INTRODUCTION
Board games date back thousands of years and once served as an integral element of ancient civilizations. Today, they span an extensive range of type and design, from traditional strategy games to complex world-building adventures. However, the thrill and excitement it brings to a group of friends or family remained unchanged. Whether you’re searching for a low-key way to spend a rainy day, hoping to spark a friendly competition, or just seeking an excuse to gather with loved ones, board games present a valuable opportunity. Welcome to this beginner-friendly guide to board games!
WHAT IS A BOARD GAME?
A board game is a type of tabletop game that generally involves moving or placing items at specific spaces on a flat surface, following a pre-determined set of rules. The origins of this form of entertainment can be raced back up to 5000 years, or possibly even earlier. Today, board games are enjoyed worldwide for their unique combinations of strategy, chance, and social interaction. They vary incredibly in their complexity and theme, from the timeless classics such as Chess and Scrabble, to complex, immersive games like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Every board game is unique in its mechanics and rules, but there are certain common threads. Setup usually involves laying out the board, distributing any necessary pieces, cards, or tokens to the players, and deciding on the order of play.
For example, in a game of Scrabble, you begin by setting up the board, shuffling the letter tiles, and drawing to see who plays first. Each player then draws seven tiles, and the game commences. Players take turns building off previous words, accruing points based on the complexity of their words and strategic use of special spaces on the board.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
The requirements for any board game are generally contained within the game’s box. These typically include a game board, player tokens or pieces, cards, and dice or spinners to determine chance events. Also, every game comes with a rulebook that guides you on how to play. Pawns, counters, decks of cards, or even pencils and paper might be required, depending on the specific game.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start with simpler games: Games like Connect Four or Uno are excellent starting points as they have straightforward rules and quick gameplay.
2. Read the rules carefully: Before starting to play, make sure all the players understand the rules to avoid confusion and disagreements later on.
3. Be patient: Some games can take hours to complete, don’t rush through it, enjoy the journey.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re learning a particularly complicated game, don’t hesitate to ask the more experienced players for tips and advice.
5. Have fun: It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive spirit, but remember, it’s just a game, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
BoardGameGeek.com is a fantastic resource, with tons of reviews, player tips, and online forums dedicated to practically every board game under the sun. YouTube also hosts numerous tutorials and playthrough videos for various games.
GLOSSARY
1. Gameplay: The manner in which players interact with the game.
2. Player tokens: Pieces used to represent each player’s position on the board.
3. Rulebook: A guide that outlines the game’s rules and instructions.
4. Turn: The period during which one player can make their moves.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you’ve gained a basic understanding of board games, grab a simple game, gather some friends or family, and start playing! Remember to have fun and enjoy the journey. As you gain experience, slowly explore more complex games. Whether as a hobby, a fun break, or a family bonding activity, the world of board games has something for everyone! Welcome to your new adventure!
