A good way to teach a new player???

[painted_klown]

This past friday I invited a lady friend over from work.;)


..........To try and teach her how to play The Spoils as I only have one other friend who plays and the more the merrier.:) I taught my one friend who plays, a non gamer, how to play and he caught on fairly quickly, however when showing my co-worker how to play she was having a hard time getting it all. The problem I discovered I was having is that I was trying to teach her the rules and basics of gameplay but I was also trying to teach her strategy tips at the same time causing further confusion for her. She is also a complete Non-gamer and hadn't even heard of these types of games before. So I guess my question is "What is the best way to teach someone to play and keep it very basic at first so they understand how the cards work without adding in too much info at one time?" I was talking to her today and I decided to give her some cards to read and a copy of the rule book to study hoping that would make it easier for her. Even with all the frustration and confusion she is willing to try again. Any ideas all?:confused: I would love to bring another player into our great gaming community.

[La_Sin_Grail]

This past friday I invited a lady friend over from work.;)


..........To try and teach her how to play The Spoils as I only have one other friend who plays and the more the merrier.:) I taught my one friend who plays, a non gamer, how to play and he caught on fairly quickly, however when showing my co-worker how to play she was having a hard time getting it all. The problem I discovered I was having is that I was trying to teach her the rules and basics of gameplay but I was also trying to teach her strategy tips at the same time causing further confusion for her. She is also a complete Non-gamer and hadn't even heard of these types of games before. So I guess my question is "What is the best way to teach someone to play and keep it very basic at first so they understand how the cards work without adding in too much info at one time?" I was talking to her today and I decided to give her some cards to read and a copy of the rule book to study hoping that would make it easier for her. Even with all the frustration and confusion she is willing to try again. Any ideas all?:confused: I would love to bring another player into our great gaming community.

Into gaming community.... into home for a night or four... I mean.

I would suggest not teaching her basic strategies yet. For the time being, stick to the rules. Once she learns those, she'll start to figure out the strategies herself, and when she starts asking about strategies is when you should go into it. I've taught a number of people to play, and while most people had played casual MTG, making an easy switch, not all have. This way tends to work pretty well, because it somewhat allows them to learn at their own pace. There's nothing worse than not liking a game because you can't understand it even if it looks like fun.

So, take it nice and slow. *me? Double entendre? Nah.*

[SubtleThunder]

This past friday I invited a lady friend over from work.;)


..........To try and teach her how to play The Spoils as I only have one other friend who plays and the more the merrier.:) I taught my one friend who plays, a non gamer, how to play and he caught on fairly quickly, however when showing my co-worker how to play she was having a hard time getting it all. The problem I discovered I was having is that I was trying to teach her the rules and basics of gameplay but I was also trying to teach her strategy tips at the same time causing further confusion for her. She is also a complete Non-gamer and hadn't even heard of these types of games before. So I guess my question is "What is the best way to teach someone to play and keep it very basic at first so they understand how the cards work without adding in too much info at one time?" I was talking to her today and I decided to give her some cards to read and a copy of the rule book to study hoping that would make it easier for her. Even with all the frustration and confusion she is willing to try again. Any ideas all?:confused: I would love to bring another player into our great gaming community.

If someone has no clue about the "rules of the universe" of card games, it is probably best to have them watch a game or 2 and let them ask all the questions they want. Since you're teaching don't worry about giving away you're holding Rabid Sarume.

Also, use simpler decks. The pre-cons were made simple on purpose.

[Hordak]

My tips for teaching someone from scratch in particular order:

Always teach rules, not the exceptions.

Explain the premise of the game before you ever mention the rules. Usually it's easier to grasp if people know why they're 'fighting'.

Explain the card types before you explain how they interact. IE - This is a character, he does your fighting. This is a tactic, it has some one time effect described on the card. This is an Item, think of it like a gun or a book. You simply have it, and sometimes a specific character is holding it.

It's usually easier to explain resources as money. I think teaching things like threshhold is easier to non-MTG players.

Let strategy come with time.


If I think of more I'll repost.

[La_Sin_Grail]

It's usually easier to explain resources as money. I think teaching things like threshhold is easier to non-MTG players.


