INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the exciting and engaging world of board games! With their thrilling narratives, strategies, and diverse themes, board games offer an exciting reprieve from our digital lives. They harken back to simpler times, gathering friends, families, or even complete strangers around a table for shared fun and camaraderie. From classic favorites like Chess and Monopoly to the intriguing depth of Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride, there’s something to suit every taste. But fear not- this guide will help you navigate this fascinating world with ease. It’s perfect for beginners or those who haven’t played in a while.
WHAT ARE BOARD GAMES?
Board games are tabletop games that incorporate pieces or counters moved according to a set of rules on a pre-marked surface or “board”. Originating from prehistoric times, board games have evolved through cultures worldwide, resulting in a diverse array spanning all complexities and genres. Each game unfolds uniquely, often requiring strategic thinking, luck, or a combination of both. Whether competing or collaborating, players engage socially, making board games a gratifying way to spend an evening, strengthen relationships, or build team skills.
HOW BOARD GAMES WORK / HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started with a board game essentially involves three basic steps: choosing a game, learning the rules, and setting it up.
1. Choosing a Game: Board games vary significantly in complexity, game duration, and player count. Beginners often find games like Ticket to Ride or Catan enjoyable, offering a balance of strategy and ease of learning. Choose a game best suited to your tastes and those with whom you plan to play.
2. Learning the Rules: This could appear challenging initially, as each game has a unique set of rules. Break it down by understanding the game’s core objective, getting to know the pieces, and learning how each turn unfolds.
3. Setting up the Game: Each game provides you with a board, pieces, cards, or tokens, which need to be arranged as per the game manual. Be patient, and before long, setup will be a breeze.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
The beauty of most board games is that everything required to play is generally included in the game box: the game board, tokens, cards, dice, and the rulebook. A few games may require a pencil and paper for scoring. To enhance your gaming experience, consider investing in a gaming table to accommodate larger games or game organizers to sort game pieces more efficiently.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start with Games Designed for Beginners: Ease into the hobby with games designed for newcomers, such as Carcassonne or Ticket to Ride.
2. Be Patient with Yourself: Learning a new game can be challenging. Be patient while grasping the rules. Every player starts as a beginner.
3. Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you are unsure about a rule or how a game works, don’t hesitate to ask more experienced players.
4. Organize Your Game: Keep your games and their pieces organized. This makes for faster game setup and cleanup.
5. Play! The more you play, the more you’ll learn and enjoy the games.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
1. BoardGameGeek: An invaluable database of nearly all existing board games, including detailed game descriptions, ratings, and user reviews.
2. YouTube Channels: Channels like Tabletop, The Dice Tower, and Shut Up & Sit Down provide comprehensive playthroughs and reviews.
3. Communities: Join websites like Reddit or Discord, where board game communities thrive.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. “Cooperative game”: A type of game where players work together against the game itself.
2. “Deck-building”: A mechanism in card games where each player starts with a small deck, adding to or modifying it as the game progresses.
3. “Worker Placement”: A strategy where game progress depends on placing workers on strategic spots on the game board.
4. “Dice-rolling”: A mechanism where outcomes are determined by dice roll.
5. “Tile Placement”: In these games, players take turns to place a tile to build (or expand) a board or structure.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Your next steps would be to find a game that piques your interest, gather a group of willing friends or family, and delve into the captivating world of board games. Your local hobby or games store is an excellent starting point. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and with each game you play, you’re learning strategies and rules that likely apply to other games as well. Happy gaming!
