How To Play: Times

Overview

If you’ve ever wanted to win at Times and brag about it until your friends make you sleep on the couch, you’re in the right place. This guide gives you a quick outline of the game rules, plus my best tried-and-tested strategies for getting that sweet victory. My friends and I have played more rounds of Times than we care to admit, so trust me, these tips are battle-tested!

What’s in the box

• 1 Game board
• 96 Number cards
• 12 Action cards
• 4 Player tokens
• 1 Scoring pad
• 4 Pencils
• 1 Rulebook

How To Play Times: Rules Summary

Setup: Get Ready to Time-Travel!

1. Shuffle the Times deck—give it a good shake, not a light tickle!
2. Deal five cards to each player.
3. Place the scoring tokens and special action markers within reach. (If you can’t reach, get a longer arm or ask a friend!)
4. Decide who goes first. Loudest time traveler wins, according to my group.

Gameplay: Let the Times Begin!

1. On your turn, draw a card from the deck.
2. Play a card from your hand and follow its effect. Read it out loud—bonus points for dramatic voice acting.
3. Check if you can combo cards for extra effects. If yes, show off.
4. End your turn by passing play clockwise. Unless you’re in Australia, then play counter-clockwise for fun. (Kidding! Stick to clockwise.)

Winning: Claim Victory Over Time!

1. Score points by collecting valuable time tokens and card combos.
2. First player to hit the target score (usually 20 points, but check the box) wins.
3. If two players tie, play a tiebreaker round. Or settle it with a staring contest—it’s up to you.

Special Rules & Conditions: Keep an Eye Out!

1. If you draw the “Time Warp” card, follow its wild effect immediately. (Trust me, chaos will happen.)
2. Special action markers let you break the normal rules once per game. Save them for a big moment!
3. If the draw deck runs out, reshuffle the discard pile. Keep the fun going.
4. Arguing over rules is mandatory. Winner gets bragging rights.

This should set you up for your first go at Times. I tried these rules with my friends, and even my friend Carl (who thinks rules are a suggestion), got it right after the second round. Use this guide and soon you’ll be teaching others how to master How To Play Times!

Best Times Strategies

Master the Art of Scoring for Victory

When I first played Times with my usual group of board game sharks, I lost because I ignored the scoring rules. That was a rookie move. To win, you need to squeeze every point from the system. Let me help you avoid my mistakes!

Pay Attention to Endgame Bonuses

1. Calculate endgame points every turn to plan ahead.
2. Balance short-term points with long-term awards.
3. Block opponents from easy bonus points when possible.

Keep an Eye on Hidden Scores

1. Track what cards other players have scored.
2. Guess their final score potential, but don’t let it distract you.

Optimize Every Move for Points

1. Pick actions that earn points now and set up more later.
2. Avoid wasted moves that don’t push you closer to the win.

Once you nail the scoring mechanics, winning Times will come easier! Plus, you’ll feel like a genius at the next game night. For more details, check out the official How To Play times guide, but trust me, these tips are pure gold from someone who’s been there, done that, and actually won for once.

Unlocking Victory: Mastering Optimal Card Combos in Times

1. Spotting Synergies Early

1. Look for cards that boost each other’s power right from the start.
2. Pair action cards with those that let you draw more, creating wild turns.

2. Adapting to Your Opponents

1. Change your combos if someone blocks your main plan.
2. Copy combos that seem to work for your rivals, but add your own twist.

3. Saving the Best for Last

1. Hold on to powerful cards, then play them together for a game-changing effect.
2. Use weaker combos to bait your friends, then surprise them with your strongest play.

When I played Times with my friends, my combos won me the bragging rights—well, until someone unleashed a combo I missed! Mastering How To Play times means learning from every round!

Win More Games With Clever Special Actions in Times

Know When To Strike

1. First, watch your rivals’ moves closely and spot when they hold back.
2. Then, play your special action when it will mess up their plans the most.

Save For The Right Moment

1. Hold onto your action until it creates a big swing—not just a small gain.
2. Always keep count of how many actions are left to see if you can outlast your friends.

React To The Table

1. If things change, don’t stick with your original plan. Adjust your timing and catch everyone off guard.
2. Always check if another player is one step from winning, and act fast before it’s too late!

Every time I save my special action until someone says, “You forgot your move!” I end up with the win and a table full of groans. Try it. Timing is everything. That’s how you master How To Play times in the wild world of Times.

Bring Your A-Game to Times!

So there you have it, folks—my tried and tested strategies for Times, straight from the kitchen table where my friends and I argued about the rules for at least ten minutes (we got it sorted, eventually). Whether you’re plotting sneaky card combos or timing your special actions like a pro, these tips will boost your odds of winning. Just remember, no strategy saves you from bad luck, or that one friend who forgets how to count. Good luck, and may your How To Play times be full of laughs and not too many rulebook arguments!

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