I'm going to have to disagree there. I used to be an MTG player but since I found spoils, the threshold concept is the main thing that converted me. I grasped it immediately and that's why I'm still playing today. Although, I did get rage screwed in the finals of the WCCs today :mad:

[doc8466]

Stack her deck. Litterally.

Set up an opening hand, stack the first 5-10 cards of the deck, and focus on generic characters, high and low threshold that she can and cannot meet, straight forward tactics and gear.

Use only 20-25 card decks, and start with only 15 influence.

Stick with rules only, no strategy.

Once that's done, build up from there.

[painted_klown]

Thanks for the tips all. :) I am going to try again this weekend, providing she is willing to play again. And hopefully this time (using all of your ideas) I will be able to convert a new player.:D

[turning_of_the_tide]

Thanks for the tips all. :) I am going to try again this weekend, providing she is willing to play again. And hopefully this time (using all of your ideas) I will be able to convert a new player.:D

I am working on getting my girl into playing as well but she gets frustrated easily and has got the basics down but has a harder time grasping individual cards. it has taken a few weeks to get where we are so don't expect her to be a pro overnight :)

-Ryan:spade:

[painted_klown]

Yeah, I hear that. I have an ex-gf that I taught another card ganme to and it took her a while before she caught on to the whole deal. After a while though she did catch on and loved to play all the time. I am just hoping this situation works out just as good in that respect.:cool:

[turning_of_the_tide]

Yeah, I hear that. I have an ex-gf that I taught another card ganme to and it took her a while before she caught on to the whole deal. After a while though she did catch on and loved to play all the time. I am just hoping this situation works out just as good in that respect.:cool:

p_k for the win....you can always throw incentive out there. For example my girl said she wanted to learn but she didnt want it to take all the time we spent together. Make her a deal if she sits down and learns for X hours/minutes you will take her out (at terrible example but you get the idea). Obviously this can go as far as you want but it tells her that you don't just want it to be the only part of the relationship and that she always comes first.

-Ryan:spade:

[painted_klown]

LOL, that's a great idea Ryan.:) She is not my gf though............just a good friend;) Thats the way I like to roll.........................:p

[doc8466]

Bet'cha all wish you had a The Spoils playing wife like me! :D :D :D

[turning_of_the_tide]

Bet'cha all wish you had a The Spoils playing wife like me! :D :D :D

Im workin' on it doc shes coming around...although you got a while for the wife part...but shes catching on to the Spoils part...I wish I had you here to teach her...you seem like an easy person to learn from and I'm not that great of a teacher cause I can't think simple....I always give her to many "what if" situations....

-Ryan:spade:

[lighttigersoul]

Bet'cha all wish you had a The Spoils playing wife like me! :D :D :D

Give me six months and I'll have one! My darling fiance plays The Spoils.

[doc8466]

So bring her over to MD and let's how good a teacher you are! :eek: !!!!!

[lighttigersoul]

So bring her over to MD and let's how good a teacher you are! :eek: !!!!!

She can play the game, doesn't mean she's the best strategist yet. She needs practice, and when all her practice is, ya know. . . me. . .

[doc8466]

No exuces!!! We've got 3 more IQ's over here (one of each Sealed, Constructed and Draft) and it's your job to get over here and try to get an invite for you and your significant other.

Deal? :D

[painted_klown]

Im workin' on it doc shes coming around...although you got a while for the wife part...but shes catching on to the Spoils part...I wish I had you here to teach her...you seem like an easy person to learn from and I'm not that great of a teacher cause I can't think simple....I always give her to many "what if" situations....

-Ryan:spade:

Thats the exact s!me problem I am having..........trying to throw in too much at once. Well you could do this but what if.......:rolleyes: It's a vicious circle. I suppose it's because I not only wanted to teach her how to play but I want her to be really good at The Spoils so it is really a challenge and becomes a great way to test deck ideas. Kind of like having my own spoiler girl around.:D

Doc, you must be a truely happy man, you're married to your spoiler girl.:cool:

[doc8466]

Yes I am! And Ryan and Lucien can attest to the fact that we even have a Spoiler Baby! (monster 9 month-old actually, but who's keeping score?)

And trust me PK, keep the next lesson SIMPLE. Skip the cool stuff and just make it numbers vs. numbers. Point out how the battles could go (this one or those ones vs. this one or these ones) and let it build from there.

