The time had come for History of the World to move forward. 2004 brought only the Hasbro edition to WBC competition. The game format returned to a preliminary round, semi-final and final game.

The preliminary filled ten tables with 55 players. One table played with modifications (using the square epoch pieces from the original version of the game, these have symbols that are more easily distinguished from each other). Scanning the tables, observant onlookers noticed that one board was playing with orange, silver and white figures? Yes, enamel spray paint works wonders on whichever green you would like to replace! Extra sets of figures can also be ordered from Hasbro, see info contained in your game box.

Hmmm? Seven empires in play for each epoch, I've been told it's a real battle over territory! Considering that almost one quarter of the players had never played the Hasbro edition, all tables finished in good time. After a ten minute grace period 18 players sat for the semifinal, the top two from each of three boards advanced to the final, held on Friday morning. Terry Coleman was the only player who made it back to the final table from last year's final six.

Through the first four Epochs the scores remained fairly close. Sumeria, the Vedic City States, the Hsiung-Nu and the Huns did not come into play. In Epoch IV Pete picked the Arabs for himself and also played the Kingdom Tiahuanaco and the Anglo Saxons. Rachel tied him with 28 points. Pete was heard saying as Rachel killed more and more Arab soldiers "What's wrong with you?" the Byzantines replied, "We're not compatible!"

In Epoch V, Terry kept the Vikings and also played the Kingdom Mali and minor empire Fujiwara. It was Haim however who racked up 37 points with the Sung Dynasty, not enough to be awarded the chit which went to Terry.

Haim passed the Incas and Aztecs to Rachel in Epoch VI. Keith passed Haim Portugal, to which he added the Kingdom Thai and jumped 47 points to bring him to the lead and acquire his second Pre-eminence chit.

In Epoch VII, Rachel presented Haim with the United States. Haim chose Terry to receive Great Britain. Christine, Keith and Pete each kept France, Netherlands and the Manchu Dynasty respectively. Keith used Reallocation with Naval Power but his efforts were fruitless. Rachel played Japan with Russia which was given to her by Terry. Christine and Pete each played Leader cards AND Treachery, while Terry played his Leader with Elite Troops!

The final was well played with almost an even number of Empires passed to opponents as the number of Empires kept. We saw the most forts on the board, nine in Epoch II. When the dust settled it was Haim Hochboim (first time attending the WBC all the way from Israel) who triumphed over the world! Congratulations!!

Thanks to all for making my first GM experience a pleasure.