INTRODUCTION
Have you ever been intrigued by the sound of laughter and excited chatter coming from a group huddled around a table? Perhaps there was also the occasional shuffle of cards, roll of dice, and clink of game pieces on a board. Well, you’ve just witnessed the universal joy of board games. These are not just time fillers or simple entertainment; they are tools of social interaction, strategic thinking, and sometimes sheer luck. This article is a beginner-friendly guide that will take you through the fascinating world of board games.
WHAT ARE BOARD GAMES?
Board games are tabletop games that typically involve counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface or “board”, according to a set of rules. Board games have been played, in countless cultures and societies, for thousands of years. Indian game ‘Pachisi’, Chinese ‘Go’ and Egyptian ‘Senet’ are some prehistoric examples. In modern times, they come in all shapes, sizes, and complexities. From simple games like ‘Ludo’ or ‘Snakes & Ladders’ to strategic games like ‘Chess’ or ‘Settlers of Catan,’ they offer a wide range of challenges and entertainment. They provide an escape from today’s digital world, offering direct, personal interaction that enhances social bonds and fosters camaraderie.
HOW DO BOARD GAMES WORK? HOW TO GET STARTED
Although each game has its unique set of rules, most board games follow a common pattern:
1. Setup: You start by setting up the game board, pieces, cards, and any other elements included in the game.
2. Player Turns: Players take turns, during which they may perform actions such as moving pieces, drawing cards, or gaining resources.
3. Winning: The game currency, points or objectives differ among games. Some games end when a player attains a certain victory point or a specific objective, while others continue until all players have finished their turns and the one with the most points wins.
4. Rules: Each board game comes with a rulebook, which provides detailed instructions on how to play. Reading these guidelines thoroughly is essential before you start playing.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Every board game comes with all the required components necessary to play. This usually includes:
1. Game Board: A pre-marked surface showing the game’s world or track.
2. Game Pieces: Tokens or markers that each player uses to represent themselves.
3. Cards or Dice: Used to inject a dose of randomness or to dictate player actions.
4. Rulebook: This guidebook instructs how the game should be played.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Start Small: When starting to explore board games, choose simpler games that have fewer rules and a shorter playtime.
2. Read the Rules: Before starting to play, thoroughly read through the rulebook.
3. Play Open-Handed: For your first few games, consider playing with open hands/cards. It helps you learn the strategy more quickly.
4. Don’t Fear Losing: Losing is part of the learning process. Each loss teaches you more about strategy and planning.
5. Enjoy the Game: Do not get overtly competitive, remember the primary goal is to have fun!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
BoardGameGeek.com is an online hub for all things related to board games. YouTube channels like ‘Watch It Played’ and ‘The Dice Tower’ provide in-depth reviews, tips, and tutorials that can be quite helpful. Online communities such as Reddit’s r/boardgames can be a great place to ask questions and share experiences.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Strategy Game: A board game where decision-making skills have a high significance in determining the outcome.
2. Family Game: Games suitable for a wide age range of players, focusing on fun and interaction over competition and strategy.
3. Party Game: Games designed to be played in a social setting with a large number of players.
4. Cooperative Game: A game where players work together as a team to win the game.
5. Game Mechanics: The constructs of rules and methods designed for interaction among players and the game itself.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have a broad understanding of board games consider purchasing a simple one to get started. Remember, you can always visit a local hobby shop to choose a game that suits you. Start with games suitable for beginners such as ‘Ticket to Ride’, ‘Carcassonne’, or ‘Codenames’, enjoy the world of strategic thinking, decision making, and most importantly, have fun. Board gaming is an enriching and rewarding hobby that gets easier with every dice throw and card draw.
