Playing with Rookies

Playing board games and card games can be one of the most valuable bonding experiences a group of friends can have. Unfortunately, it can also blow friendships to smithereens. It can burn bridges and make someone never want to speak to you, much less play with you, again. Monopoly, anyone? With the right group any game can be fun, but how can you tell when you’ve got the right group? Most people who have tried will tell you it’s impossible, and that’s when and if anyone can consistently meet up! When friends are busy and the table’s looking deserted, many people turn to inviting new players. It’s a great tactic, and new players are often more enthusiastic than seasoned ones, but the practice carries risks for disaster. If you’re prepared though, it can be the best tabletop experience of your life!

When you’re starting a game with new players, there are a couple of tips to keep in mind to make sure everyone enjoys the experience. Deciding what to play has a major impact on a new player’s experience. You’ll want to pick something that is respectful of everyone’s time, so no one has to leave mid-game. Ask your players how much time they have, and pick a game that will take about a third to half that time at most. There are a couple of reasons for this. You’ll want time to play a round or two, because there are rules that only make sense when you

encounter them during the game. Experience tells us that the second or even third round can go much better than the first, leading to a lot more fun. If the game goes poorly, everyone leaves with a bad taste in their mouth, so picking a game that allows for multiple rounds in the allotted time will help. Conversely, if you pick something too quick, the game will be over before you know it. Some groups like this, but if you’re having to start over every five minutes it can get a little tedious for new and regular players alike.

It is also helpful to pick something that doesn’t have a ton of complicated rules. I find card games are good for this, and some simpler board games can be as well. With less rules, people will have an easier time getting into the game. With a complicated ruleset, new players can get bogged down worrying they’re misunderstanding something, or getting accused of breaking the rules. No one likes being accused of cheating, especially when they are just starting out and haven’t gotten the hang of things yet!

My next few suggestions depend entirely on the game you’re playing. If you’re playing a game where players can be knocked out, try to keep everyone in the game as long as possible.

It’s way more fun to be participating in the game than being forced to spectate after turn two. It’s also not fun to target someone the first time you play with them, because they’ll remember that, and won’t want to play with you anymore. If you’re playing something like Spellwars, where the object of the game is to knock each other out, try to avoid ganging up on one player in particular. As a personal example, when I was a new player in college I was invited to play the game Mafia. I would always be knocked out in the first two days, even if we had 15 or more players. After the third gathering in a row it happened, I stopped attending. No one likes being singled out for elimination, and targeting new players will only ensure they never want to play again.

Now, if you’re playing something cooperative try to make sure everyone has a hand in the victory, rather than doing everything yourself. When a new player feels like the only one not contributing to the victory, it can make them feel like a burden. Chances are they already feel like one without that addition. You’ll need to protect a new player from regulars who like being a spotlight hog, since it is a great way to rub new and regular players the wrong way. If everyone contributes instead, your new player will feel like a part of the team, and likely want to return to your table.

Another good tactic in games where the group is split into teams, is to mix the teams up on the second and third playthrough. While making eternal rivals through games of Uno can be fun to watch, it’s way more fun when everyone is on the same team. Try to get everyone partnered with a different player at least once. This way, everyone gets a chance to play together and get a feel for each player’s technique. It also builds friendships within the group, and introduces them to different styles of play.

As a side note, I don’t recommend Cards Against Humanity as the first game you play with new people, as tempting as it is. That opinion is going to get me some flak, but hear me out. Typically you have no way of knowing what someone’s sense of humor is beforehand, and with some of the cards in the game you’ve got a decent chance of playing something that really bothers someone. I love Cards Against Humanity, but I’d recommend it as a second or third gathering game, rather than a first gathering game.

Of course, as much advice as I give, you’re going to do what you want. With that in mind, perhaps the best and most powerful piece of advice I can give is that you should play something you enjoy. There is no better way to introduce someone to a game than to play one of your favorites with them. That’s how I met a few of my dearest friends - with Betrayal at the House on the Hill. Take it easy, make sure everyone’s having a good time, and you’ll be setting up game nights for weeks to come. Unfortunately scheduling game nights is another story entirely, which I’ll cover in a future article. For now, grab your cards and dice, head down to your friendly local game shop, and see what demo games they have. You’ll be surprised what, and who, you find.