Waaaaay back at Indy, :chomp: had me demo to a guy from the UK. Turns out he was a rep from the largest gaming distributor in the UK. (guess how my pucker factor was!) We set him up with a deck, I taught him how to play, and the UK can thank me for any The Spoils cards that are in their bloody countries!

[lighttigersoul]

No exuces!!! We've got 3 more IQ's over here (one of each Sealed, Constructed and Draft) and it's your job to get over here and try to get an invite for you and your significant other.

Deal? :D

I've got four IQs over here, two draft, one constructed, and one sealed!

[doc8466]

Sweeet!!!! I hadn't heard that Delaware had any IQ's. Do you know where the nearest Invitational will be? Will it be in PA, DE or MD?

[lighttigersoul]

Sweeet!!!! I hadn't heard that Delaware had any IQ's. Do you know where the nearest Invitational will be? Will it be in PA, DE or MD?

Umm, you guys are having one out that way somewhere, right?

If so, you're the closest.

[turning_of_the_tide]

Yes I am! And Ryan and Lucien can attest to the fact that we even have a Spoiler Baby! (monster 9 month-old actually, but who's keeping score?)

And trust me PK, keep the next lesson SIMPLE. Skip the cool stuff and just make it numbers vs. numbers. Point out how the battles could go (this one or those ones vs. this one or these ones) and let it build from there.

Waaaaay back at Indy, :chomp: had me demo to a guy from the UK. Turns out he was a rep from the largest gaming distributor in the UK. (guess how my pucker factor was!) We set him up with a deck, I taught him how to play, and the UK can thank me for any The Spoils cards that are in their bloody countries!

Not only is it a baby its a friggin' cute baby at that (not that there arent many that arent cute) But yea I really want my gf to learn but I think I frustrate her and she puts alot on herself she thinks she is stupid cause she cant get it the first time we sit down...its really tough cause its not like teaching someone else where you can get kinda frustrated and change gears...because she is well your significant other. I do't really want her to be the best i mean if shes good all the better but I want her to enjoy going to a tournement with me and have fun. I would like her to go to Indy and have some fun there but I don't think she will cause she gets to frustrated....who knows maybe I can drag her to indy and doc can teach her :)

-Ryan:spade:

[doc8466]

ROFLOL!!!! I tell you what T, if you haven't gotten her locked on, I'll back you up!

Guys, and anyone reading this, teaching isn't hard at all.

Start with basics. Stick with the numbers first. Attack, defend and damage that gets through to the faction. Then add in Tactics. Straight forward Warlord ones I think are best. A Kettinger, Rocket Boots or Luteoderm Armor later, and 75% of the rules are covered!
Threshold will come up shortly thereafter if it hasn't already, then it's on to Locations and non-Gear items.
After that, all that's left is strategy.

I swear, it's pretty much that simple!

I taught about 15 Yugioh players en masse' at a pre-release event before Indy even happened. Lucien can attest! Once the basic concepts are taught, the mastery of the game takes over. I can teach anyone to play (including non-C/TCG playing significant others and those who require (forgive me if I offend anyone) special attention.)

If I can do it, anyone can. It's just a matter of patience and eloquence.

[turning_of_the_tide]

ROFLOL!!!! I tell you what T, if you haven't gotten her locked on, I'll back you up!

Guys, and anyone reading this, teaching isn't hard at all.

Start with basics. Stick with the numbers first. Attack, defend and damage that gets through to the faction. Then add in Tactics. Straight forward Warlord ones I think are best. A Kettinger, Rocket Boots or Luteoderm Armor later, and 75% of the rules are covered!
Threshold will come up shortly thereafter if it hasn't already, then it's on to Locations and non-Gear items.
After that, all that's left is strategy.

I swear, it's pretty much that simple!

I taught about 15 Yugioh players en masse' at a pre-release event before Indy even happened. Lucien can attest! Once the basic concepts are taught, the mastery of the game takes over. I can teach anyone to play (including non-C/TCG playing significant others and those who require (forgive me if I offend anyone) special attention.)

If I can do it, anyone can. It's just a matter of patience and eloquence.

