I've had the opportunity to play them all ... most a few times ... except Union Pacific. However, I'm very familiar with Airlines and have studies the rules and game, so feel comfortable enough to recommend it.

For games with some strategic depth and a bit of 'meat' on them, I'd recommend Tikal and Union Pacific. Both require some thought and planning ... and both are in the final 3 for the 1999 Spiel das Jahres award. Tikal can be prone to over-analysis by players which can bog the game down, but this is easily handled by warning them of this in advance or, if needed, by using a timer.

Big City is a wonderful ... and stunningly beautiful ... game which easily appeals to family members and your not-so-hard-core gaming friends. The idea is to build a city by optimally placing the most valuable pieces to maximize your scores. With fewer players (2, 3 or 4), the game does offer some nice choices and decisions. It gets a bit more random with more players. My gaming group actually liked it, but some have mentioned that it is fairly light for gaming enthusiasts. I still thoroughly enjoy playing.

Klunker is an outstanding card game wherein players buy, collect and sell jewelry. It is by Uwe Rosenberg, designer of Bohnanza, Mamma Mia, Schnaeppchen Jagd, etc. However, it does seem to have that 'learning curve' that most of his games do. One must play this a few times to really appreciate the subtle strategies and tactics which can be employed. Problem is getting people to play more than once ... one playing often leaves them ambivalent. It's worth the effort to play several times, though ... this is a wonderful game. Not 'heavy', for sure ... but still fun to play with some nice, subtle strategies.

Lost Cities, to me, is a gem. This is a 2 player matching of wits as players attempt to fund and field expeditions to lost cities. The rules seem absurdly simple and leave you wondering, "Is that all there is?". Play it, however, and your opinion will change. There are some agonizing decisions to be made during the game and some nice, simple strategies to employ. This one plays quick and is a joy throughout. Highly recommended.

Caesar & Cleopatra is another 2 player card game that is superb. Since this one has been out for nearly two years now, there are quite a few reviews posted at various sites. Again, it is a matching of wits with some nice decisions and strategies to employ as players attempt to gain the favor of Roman dignitaries. The Rio Grande version is not out yet ... but hopefully soon.

Cape Horn is OK ... and that's about it. Players race around the cape attempting to make two or three stops along the way and be the first to complete the journey. Tiles are laid to regulate movement and send your opponents astray. Not bad ... just nothing special.

Money is dismal. Now, my opinion on this one differs from many who see some redeeming features in this game. I see none, save the fact that it can be played in about 20 minutes and then the boredom is over. Players try to collect sets of currency by a very simple trading mechanism. To me nearly all decisions were painfully obvious. The game was just plain dull and uninspired. It is amazing that it received a Spiel das Jahres nomination.

Siesta and Ta Yu are both abstract games and not too bad if you like abstracts. They both are beautiful .. Siesta would make a wonderful display on a coffee table or in a game room. Ta Yu is more suited for 2 players (but can be played with more), while Siesta works better as a multi-player game. I'm not into abstracts, but actually wouldn't mind playing either again.

Evergreen seems to be getting poor to bad reviews everywhere. I actually thought the game was OK, but very fiddily and easily susceptible to over-analysis. Use of the timer which comes with the game is absolutely necessary to avoid complete boredom while waiting for someone to calculate the best move. Players try to present the best concerts by stealing/attracting the star performers when their popularity is highest. Not bad, but simply nothing terribly exciting here, either.

I would still highly recommend purchasing both Ursuppe and Elfenland .. both are wonderful games. I would rate Tikal higher, but would add these other two immediately thereafter. Hope this helps!