INTRODUCCIÓN
Board games are a timeless way to break the ice and bring friends and family closer together. This guide is specially designed for beginners, or anyone revisiting the world of board games after a hiatus. We’ll take you through everything you (absolutely) need to know about board games, their rules, the various types of gear you’ll need, and also provide you with practical tips and resources. So, let the games begin!
WHAT IS A BOARD GAME?
A board game is a type of game that involves counters or pieces which are placed on, removed from, or moved across a pre-marked board according to a set of rules. This is a traditional form of social entertainment that has been around since civilization began. From ancient Egyptian senet to the medieval game of chess, to quintessential contemporary games like Monopoly and Scrabble, board games are a great way to bond with friends and family.
HOW IT WORKS?
Understanding the premises of the game you’re playing is vital; every board game has its own unique set of rules. First, you set up the game according to the instructions (which are usually provided in the game box). Gameplay involves taking turns around the table and moving game pieces, or “tokens”, around the board according to the rules.
Successful gameplay requires strategic thinking and sometimes, a bit of luck as well. Picture this as your first game of Monopoly: you’re the banker (and therefore, in charge of the game’s money), you’ve rolled the dice and moved your ‘dog’ token eight spaces to land on ‘Vermont Avenue’. You choose to buy this property and trade begins. Nice, isn’t it?
LO QUE NECESITAS PARA JUGAR
At the bare minimum, you’ll need the board game itself for starters. These usually come with everything you need – a game board, tokens or pieces, and a rulebook. Some games might require dice or a deck of cards. If you’re venturing into the world of complex strategy games, you might need miniature models and various accessories.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS:
1. Choose the right game: You might be tempted to choose the game with the most awesome-looking cover, but as a beginner, start with simpler games and gradually work your way up to complex ones.
2. Read the rules: This might seem like a no-brainer, but many skip this step and regret it later. Most rulebooks start with an overview and then delve into specifics.
3. Strategy matters: Understand the game’s mechanics and plan your moves accordingly.
4. Be patient: Not every game will be a win. Learning to lose is as important as learning to win.
5. Enjoy the game: Above all, remember that the main purpose of the game is to have fun!
RECURSOS ÚTILES
BoardGameGeek is a wonderful website where you can find information about board games, and Tabletop Simulator on YouTube is excellent for video tutorials. The boardgames subreddit on Reddit is a great community to join.
GLOSARIO: EXPLICACIÓN DE TÉRMINOS COMUNES
1. Player: Could refer to you or anyone else participating in the game.
2. Token or piece: The physical object that represents your place on the game board.
3. Turn: The timeframe during which a player can make a move.
4. Game board: The ‘map’ on which the game action takes place.
5. Dice: The cubes that you roll to determine the number of steps your token moves.
PRÓXIMOS PASOS: ¿QUÉ HACER A PARTIR DE AHORA?
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of board games, the next step would be to get a beginner-friendly board game like ‘Sequence’ or ‘Ticket to Ride’. Or maybe visit a local hobby shop to explore their collection and get some firsthand advice. Remember, the journey is just getting started, and it promises to be a lot of fun. As you progress, games will become less challenging and more exciting. Happy Gaming!