Good you can carefully beat it into my gf's head then j/k. But yea I will work with her as long as she stays intrested and I'll try your method thanks for the help doc.

-Ryan:spade:

[painted_klown]

I was talking to her tonight and I am going to take in a copy of the rules to give her, plus 1 card of each type (character, location, resource, ect...) That way she can read over them before she tries to play again. She is willing to try again this friday so that's cool.:cool: I was happy to hear that because after the frustration of the first time trying I thought she may not want to again. Definitely a good friend indeed.;)

Also I am going to take your suggestions of making easier decks. Doc has a great idea with starting with combat then addding tactics, and going from there. I think I am going to build a small deck of characters only for the both of us. That will get her familiar with paying costs and combat. Then I am going to add in items. That way she won't have to worry about timing issues. Then add in locations and finally tactics. I think that just may work. I will find out Friday night............:spade: Peace!

[turning_of_the_tide]

I was talking to her tonight and I am going to take in a copy of the rules to give her, plus 1 card of each type (character, location, resource, ect...) That way she can read over them before she tries to play again. She is willing to try again this friday so that's cool.:cool: I was happy to hear that because after the frustration of the first time trying I thought she may not want to again. Definitely a good friend indeed.;)

Also I am going to take your suggestions of making easier decks. Doc has a great idea with starting with combat then addding tactics, and going from there. I think I am going to build a small deck of characters only for the both of us. That will get her familiar with paying costs and combat. Then I am going to add in items. That way she won't have to worry about timing issues. Then add in locations and finally tactics. I think that just may work. I will find out Friday night............:spade: Peace!

And even if it doesnt work you got to put some time in with the female so thats always a plus.....I wish my gf was as cool about this....but I guess its the ones we choose....

-Ryan:spade:

[painted_klown]

She chose me..........I think.......not really sure...maybe we chose each other.....what happened was my gf dumped me on a friday. That night there just happened to be an unofficial "citimortgage" party at a local bar. We both showed up and ended up sitting at the same table together, well needless to say we had a few drinks and got to know each other in a non work enviroment and have been spending our weekends together after that. Me being a Spoils junkie and constantly talking about it everywhere I go, couldn't help but spring it on her. She agreed to try it last week but was having a hard time with everything and so of course that's when I created this thread. So, really it's cool in a two-fold way for me. I am spending time with her and hopefully turning her into a Spoils player to boot!:)

[Scrab]

Yeah its not too hard.
But trying to teach my non TCG player friends how to play,
definately took patience.

If you stick basics, and have them watch a game or two, they begin to ask questions and catch on.
My best advice is have the person your trying to teach watch a game or two after teaching the basics of the game.

[turning_of_the_tide]

Yea she found me too....Well friends hooked us up but it was her idea. Anyway....she won't learn at this point...she says she "tried" which pretty much means she went to the shop with me twice sat down read the rulebook and looked like she was having the worst time of her life both times. I tried to teach her and she got the basics...actually I would say she has 80% of the game...but she gets frustrated... I really dont get where she is stuck. Then she pretty much straight out told me she was learning just for me. She said she never really wanted to learn and it looks really boring to her....she doesn't understand how I can spend so much time on a card game. I wish I was in your situation....because having a gf who shared my love for the game would be amazing.

-Ryan:spade:

[Bullet455]

The teaching method sounds good, seems like I can use it. One question though, how do you guys generate the interest to non players? (I figured I would ask it here seeing how the question can be tied in with the current post)

[lighttigersoul]

The teaching method sounds good, seems like I can use it. One question though, how do you guys generate the interest to non players? (I figured I would ask it here seeing how the question can be tied in with the current post)

Couple of strategies I've used: The money. If all else fails, this usually catches peoples interest. The amusement factor. The jokes are awesome, sharing them has generated interest. The art. Definately its own style; to say the least.

Those are just soem of mine. My general excitement for it seems to help too.

[doc8466]

Look for crossover interests. Sci-Fi or fantasy book readers, Star Wars junkies, computer gamers, anime fans... Anyone who might buy anything that can be bought at your FLGS is a potential player.

[mafeya]

Relate to their interest. If they like dark stuff...show them cards with dark artwork (like black MTG cards). If they like cute cuddly things, show them cards with cute artwork. That would probably generate a good first impression. Works with my friends. :)

ps. does the spoils have dark/cute artwork? haven't checked out all of them.

