Playing board games is almost always fun, but the enjoyment level heightens when you start winning the game. It can be a real rush when you realize you’ve figured out the best strategy and you’re leaving your fellow players in the dust.
Unfortunately, it’s not all that easy to win every game you play. But there are some steps you can take to improve your gaming skills, whether you’re playing a decades-old favorite like Risk or taking on one of the many new games that grace the shelves of your closest hobby store each year.
Play A Wide Variety Of Games
One of the best (and most fun) ways to improve your board game skills is to play a wide variety of games. From card games to multi-player games, the more you play, the keener your brain will become. You will be able to spot different strategies and apply what you learned in one game to another.
There are two main benefits to playing various games:
- It’s easier to learn new games: If you have played a specific type of game in the past, it will be easier to learn a new game with similar gameplay or themes. Instead of having to remember new rules and strategies, you can dedicate all your thinking power to winning.
- It’s easier to determine winning strategies: When you’ve played dozens of board games, you can apply lessons from each to the current game you’re playing. You may have learned how to observe fellow players’ tells or count which cards have been played. The more games you play, the wider your skillset, and the better the strategies you can use to win.
A bonus of playing many games is discovering which types of games you enjoy the most, and which ones you have a natural knack for.
Learn The Rules With Online Versions
Settling down around a table with formidable opponents can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time playing a game. Luckily, most popular board games have online versions or apps where you can play a demo game, against a computer, or against other players.
One secret to success is playing a game against yourself, even if it is an online multiplayer game. For example, if it is a four-player game, you can play the part of each player with a different strategy. This helps you to learn the rules and test out some tricks without embarrassing yourself in front of your friends.
Mahjong365 online is a good example of this, as the site provides you with 24/7 access to mahjong tables with no waiting time. The rules of Mahjong can be confusing at first, but by playing the game online, you can figure out gameplay at your own pace, without the added pressure of other players.
Many game developers have released smartphone apps where you can test your skills against other players, like Settlers of Catan, Monopoly, and Small World.
Talk To Other Players
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask the advice of other players, even if you don’t know them. If someone made a clean sweep of the game, have a chat with them to see what they did to win. Alternatively, you can ask a strong player before the game starts to observe you and then give you feedback after to see where you can improve.
You can also learn a lot simply by observing their playing style. If you notice them collecting a specific resource, ask yourself why. Consider whether they’re playing aggressively or conservatively, and which steps they take to get closer to the winning goal.
There are plenty of online communities on platforms like Discord, Reddit, and Facebook where you can get advice from other players from across the world.
Watch Videos And Read Forums
YouTube is a treasure trove of free advice if you know what to search for. You can watch others play, view game reviews, and enjoy a breakdown of a game’s rules before you play for the first time. When it comes to board games, knowledge is power. And one of the easiest ways to build your own knowledge base is to learn from the pros.
There are also many forums on popular board game sites, like BoardGameGeek, where players ask questions and receive answers from the community. Reading these forums and any other blogs can give you insider information on how to win.
Remember To Have Fun
Remember not to take it too seriously; it’s just a game, after all. A graceful loser will have more fun, and taking a lighthearted approach to board games will allow you to learn while having a great time.
Competitive people can quickly lose sight of the purpose of a board game, which is to bond with loved ones, have some snacks, and enjoy a few laughs together. Learning new skills and testing out strategies should be part of the fun and not a trade-off.
Wrapping Up
With the tips above under you’re belt, you’re sure to see almost immediate improvement in your board game success rate. Although you won’t be able to win every game you play, since that is almost impossible, you will notice that you are better suited to spot opportunities to progress, while still having plenty of fun. It all comes down to practicing, being open to advice, and trying online versions to learn the rules.