Learning New Board Game Rules

Introducing a new game to game nights can sometimes feel like a chore. Unwrapping all that shrink wrap, popping out the cardboard pieces, but the most daunting part is of course wrapping your head around the rules. Especially if you’re getting stuck into a rule-heavy game such as Wingspan, Scythe, or Terraforming Mars.

Here are our best tips to streamline that experience to make sure that you and your friends are all on the same page.

Sort Out Food First

First of all, no one can think on an empty stomach! Make sure everyone’s made their Deliveroo/Uber Eats order, or you’ve filled up on cheese and dips before you crack open that rulebook!

What is the win condition? Work backwards

The first thing that can help players understand the game is knowing what they are playing towards, and how to win. That way they can more easily see WHY they are making actions and can piece together the way they can optimally utilise those actions, AKA strategise!

Most rulebooks are written in a chronological format, from setting up to the end of the game. But sometimes the win condition is outlined as such, in the very end.

We recommend nominating one player to read through the rulebook once, and then if necessary, work backward from the end of the game, that way you’re providing the reason for each action or phase of the game as you explain them.

For example, a chronological explanation of the rules:
In Wingspan you can take several actions, including gathering food, laying eggs, and playing bird cards →
When you make an action, you consume one cube, indicating the number of actions you have left in a phase →
Once you have gathered food, you can spend it to play your bird cards →
Playing bird cards can earn you points in different ways. At the end of the last phase, the player with the most points wins.

As opposed to:
In Wingspan, you win by having the most points by the end of the last phase. →
You earn points in several different ways, all of which are made possible by playing bird cards → Playing bird cards requires certain costs and conditions, such as food, specific habitats, and eggs →
These resources are gathered one type at a time by a single action, and consume one cube, indicating the number of actions you have left in a phase.

Isn’t that so much easier to understand?
(This is an oversimplification of the game of Wingspan, but you get the idea).

When in doubt, YouTube is your friend

Sometimes, it’s just easier to watch a video. That way every player can see the visual of the board at the same time as the rules are being explained, and having movement helps to show exactly the types of moves and actions you can make.

There are a plethora of how-to-play videos out there, including some by Hobbyco!

YouTube tutorials are also a great way of getting a general idea of the set-up and gameplay, while the rulebook can help later on with the nitty gritty of the rules and technicalities.

With these tips, unwrapping and learning new board games is a treat, not a chore. So, gather your gaming crew, let the fun begin, and remember, in the world of board games, there's always something waiting to be mastered. Happy gaming!