How To Play: Devil’s Den

Okay, so you want to win at Devil’s Den? You came to the right place! After playing way too many rounds with my friends (and losing more than I care to admit), I put together this short guide. You’ll find an outline of the game rules, plus my top tips for winning. Whether you’re a rookie or just tired of losing to your cousin, read on!

Overview

What’s in the box

• 1 Game board
• 160 Infantry unit pieces
• 20 Artillery unit pieces
• 9 Cavalry unit pieces
• 110 Order markers
• 2 Player screens
• 2 Reference sheets
• 1 Rulebook
• 12 Dice
• 30 Supply tokens
• 4 Turn trackers

How To Play Devil’s Den: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the board in the center of the table. Make sure no one uses it as a snack tray (I learned this the hard way—Dorito stains are forever).
2. Each player picks a side and grabs their colored units and supply tokens.
3. Shuffle and deal 3 strategy cards to each player. Keep them secret—unless you want to lose on purpose.
4. Put reinforcement tokens in a pile next to the board. They’re like extra lives, but harder to earn.
5. Decide who goes first. The official rule says oldest player, but dice-rolling works if you want fewer arguments.

Gameplay

1. Players take turns in clockwise order. On your turn, move units, gather supplies, and play strategy cards if you’re feeling spicy.
2. Each unit can move up to 2 spaces, but watch out for rivers—they take an extra move (and can ruin your perfect plan every time).
3. If you enter a space with another player, start a battle! Each side rolls dice, adds bonuses, and winner stays in the space.
4. Use supply tokens to reinforce units or trade for new strategy cards. Managing supplies well keeps you from crying mid-game.
5. Draw new supply tokens and a strategy card at the end of your turn if you have less than 2 of either.

Winning

1. To win, capture both enemy command posts. Trust me, this sounds easier than it is.
2. If neither player does this after 10 rounds, whoever controls the most territories wins.
3. If there’s a tie, have a dramatic dice-off. Winner takes all (and bragging rights until next game night).

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Reinforcement tokens can only be used on your home base, not just anywhere you feel like (I learned this when someone yelled at me).
2. Weather cards can be played to block rivers or force everyone to skip a turn. Blame the weather, not your bad luck.
3. You can form a one-time-only truce with another player by trading a strategy card, but be warned: betrayal is almost guaranteed.

Now that you know the rules, you’re well on your way to explain How To Play devil’s den to your friends. Remember: strategy is key, luck happens, and snacks need to stay off the board!

Best Devil’s Den Strategies

The Art of Outsmarting with Unit Placement and Movement in Devil’s Den

Start Strong with Smart Placement

Right from the start, you want to place your units wisely. I once stuck my infantry behind my general, and lost both in two turns! Avoid my pain by thinking ahead:

1. Keep high-value units away from enemy artillery.
2. Spread out, so one blast doesn’t ruin your plans.
3. Cover the supply lines, or you’ll starve.

Move Like You Mean It

After placing your units, movement is key. My friend Steve once charged straight ahead and got pincered hard. Learn from Steve’s mistakes:

1. Advance in groups for backup.
2. Always watch for flanking moves.
3. Retreat if the enemy massed on your weak side.

Keep Changing Your Approach

Your opponent will catch on fast if you’re predictable. Mix up your movement!

1. Fake a retreat to pull opponents in.
2. Sneak around flanks when they least expect it.

Use these tricks and your path to victory in Devil’s Den will be much smoother. Remember, knowing How To Play devil’s den means mastering every inch of that board!

Mastering Resources: The Secret Sauce to Winning Devil’s Den

Count Every Cracker

Nothing ends a game night faster than running out of supplies. Always check what you have before making bold moves. Use these tricks:

1. Plan ahead—spend resources slowly.
2. Keep a backup supply for surprise attacks.
3. Watch your opponent’s stockpiles closely.

Trade Like a Greedy Goblin

Trading is key! With the right deal, you can get ahead without breaking a sweat. My buddy once traded me into a corner. Don’t be that victim:

1. Negotiate only when you’re sure you benefit.
2. Offer deals that help you and distract your rivals.

Keep Logistics Simple

If your supply lines look like spaghetti, you’re in trouble. Make life easy:

1. Always create short, safe supply routes.
2. Protect key resources with your strongest units.

Follow these rules and you’ll see your chances shoot up! How To Play devil’s den always starts with smart supply moves.

Spotting Sneaky Tactics: Outsmarting Rivals in Devil’s Den

Watch Their Moves Like a Hawk

First, pay close attention every turn. Players love to tip their hand. Then, try these tricks:

1. Mark which units they keep moving forward.
2. Notice when they stockpile resources or supplies.
3. Track sneaky movements around your flanks.

Ask Questions—Even Dumb Ones

Suddenly, your buddy starts sweating when you ask about the supply tokens. That’s your cue! Next, act clueless to lure them into revealing more.

Predict Like a Fortune Teller

Finally, guess their goals and block them before they get there. Imagine you’re Sherlock Holmes—but with more snacks and laughter.

How To Play devil’s den and see through your friends’ tricks? Keep your eyes peeled, and never let them smell your fear!

Go Forth and Conquer (Without Flipping the Table)

Well, now you know How To Play devil’s den and, more importantly, how to keep your army—and your friendships—intact. My friends still bring up that time I tried to trade sandwiches for supply tokens, but hey, I survived (barely). Remember, sharp moves and sharper snacks will get you far. So grab your units, keep your supply lines open, and watch your buddies like a hawk. Good luck, general!

Want to know what we think of Devil’s Den? Read our detailed review of Devil’s Den here