My friend told me my game teaching was a confusing mess and it totally changed my game nights

We were setting up a new game, and I was just explaining rules as I remembered them, jumping all over the place. My buddy Steve finally stopped me and said, 'Dude, you're going from setup to end-game scoring in one breath. Start with the goal, then how you take a turn.' I tried it his way the next week with a different group and a game of 'Wingspan.' I said, 'We're all bird watchers trying to attract the best birds to our wildlife preserves. On your turn, you pick one of four actions...' It went so much smoother! No one looked lost halfway through. How do you guys teach a new game? Do you have a specific order you follow?

3 comments

3 Comments

mila_campbell251d ago

Steve's advice is spot on about starting with the goal. I always follow that up by explaining the basic turn structure right away, just like you did with Wingspan. People need that framework before any tiny rules make sense. I'll say "here's what you do on most turns" and run through a simple example. Then I go back and fill in the weird exceptions or special cards. It stops everyone from trying to memorize every little thing at once.

the_faith1d ago

Totally agree with both of you. Starting with the goal gives the why, then the turn structure gives the how. It builds a simple map before you add all the confusing side streets.

roberts951d ago

That "start with the goal" advice from your friend is so key. I used to dump all the rules at once and watch everyone's eyes glaze over. Now I always explain what we're trying to do first, because it gives all the little rules a place to live in your head. It makes teaching way less of a confusing mess for sure.