INTRODUCTION
Board games are have been a popular pastime for centuries, providing fun, entertainment and an opportunity for social interaction. Whether you’re sitting down to a high-energy gaming session with friends or enjoying a quiet night of strategic play with family, board games have the power to transport you to other worlds, test your skills and create lasting memories. This beginner-friendly guide will introduce you to the wide and wonderful world of board games and equip you with everything you need to get started and enjoy countless hours of tabletop fun.
WHAT ARE BOARD GAMES?
A board game is a tabletop game that involves counters or other movable objects placed or moved on a pre-marked surface, according to a set of rules. Board games can be based on strategy, chance, or a mixture of both and usually have a definitive goal that a player seeks to reach.
The history of board games dates back to ancient civilizations, where games like Senet in Egypt and Go in China were popular pastimes. Today, these games have evolved into a multidimensional hobby, with something to suit every taste, from fantasy and military strategy games, through to trivia, role-playing, detective games, and beyond.
HOW BOARD GAMES WORK AND HOW TO GET STARTED
Every board game has its own set of rules and mechanisms that dictate how it is played. These rules can range from the very simple (like in Candy Land or Snakes and Ladders) where the outcome is largely dictated by luck, right through to the highly complex (like Chess or Risk), where strategy and forward planning are essential.
1. Choose a game: If you’re just starting out, begin with something simple like Checkers or Connect Four, and gradually work your way up to more complex games.
2. Understand the rules: Before you start playing, read the rulebook thoroughly and make sure all players understand how the game works.
3. Set up the game: Follow the set-up instructions in the rulebook. This often involves setting out the game board, pieces and cards.
4. Play the game: Play proceeds, often in turns, according to the rules of the game. Each turn may involve making decisions, using cards or rolling dice, moving pieces on the board, and trying to achieve the game’s objective.
5. End the game: The game ends when a player or a team meets the objective.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
The materials required to play a board game usually come in the box when you purchase the game. These may include:
1. The game board: The central component, which often has spaces or tracks where players move their pieces.
2. Game pieces: These represent players or teams on the board.
3. Cards, dice, or spinners: These can introduce elements of chance or randomness to a game.
4. The rule book: This contains the instructions on how to play the game.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start simple: Don’t rush into complex games. Begin with simpler games and gradually work your way up.
2. Read the rules: Understand the rules thoroughly before you play.
3. Play to learn: The first few times you play, focus more on learning the game than on winning.
4. Try different games: There are thousands of different board games out there. Try different types to find what you enjoy most.
5. Have fun: The primary goal of any game should be enjoyment.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
BoardGameGeek.com: An online community and resource for board game hobbyists.
Tabletop: A YouTube series on board games hosted by Wil Wheaton celebrating the culture of tabletop gaming.
Reddit’s r/boardgame community: A place to discuss, debate, and ask questions about board games.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Game board: The primary component of most games, on which players place their pieces.
2. Rulebook: The instructions for a game.
3. Dice: Cubes with numbers on each side, often used to introduce random elements to games.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
You now have the basic knowledge needed to delve into the world of board games. Your next step can be to visit a local game store or search online for a game that interests you. Remember, the goal in playing games isn’t simply to win, but to have fun. Welcome to a lifetime of gaming enjoyment!