[LucienofShadow]

Cute- Gearsmith

Dark- potentially any other trade

[painted_klown]

I would agree with cute is gearsmith for sure, especially that micromajig factory.
As far as "dark" I would roll with Swarm of gnats, or perhaps ominous oozling. They are not so much what I would call dark, but more along the lines of eerie and surreal. Definitely some of my fave card art.:spade:

[a_walk_on_the_beach]

p_k for the win....you can always throw incentive out there. For example my girl said she wanted to learn but she didnt want it to take all the time we spent together. Make her a deal if she sits down and learns for X hours/minutes you will take her out (at terrible example but you get the idea). Obviously this can go as far as you want but it tells her that you don't just want it to be the only part of the relationship and that she always comes first.

-Ryan:spade:


Im not so sure that bribery is really a good way to get your girl to play. I mean what if she figures it out and thinks that you're only doing stuff with her just so she will learn the game? but Im curious to know how it works out for you.

[turning_of_the_tide]

Im not so sure that bribery is really a good way to get your girl to play. I mean what if she figures it out and thinks that you're only doing stuff with her just so she will learn the game? but Im curious to know how it works out for you.

Bribery? I never said I would use it. More like a hey if you sit down with me and play for an hour I'll watch the Hitcher with you ;) I guess that would be up to my girlfriend to decide how well it would work. But as of late I am going to say...not very well. I was actually thinking an easier way would be the way doc stated earlier to start out very basic play a game then add only one element at a time.

And on a side note a_walk_on_the_beach welcome to the boards. I think you will find a great community with a great game behind it. If you have any questions feel free to PM me or any of the other Mods or members most are more than willing to help.

-Ryan:spade:

[a_walk_on_the_beach]

Thanks. It's good to be here. Doc's way of teaching might actually work. It's always worth a try. I mean the worst that will happen is that your girlfriend wont get it but atleast you will have gotten to spend time with each other.

[turning_of_the_tide]

Thanks. It's good to be here. Doc's way of teaching might actually work. It's always worth a try. I mean the worst that will happen is that your girlfriend wont get it but atleast you will have gotten to spend time with each other.

Yea me and her tried that once but she got frustrated...maybe if i try to teach her alone with no distraction at one of our houses and not at my local iceberg...ahem...I mean shop then it would be much more fun for her. Thanks for the vote of confidence awotb! Hopefully your right. I'll ask jher about it tonight when I call her. Hopefully she will be understanding...cause it would be great to be able to travel to events with my girlfriend my two favorite things together has to make them both that much better!

-Ryan:spade:

[doc8466]

Thanks for the props a-wot-b. I've taught so many people...I can't even count that high.

What also helps in teaching is knowing something about the "student". Granted you won't know right away when you sit down across from a stranger, but if it's someone you know, see if you can get a feel for HOW they learn best. Pardon me while I get into a little "how to teach effectively" speach:

There are 4 ways to learn. 1) Seeing it, 2) Hearing it, 3) Repeating it aloud and 4) Doing it.

If they seem to be falling into any one of those catagories, go with it!

(Hmmmm, when I give that speach to potential instructors it's a lot longer)

[a_walk_on_the_beach]

And a word of advice...don't talk down to her. It will definately help. And be positive. As long as you can help her keep her attitude up about the game you might be in for the win.

[turning_of_the_tide]

And a word of advice...don't talk down to her. It will definately help. And be positive. As long as you can help her keep her attitude up about the game you might be in for the win.

Yea I defiently don't want to do that...I don't want to lose her intrest. Hopefully she won't get to down on herself either. I guess I just need to work on my teaching skills :D or I could borrow doc and he could teach her....what was your going rate again doc 50$?
j/k

-Ryan:spade:

[LucienofShadow]

Doc- I remember how you taught me. I'd been listening to you teaching everyone else in between rounds of my other tournament, then I walked up and had you fill in one a few spots where I had questions, sat down, and played.

Hmm... that sounds too idealized. My memory is probably going down the chute again.

