How To Play: Times

Overview

So, you want to win at Times and actually brag about it at your next game night? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll break down the basic game rules, because nobody likes that one friend who ‘forgets’ how scoring works. On top of that, I’ll show you the best strategies to up your How To Play times and maybe even beat my cousin Dave. Good luck!

What’s in the box

• 1 Game Board
• 100 Resource Cards
• 4 Player Pawns
• 40 Worker Tokens
• 20 Event Tiles
• 1 First Player Marker
• 4 Player Boards
• 60 Coins
• 1 Rulebook

How To Play Times: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the Times board in the middle of the table. Make sure it’s not upside down, unless you enjoy chaos.
2. Shuffle the Event and Action card decks separately. Put them near the board.
3. Give each player a set of tokens in their favorite color—but not the chewed-up ones, please.
4. Everyone grabs 5 resource cubes and a player board. Set all timers to the starting spots.
5. Decide the first player. We usually argue over who can make the best pun with the word “time.”

Gameplay

1. On your turn, draw an Event card. Read it out loud like a game show host. It adds a twist every round.
2. Next, pick an Action card. This card tells you what special move you can make this turn.
3. After that, spend resource cubes to activate spaces, manipulate timers, or just confuse your friends.
4. Then, move your marker along the timeline and trigger any effects you land on. Trust me, some are wild.
5. Finally, pass the turn to the next player and try not to stare menacingly.

Winning

1. The game ends when the last Event card is drawn or everyone is out of resource cubes.
2. Count up victory points from completed objectives, leftover cubes, and your position on the timeline.
3. The player with the most points wins. If there’s a tie, the winner is whoever did the best impersonation of an ancient time traveler (we made that up, but it brings closure).

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If two players land on the same timeline space, they duel with a timer challenge. Don’t panic—just flip the sand timer and finish your move before it runs out.
2. Some Event cards cause time warps. These can reverse turns or swap resources. Remember, nothing in Times stays the same for long.
3. Always check special conditions on your player board, because everyone has a unique ability. Use it wisely, or forget about it completely and blame your loss on it later.

Now, you’re ready to play! Remember, the key to mastering Times is reading the How To Play Times guide once, then ignoring everything and asking questions all game long—just like my buddy Dave.

Best Times Strategies

Mastering the Optimal Player Turn Order in Times

Why Turn Order Matters

First player advantage is real in Times and it can set the tone for the whole match. But, going later has perks too. Let me explain the ups and downs after a few heated games with my ultra-competitive friends.

Early Bird Perks

1. Secure rare resources quickly before anyone else snags them.
2. Block key spots, making rivals work harder.
3. Set the pace and force others to react to your bold moves.

Going Last? Play Smart!

1. Watch rivals, spot patterns, and strike when they least expect it.
2. Snag left-over bonuses no one else saw coming.
3. Turn chaos into your advantage and keep your options open.

How To Play times: Choosing Your Place

Always weigh the board and your strategy before picking a turn order. Sometimes being last might suit your sneaky plan best!

Master Your Resources and Rule Times

Track Everything You Spend

1. Keep a close eye on every token, coin, or meeple you use.
2. Make notes so you don’t run out at key moments.

Always Plan Two Turns Ahead

1. Think about both your current move and the next one.
2. If you see a shortage coming, save up or swap sooner.

Trade Wisely With Friends

1. Don’t give away valuable resources unless you get something great in return.
2. Try to read your friends. If they look desperate, maybe hold back!

After many How To Play times with my group, I noticed the smart resource managers always pulled ahead. So, keep these tips in mind at your next session!

Mastering the Art of Timed Special Actions

When to Strike for Maximum Effect

First, know that special actions in Times can make or break your game. Use them too early, and you waste their power. Wait too long, and someone else will steal your thunder! Here’s what my group learned after several How To Play times:

1. Observe your rivals’ patterns for the perfect opening.
2. Time your moves just before major scoring rounds.
3. Always save a special action for emergencies.

Disrupting Other Players

Next, you should think about sabotage. In one game, I forced Dave to drop his big score by timing my special move right after he set up. It was glorious. Consider:

1. Waiting until someone is about to complete a high-value set.
2. Using actions that block or remove resources at a key moment.

Maximizing Personal Gains

Finally, don’t forget to help yourself too. For example, timing a resource boost just before you buy can be the difference between winning and losing.

1. Pair special actions with your main strategy phase.
2. Chain actions for combo points.

Ready to Win at Times? Go Forth and Conquer!

So there you have it: a strategy guide packed with enough tips to make you the board game version of Einstein (minus the wild hair). Trust me, after playing Times with my friends and watching them try to outsmart each other (and sometimes themselves), I know these tricks work. Just remember, no one can predict everything—especially when your buddy Dave knocks over the How To Play times instruction booklet for the hundredth time. Stay flexible, think ahead, and never forget to enjoy the ride. May your victory dances be awkward and your strategies sharp!

Want to know what we think of Times? Read our detailed review of Times here