INTRODUCTION
Imagine it’s a chill winter evening. The rain beats against your window and the aroma of hot cocoa fills the room. Your family or friends are gathered around the table, eagerly waiting to dive into a world of strategy, competition, and fun. You pull out that age-old cardboard box, and everyone’s eyes light up – it’s game night! Board games have been a way for people of all ages to gather and have fun for countless years. This beginner’s guide will demystify the fundamentals of board games, making it easier for you as a newbie to understand and enjoy them.
WHAT IS A BOARD GAME?
A board game is an interactive game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface (‘board’), according to a set of rules. The origins of board games trace back to ancient civilizations like Egypt with games like Senet. Modern board games, however, span myriad genres – from straightforward family-friendly games like Sorry and Monopoly, to complex, strategic games like Settlers of Catan and Dungeons & Dragons. Board games offer thrilling experiences built around strategy, chance, or a blend of both, and can involve aspects like resource management, territory control, or narrative role-play.
HOW BOARD GAMES WORK
Delving into a board game begins by selecting a game that appeals to you. Each game comes with its set of rules which dictate the board setup, turn structure and game objectives. Players take turns to perform actions (like rolling a dice for movement, or playing a card to perform an action) with the goal of achieving the game’s objective — it could be gaining the highest points, eliminating other players, or attaining a certain position on the board. For instance, in Monopoly, the objective is to bankrupt all the other players to become the wealthiest player.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To get started in board games, you need very little. Begin with a board game of your choice. Consider starting with simpler games if you’re a complete beginner. These games usually come with all necessary components – the game board, cards, tokens, and dice. Some games may require additional items like a score pad or an hourglass. If you’re buying online, check that the game is complete and contains a set of rules or instructions.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start simple: Don’t be tempted by complex games initially. Start with simpler games to grasp the concept and mechanics of board games.
2. Read the rules thoroughly: Board games are built around their rules. Read them well to enjoy the game fully.
3. Be patient: Every game requires time to grasp. If you lose initially, it’s more because you’re new rather than you being bad at it.
4. Experiment with different games: Every board game offers a different experience. Try out various games to understand which genre you like the most.
5. Play for fun: Remember, the main idea is to have a good time. Don’t get too worked up about winning or losing.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Some helpful websites and communities include BoardGameGeek (an exhaustive database), Reddit’s r/boardgames, Tabletop Simulator on Steam for playing digital versions of board games. YouTube channels like TableTop and Dice Tower offer great reviews and playthroughs.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Meeple: The game piece representing each player on the board.
2. Roll-and-move: A mechanism where players’ movement is dictated by dice rolls.
3. Setup time: The time it takes to prepare the game board for play.
4. Tabletop: A term often used interchangevably with board games.
5. Turn-based: A game mechanic where players take turns to make a move.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
If you feel ready after reading this guide, why not jump right in and play a board game? You could visit a local toy store to see their board game collection, or attend a board game night in your community. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and with each game, you’ll get better and enjoy more. Happy gaming!