[painted_klown]

Good news with my new prodigy in training. When I called her up tonight to say what's up, she was actually reading the rule book I gave her today. That's totally cool.:cool: At least it shows she is trying to learn and is taking an interest in The Spoils. The next lesson is going to have to wait until Sat night however. There is a friend of ours at work who is moving to Florida and there is a going away party Friday night that we are planning on attending. Should be a great time...............

[turning_of_the_tide]

Good news with my new prodigy in training. When I called her up tonight to say what's up, she was actually reading the rule book I gave her today. That's totally cool.:cool: At least it shows she is trying to learn and is taking an interest in The Spoils. The next lesson is going to have to wait until Sat night however. There is a friend of ours at work who is moving to Florida and there is a going away party Friday night that we are planning on attending. Should be a great time...............

Cool yea my girlfriend says she will give it another try as well. I just hope it works out better this time than before...I really need to work on my teaching abilities.

-Ryan:spade:

[painted_klown]

Ryan, you are the man!:D I am seriously very happy to hear that. I know that was a rough spot you were in. I hope all works out great for you and your GF.:)

[turning_of_the_tide]

Ryan, you are the man!:D I am seriously very happy to hear that. I know that was a rough spot you were in. I hope all works out great for you and your GF.:)

Yea I hope so ;) I wonder what she thinks of all this.

-Ryan:spade:

[doc8466]

You know turn, that's a good point too.... ASK HER! Ask her what she thinks of it.

One of the first things I had to learn when teaching The Spoils specifically, was to hold back my overabundance of enthusiasm for the game. KISS isn't just the greatest rock band ever, it's also a valid theory when it comes to any "problem solving" situation.

[turning_of_the_tide]

You know turn, that's a good point too.... ASK HER! Ask her what she thinks of it.

One of the first things I had to learn when teaching The Spoils specifically, was to hold back my overabundance of enthusiasm for the game. KISS isn't just the greatest rock band ever, it's also a valid theory when it comes to any "problem solving" situation.

Keep it Super Simple? you gotta quit with all this Bantha Kissing.....Your confusing the majig outta me. But yea I think your right I will ask her. Wait what am I asking her?

[Arzakon]

Ryan if you have any luck teaching yours give me a heads up with some tips. I sat down with mine with no strategy about how to teach her and I failed badly. Ill be trying again after my overnighters at work using docs words of wisdom. Maybe one day she will be able to carry her own weight at a tournament one day :)

[turning_of_the_tide]

Ryan if you have any luck teaching yours give me a heads up with some tips. I sat down with mine with no strategy about how to teach her and I failed badly. Ill be trying again after my overnighters at work using docs words of wisdom. Maybe one day she will be able to carry her own weight at a tournament one day :)

That would be cool if they could. But i don't reallly care if she plays that much I just want her to understand the game and maybe play in a few local events. If she wants to travel all the better.

-Ryan:spade:

[Arzakon]

That would be cool if they could. But i don't reallly care if she plays that much I just want her to understand the game and maybe play in a few local events. If she wants to travel all the better.

-Ryan:spade:

Well you know why I need mine to be in the know...

Hit me up with a PM reply, obviously I figured out how to use the forums at work. Productivity just went from 0 to a number so negative Im not sure it exists anymore.

[doc8466]

How fun would it be for some kind of event with boys vs their better halves?!?
My wife'll be at Indy and would probably get a kick out of it. I get we could even get some of The Spoilers in on it too. Mikita would be up for it I bet.

[Arzakon]

How fun would it be for some kind of event with boys vs their better halves?!?
My wife'll be at Indy and would probably get a kick out of it. I get we could even get some of The Spoilers in on it too. Mikita would be up for it I bet.

Why do you hate my relationship? There is no way Im getting in the competitive arena with my girlfriend. Its like the Aliens vs Predator Tagline... "Whoever wins, I lose"

[doc8466]

ROFLOLPMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!onethousandonehundredelev en

I've got tears.....

LOL!!!!!!!!!

Ok then, maybe not...:o

[turning_of_the_tide]

Why do you hate my relationship? There is no way Im getting in the competitive arena with my girlfriend. Its like the Aliens vs Predator Tagline... "Whoever wins, I lose"

This is very true...I think your just scared of getting your majigged kicked in. Yea I dont think my girlfriend would play that competitvly. At least not this year. And Arzakon are you talking about "the trip"? Is that why you need your girl on board?

