very good read! Really well written. Highly recommend!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: Lars120 on July 30, 2020, 05:53:18 PM
Hello, is the book also available on an another platform? :)
Title: Re: The Book of Carcassonne: Strategy, Tips and Tactics
Post by: haep on August 01, 2020, 08:32:19 PM
Book ordered. :green-meeple: :green-meeple:
Ready to ship to México!
It just arrived yesterday eve, I'm currently reading it and I just can say congrats @danisthirty! good work! I’m really enjoying it! (p. 75 And counting  ;) )