INTRODUCTION
Does the thought of diving deep into strategy, challenging your creative thought process or simply having a fun night in with family and friends excite you? If yes, then board games are what you need! Remember those nights playing Monopoly or Scrabble as a child? Board games have since evolved, with hundreds of different options to suit every taste and preference. This beginner-friendly guide is designed to offer insights into the world of board games, with some tips, tricks, and resources to help you get started.
WHAT ARE BOARD GAMES?
By definition, board games are tabletop games that use pieces on a pre-marked board, with each game having its own rules and objectives. The history of board games dates back to ancient times, with the first known board game, ‘Senet’, found in Predynastic Egyptian burials. Today, board games have evolved into an extensive variety, from traditional games like Chess and Checkers to more complex modern strategy games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride. They are not only a great form of entertainment but also a tool for learning, building strategic thinking, teamwork, and patience.
HOW DO THEY WORK / HOW TO GET STARTED?
Playing a board game usually starts with setting up the game board with specific elements depending on the game – tokens, cards, pieces, dice, etc. The players then decide the turn order. Each player, in their turn, performs actions according to the game rules, aiming for the game’s objective, which could be accumulating points, reaching a location, or wiping out opponents.
For example, in the popular game Monopoly, players roll two six-sided dice to move around the game board, buying and trading properties, and developing them with houses and hotels. Players aim to drive others into bankruptcy to be the last person standing.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Most traditional board games are self-contained units. That is, everything that you need to play the game comes in its box—a board, pieces, cards, dice, and of course, a rulebook. Always remember to peruse the rulebook! Modern, complex board games may require equipment like miniature figures, structures, and timer apps. Start with games like Ticket to Ride or Pandemic, which come with all necessary items included.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start simple: Choose games with easy rules and quick gameplay to get a hang of board gaming.
2. Learn the rules: Well, before you play. Doing a mock round helps understand better.
3. Slowly step up: Once you’re comfortable with simpler games, move on to more complex ones.
4. Ask questions: If you’re not sure about a rule or strategy, ask your fellow players.
5. Have fun: It’s all about enjoyment. Winning is great but remember, the journey matters as much as the destination.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For reviews, rules, and discussions about board games, websites like BoardGameGeek and The Dice Tower are great resources. YouTube channels like ‘Tabletop’ and ‘Board Game Replay’ offer game reviews and playthroughs. Online communities on Reddit and Discord are valuable places for tips and strategies. Apps like Board Game Companion make your journey easy and enjoyable.
GLOSSARY
1. Co-operative games: Games where players work together towards a common goal.
2. Card Drafting: A mechanism where players choose cards from a subset to gain some advantage.
3. Worker Placement: Players place game pieces in set locations to gain resources / abilities / points.
4. Eurogame: Board games that emphasize strategy and play down luck.
5. Tile Placement: Games where players place a tile to impact the game.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you’ve gained essential knowledge of how board games work and how to start, it’s time to roll the dice! Starting with a simple game, try a demo game if available, or visit a local game store and drown in the immense variety. Remember, the start may seem overwhelming, but the more you play, the more fun it becomes! Enjoy your journey into the captivating world of board games.