-Ryan:spade:

[turning_of_the_tide]

ROFLOLPMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!onethousandonehundredelev en

I've got tears.....

LOL!!!!!!!!!

Ok then, maybe not...:o

Man doc whats up with all the humor lately? I mean as many times as you have ben rolling on that floor over there you mise well just put your bed behind the computer...you would probably get some sleep that way ;)

-Ryan:spade:

[doc8466]

Good point. Out with the quality eating surface, in with the pillow top!
I wonder if the light from the monitor will bother the missus?

[turning_of_the_tide]

Good point. Out with the quality eating surface, in with the pillow top!
I wonder if the light from the monitor will bother the missus?

Nah I don't think she would mind. Heck u could even put your frige next to your monitor so you dont have to move (mine is and its great)....but then again in this tiny dorm I'm only arms length from anythin :)

-Ryan:spade:

[johnny]

I think a great way to teach someone totally new would be to set up a couple decks with very basic characters. Nothing too fancy, and just go over game play mechanics. attack/defend/items. \

On the second game introduce some basic tactics and play those for a while until the new player gets more comfortable. The first strategy any player should learn is the basic game play mechanics. After the mechanics are good, they will have room to start thinking about strategy.

This theory pretty much applies to many things in life (walk before you run so-to speak)

I have still only played a handful of games only with the starter decks. I'm focusing on learning the basics.

Good luck!

PS: MAybe you can post the decks you make that are successful in helping somone learn the game!

[doc8466]

That's a great idea johnny. If no one beats me to it, I'll write up my idea of a deck list built to grow as you teach a non-T/CCG player.

[painted_klown]

I was thinking of building a small Warlord deck using only characters without any abilities. Then adding in characters with abilities. Then items. Then locations, and finally tactics. After that you have a full deck and are ready to start working on your own decks and strategies. I hope it works. I will be putting the first one together on Sat and try using it to teach with. If it works, I will post it.:spade:

[DegenerateRetailer]

i haven't read through this entire thread, but i thought i'd throw my two cents in. while teaching new players, regardless of if they have played any ccgs before or not, i always start out showing them the different types of cards and explain what each part of the card means starting with the top left and heading right and down. even non-gamers can understand the idea of having to pay costs to use cards, etc. this also gives you the chance to show the different types of cards (characters, gear/items, etc). it is a lot for anyone to absorb all at once, so i always make a comment to that affect. let them know that they don't have to learn everything at that instant and that some things might make more sense when they see it in play. with that in mind i always have one of each type of card on hand, that are not in the demo decks, to use as examples.
from there i go to the tournament faction. always stress the way you win the game is by reducing your opponents influence to 0. when doing demos, especially at cons, at the very least you want them to know that fact above and beyond anything else. those of you that have done demos at cons know first hand that sometimes something that sounds that easy to teach gets somehow missed.
then finally i will run through a demo game with the player. i have taught many different games to many different people in many different locations and i have found that regardless of how experienced the players are that are demoing the game, always use this game's terms, never ones from other games. helps keep confusion down from anyone that's watching over shoulders or the like as well as helps the player's learn the proper terms.
perhaps i am rambling a bit here, but if anyone wants to have a further breakdown of how i demo and my thoughts on it, please PM me or email me at DegenerateRetailer@yahoo.com and i'd be happy to talk more about it!

[painted_klown]

One of the problems I ran into was using terms from other games. Such as the terms for depleting, and items. That probably didn't help any. One time I couldn't help but laugh as the "classic" noob mistake happened when I acidentally said "tap" this character and pay one to do one damage. She reached out and literally tapped on the card. I had to laugh and then apologize for tossing in the wrong terms for The Spoils. My bad.:rolleyes:

[LucienofShadow]

Well, now there's The Spoils introduction on the front page! Go check it out.

[navymontel]

I have found that when teaching the game, its easier to explain the game by comparing it to another game they may have played.

Definitely teach the rules and basics first...ALWAYS FIRST!!!!

Play a couple of games with a friend, letting them observe

Strategy will come to them or they will see it as they get more acquainted with the cards and trades.

I am excited about Part Two......GO BANKERS

Much Navy love all
:chomp: