INTRODUCTION
Smooth out your tablecloths and dust off your shelves because today, we’re diving into the exciting world of board games! More than just a way to entertain guests at a party, board games provide a rich, interactive experience that offers great fun and can even help sharpen your strategic thinking. If you’re new to board games or are returning after a long pause, don’t worry. This guide is a beginner-friendly route through the best avenues of this versatile pastime.
WHAT ARE BOARD GAMES?
Board games are tabletop games that typically involve counters or pieces moving or placed on a pre-marked board or surface, according to a set of rules. Evolving tremendously from their origin in ancient civilizations, modern board games encompass a wide array of genres including strategy, trivia, adventure, and cooperative games.
Board games can involve just two players or entire groups, making them a favourite among both friends and families. They can challenge your mind with complex strategies, tickle your imagination with intriguing narratives, or simply bring a hearty laugh to your gathering. Much like books, there’s a board game to suit every preference and mood.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO GET STARTED
Playing a board game primarily involves advancing your game pieces on a board while outsmarting your opponents based on strategies. A typical game involves the following steps:
1. SETUP: Set up the game board and pieces following the instructions. These instructions also provide the game rules and victory conditions.
2. BEGIN: Decide who starts the game. This could be decided in various ways; some games grant the first move to the youngest or oldest player, while others may have fun rules like ‘the player who most recently ate an apple’.
3. TURN: Each player takes their turn, where they may move their pieces, execute actions, or respond to in-game prompts. Some games also allow players to disrupt others’ moves.
4. END: The game continues in turns until a player meets the victory condition, otherwise predetermined in the game rules, or until a certain number of rounds are completed.
5. WIN: The player who meets the victory condition first, or has the most points, stars or assets accumulated at the end, wins the game!
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
To start your board gaming journey, you will need the board game of your choice. Each game typically comes with its rulebook, board, and pieces. Some may require additional items like pencils, paper, or dice, but these are usually mentioned in the game’s instruction booklet. Investing in extra dice or counters may prove helpful.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. START SIMPLE: If you’re a total beginner, don’t jump into the deep end with an overly complex game. Start with simpler, quicker games and gradually try harder ones.
2. READ THE RULES: Ensure everyone has a clear understanding of the game rules. Reading them together can avoid confusion and disputes later.
3. USE STRATEGIES: Board games are all about strategies. Try to think a few moves ahead to outsmart your opponents.
4. BE PATIENT: It’s okay not to master the game on your first try. Practice makes perfect!
5. HAVE FUN: Most important of all, have fun! It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about enjoying the game.
RESSOURCES UTILES
YouTube channels like ‘TableTop’ or ‘BoardGameGeek’ provide helpful videos on game walkthroughs, rules explanation, and tips. Websites such as Reddit and BoardGameGeek.com also have active communities for any queries, advice, and game recommendations.
GLOSSAIRE : EXPLICATION DES TERMES COURANTS
1. MECHANIC: The way the gameplay is structured or the things players do.
2. STRATEGY: A plan of action aimed at making more effective decisions in the game.
3. PLAYER BOARD: Individual board where a player keeps their resources, tracks their points, etc.
4. CO-OP: Co-operative gameplay where players work together to beat the game itself.
5. RPG: Role-play game, where players take on specific character roles in the game.
NEXT STEPS
Now with this basic knowledge about board games, it’s time for you to dive in! Start with a simple game that suits your interests. Visit a local game store for advice, or even better, try a board game cafe where you can play different games before deciding which one to buy. Remember, the world of board games is vast and you’re just at the beginning. Happy gaming!
