INTRODUCCIÓN
Welcome to the exciting and fascinating world of board games! Don’t be fooled into thinking that board games are passé — nothing could be further from the truth. Board games are enjoying a renaissance, offering a wonderful way to bond with friends and family while challenging your mind and strategic skills. This absolute beginner-friendly guide will provide an insightful introduction to the universe of board games. You’ll find a delightful pastime that’s not just about rolling dice or moving pieces around a board, but an engaging activity that offers endless entertainment.
WHAT IS A BOARD GAME?
A board game is a tabletop game that involves counters or pieces being moved on a pre-marked surface (the board), according to a set of rules. The focus of a board game is to achieve a goal, which often involves strategy, skill, luck, or a combination of these elements.
Board games have a rich history, and evidence of these games exists from the earliest civilizations. Modern times have seen board games diversify and evolve into an assortment of genres, including strategy, war, trivia, fantasy, and abstract games. Some individual pieces have moved online or have digital components, but the traditional board and pieces are still the mainstay.
Board games occupy a special niche in the gaming landscape because they come in such diverse themes, including travel, history, fantasy, crime, and science fiction. They offer a unique conjunction of social interaction, strategy, and competition, which you can’t find in video games or other digital entertainment.
CÓMO FUNCIONA / CÓMO EMPEZAR
Starting in board games is pretty straightforward once you understand the basic mechanics common to most games. Here’s a quick rundown on how a typical board game works:
1. Choose a game. It’s best to start with a simpler game for beginners.
2. Read the rules or instructions that come with the game.
3. Set up the game according to the provided instructions.
4. If it’s a multiplayer game, invite your friends or family members to play.
5. Decide the player order.
6. Players take turns and follow the guidelines on how to play.
7. The game continues until an end objective is reached, which varies from game to game.
8. The player who meets this objective first or with the most points, wins the game.
LO QUE NECESITAS PARA JUGAR
To start with, you’ll need the board game itself. These usually come in a box containing everything that’s needed to play, including the game board, pieces, cards, tokens, and dice, along with a rulebook. Some board games might require pencil and paper, and many games recommend that you have a spacious tabletop or floor space to play.
Additionally, consider investing in a set of extra dice, a dice tray, or a board game bag for conveniently carrying your games. These are not necessary but can enhance your gaming experience.
CONSEJOS PARA PRINCIPIANTES
1. Start Small: Don’t go for complex games right at the start. Begin with simpler games and then gradually level up.
2. Read the Rules Thoroughly: Take time to read and understand the rules before you begin to play.
3. Watch Tutorials: Many board games have online tutorials and playthroughs that can help you better understand game mechanics.
4. Be Patient: Mastering a board game takes time, and it’s completely normal to make mistakes in the beginning.
5. Play with Friends: Board games are a great social activity. Build up a small group of friends who enjoy gaming, and you’ll learn faster.
RECURSOS ÚTILES
There are many online communities, YouTube channels, and websites dedicated to board games that can be extremely helpful for beginners. These include –
1. BoardGameGeek, an online forum and resource center.
2. The Dice Tower, a YouTube channel featuring game reviews.
3. TableTop, a web series about board games.
GLOSARIO: EXPLICACIÓN DE TÉRMINOS COMUNES
1. Mechanics: The system by which a game functions.
2. Player’s Turn: The time during which one player can perform actions according to the game rules.
3. Victory Points (VPs): Points that are often used to determine the winner in a game.
4. Cooperative Games: Games where players work together to win.
5. Competitive Games: Games where players compete against each other to win.
PRÓXIMOS PASOS: ¿QUÉ HACER A PARTIR DE AHORA?
Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of board games, it’s time to go out and start playing! Consider visiting your local game store, where you can often try out demo games, ask for recommendations, and maybe even join a beginner-friendly gaming group. Remember, the world of board games is vast and varied; there’s something for everyone. Most importantly, have fun! With time and practice, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in this captivating world. Happy gaming!
