INTRODUCTION
Board games have been a favorite form of entertainment and socialization for centuries, ranging from ancient games like Backgammon and Chess to contemporary crowd-pleasers like Settlers of Catan and Codenames. Whether you’re a newcomer intrigued by the board game buzz or a seasoned player looking to rekindle your love for this tabletop hobby, you’re in the right place. This article serves as a beginner-friendly guide to board games in the broadest sense, covering everything from what they are and how they work to the essential gear you’ll need, with helpful beginner tips to set you on the path to becoming a tabletop titan.
WHAT IS A BOARD GAME?
A board game is a tabletop game that comprises a set of rules and one or more players who make decisions that affect the outcome of the game. As the name suggests, most board games involve a board, typically a flat surface marked with a pre-designed layout. Pieces or tokens representing players move across this board, influenced by the rules of the game. However, not all tabletop games have boards. Some, like card games and tile-based games, use other components but are still fundamentally similar, based on strategic decision-making and interactions between players.
The history of board games is as old as civilization – they have been cultural staples from the royal courts of ancient Egypt to the modern living room. Today, board games come in endless varieties, from simple roll-and-move games to complex strategy games that involve building civilizations or exploring galaxies. They can be competitive, where every man is for himself, or cooperative, where players work together to achieve a common goal.
HOW IT WORKS AND HOW TO GET STARTED
Most board games follow a basic formula. First, decide who goes first. This could be as simple as rolling a dice – the highest roll wins – or a game-specific rule. Next, players take their turns, one by one. During a player’s turn, they perform actions according to the game’s rules. These actions could involve moving pieces, playing cards, building structures, making deals with other players, solving puzzles, or just about anything else you can imagine.
Most board games involve chance, strategy, or a combination of both. Chance elements can include dice, shuffled cards, or random draws from a bag. These add uncertainty and excitement. Strategy comes into play when players must make significant decisions. These decisions might involve resource allocation, risk assessment, or trying to anticipate other players’ moves.
While the specific rules and mechanics of each game will vary, basic principles–like understanding the goal of the game, taking turns, and adhering to game rules—are common throughout all board games.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To begin playing board games, all you essentially need is an actual game. Each board game typically comes in a box that contains all necessary components which may include a game board, player pieces, cards, dice, tokens, and other game-specific items. Additionally, each game will also have a rulebook that explains how to setup and play, as well as other important details about the game.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start simple: Don’t revisit Chess or tackle the intricacies of the Game of Thrones board game right out of the gate. Start with simpler games to get the hang of it.
2. Read the rules: Board games depend heavily on everyone knowing how to play. Read the rules beforehand, and make sure everyone gets the gist before starting.
3. Prepare for a time commitment: Some games can take hours, or even days, to complete. Ensure you and your companions are ready for the commitment.
4. Keep an open mind: Every board game is different. You might love some and not care for others, but trying new ones is always part of the fun.
5. Remember, it’s about fun! Don’t lose sight of the fact that games are for entertainment. Win or lose, the important thing is that you and your fellow players have a good time.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
BoardGameGeek.com is a fantastic website where you can find information about virtually any board game. In addition, YouTube channels such as Tabletop (hosted by Wil Wheaton) and The Dice Tower offer video explanations and reviews of hundreds of games. Communities like the boardgames subreddit on Reddit are also great for discussing games and getting advice from other players.
GLOSSARY
1. Mechanics: The systems or rules that drive gameplay.
2. Components: The physical items included with the game, such as the board, tokens, cards, and dice.
3. Set-up: The arrangement of the game before play begins.
4. Player Turn: The period during which one player performs his or her actions.
5. Game End: The condition that once satisfied, ends the gameplay.
NEXT STEPS:
Now that you’re armed with these basics, your next step would be to choose a game. Consider what games might align with your interests—is there a theme (historical, space exploration, fantasy) that draws you in? Would you prefer a quick, casual game or a longer strategic one? Once you’ve made your choice, gather a group of friends, or join a local gaming meetup. Remember, board games are social activities, so get out there, start rolling dice, shuffling cards, and most importantly, have fun!
