How To Play

Find setup instructions, rules summaries, and strategy tips for the board games you own. Search by game name to find a guide and get your next game started.
Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North - Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North, Portal Games, 2019 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

How To Play: Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North – Setup, rule summary and strategy

Delving into 'How To Play Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North' has been a journey of strategy exploration. We've unpacked resource management, honed our deck-building adaptations, maximized action efficiencies, and seamlessly interwoven them into our gameplay to better navigate the path to victory.

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Chess: Box Cover Front

How To Play: Chess

Chess is a two-player strategy game where armies clash on a checkered board. Players move sixteen pieces each, using clever plans, sharp tactics, and patient thinking to attack the enemy king. Capture pieces, control key squares, protect your own king, and deliver checkmate to win. After several games with friends, I still blunder queens.

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Thunderstone Quest cover

How To Play: Thunderstone Quest – Setup, rule summary and strategy

In this primer for 'How To Play Thunderstone Quest,' we've delved into mastering card synergy and slimming your deck for efficiency, strategizing to defeat monsters effectively, and the crucial tactics for card and equipment upgrades. We wrapped up with the essentials of game setup, gameplay dynamics, and victory conditions.

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Advanced Squad Leader: Box Cover Front

How To Play: Advanced Squad Leader – Setup, rule summary and strategy

From mastering the expansive rulebook of Advanced Squad Leader to the art of tactical planning and reading your opponent, success in this complex board game requires a keen understanding and strategic foresight. Our guide dives into these crucial aspects, enriched with personal anecdotes and strategies from countless game nights.

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Biblios: Box Cover Front

How To Play: Biblios – Setup, rule summary and strategy

Grab your monk's robes and get ready to dive into the medieval world of Biblios. This guide gives you a fold-out map of the playing field, covering essential strategies for the Auction Phase, intelligent Card Distribution, and efficient Resource Management. Master the nuances of each facet to ensure your victory is written in the illuminated manuscripts of Biblios history!

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Claustrophobia: Box Cover Front

How To Play: Claustrophobia – Setup, rule summary and strategy

This Claustrophobia guide covers everything from understanding hero abilities and effective resource management to mastering exploration strategies. It includes tips on map familiarity, securing crucial resources, and planning strategic escapes. By prioritizing resources and using actions wisely, you'll be well-prepared for game night success with friends.

Read MoreHow To Play: Claustrophobia – Setup, rule summary and strategy