10x10 Challenge in 2017

Challenge accepted.

I have never done a gaming challenge, but the concept intrigues me. I tend to play widely, but not deeply, and that is something that I would like to change in 2017. Not only do I enjoy playing games, but I enjoy improving at them, and that isn't going to happen without some practice. 

To encourage myself to get to know a few of my games more deeply, I am going to complete a 10x10 solo game challenge in 2017. That means that I will choose ten games and play each of them ten times over the course of a year. I'm going to give myself a mix of heavier and lighter games to explore so that the challenge is sufficiently challenging, but not overwhelming. I'm also going to reserve the right to switch out games on the list if I'm really not feeling something, because there's no point making myself play something again and again if I'm not enjoying it. 

Here are the ten games I'm currently thinking about for my 10x10 this year: 

1) Mage Knight 
This a long, heavy fantasy game with a ton of rules, and it's also one of the very best. It's time for me to get to know this game more deeply. Mage Knight is my biggest commitment on this challenge list. 

2) Runebound (3rd. ed.) 
Another fantasy adventure. This game has several different characters that I need to know better. Also, I picked up some of the expansions this year, and I really want to play them. 

3) Castles of Burgundy: The Card Game
This game is quick, fun, and very engaging. It's a card game version of the euro game Castles of Burgundy, and you fight to stay ahead of an AI player and build up a superior estate. 

4) Legendary: Alien Encounters
I thought about buying the expansion for this, but realized that I don't play the base game nearly often enough. I love deck builders, and Alien Encounters is high-tension and satisfying one that allows you to replay the Alien movies. I'll be happy that I put this on my schedule this year. 

5) Race for the Galaxy 
Race for the Galaxy is a card game in which you try to establish a superior galactic civilization. An expansion called The Gathering Storm allows you to play the game solo against an AI opponent. 
​
6) Valley of the Kings
This is a small (really small!) deck builder that has seen a couple of interesting expansions. I want to get to know the game better and really feel like I've mastered the art of using the card mechanics effectively to win the solo variant of the game. 

7) Agricola (on cardboard, not on the app)
I really enjoy Agricola, a worker placement game. But I don't bring it to the table often enough and don't play it as skillfully as I would like. Now it's on my 10x10 list, so I had better improve! 

8) Imperial Settlers
I enjoy both this game and 51st State. Imperial Settlers now has several expansions, but I don't feel right looking at them without mastering the base game. I want to learn the intricacies of each civilization and become a truly formidable player. 

9) Sentinels of the Multiverse
This is a cooperative card game in which superheros battle dastardly villains in challenging locations. I have so many different decks to work with, and I don't know any of them well enough. I want to become more familiar with the game's mechanics and come up with novel ways for my heroes to work together.

10) Terraforming Mars (assuming I can get a copy, since a reprint is in the works)
I actually haven't gotten my hands on this game yet, but I love everything I see and hear about it. Word on the street is that more copies will be available in late January or early February, and I will be waiting to pounce. The aim of this game is to make Mars habitable for humankind, and there are a number of paths to victory. The game is clearly one that becomes more enjoyable the deeper into it you go. 

Will I successfully complete my 10x10 this year? As I play games repeatedly, will I love them more, or will I feel that they are boring? Only time will tell! 

If you're trying a 10x10 this year, I want to hear about it! Leave me a note in the comments and tell me what you're planning to play. 

---