How To Play: Times

Last weekend, my friends and I played Times—yes, the one with cards, time tokens, and more plotting than my last attempt at baking. If you love outwitting your friends and winning by the skin of your teeth, you’ll want this guide. I’ll cover an outline of the game rules and, most importantly, the best strategies to dominate your next game night.

Overview

What’s in the box

• 1 game board
• 5 player tokens
• 30 time tokens
• 40 objective cards
• 1 sand timer
• 50 event cards
• 5 player reference cards
• 1 rulebook

How To Play Times: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Shuffle the Objective cards and deal two to each player. Keep them secret.
2. Place all Time tokens in the center of the table. Try not to drop them. They bounce.
3. Give each player a Player Board and marker pawn.
4. Pick a First Player. We always let the person who ate the most snacks start.

Gameplay

1. On your turn, pick one Time token. Place it on your Player Board—don’t try to juggle them.
2. Advance your marker pawn the number of spaces shown on the token.
3. If you complete part of an Objective, mark it down fast, before your rival spots it.
4. Replace the taken Time token with a new one from the supply.
5. Play passes left. Repeat until all Time tokens are used up or someone starts singing show tunes (not in the rules, but it happens).

Winning

1. Once all Time tokens are gone, everyone reveals Objective cards.
2. Score points for each completed Objective.
3. The player with the most points wins. If tied, share a high-five or start a sudden death round.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you land on a Bonus space, immediately take another turn. Yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.
2. If you complete both Objectives in one turn, do a little happy dance (optional, but encouraged).
3. No sneaky swapping Objective cards with the cat. Trust me, we check for it now.

And that’s it! Now you know the rules for Times. Play smart, watch out for rivals, and don’t let the snacks distract you from those How To Play times.

Best Times Strategies

Master Those Objectives: Your Ticket to Victory

Know What You Need

Objective cards are the heart of Times. First, read them closely. They tell you what to chase. Next, keep them in mind as you make moves. Otherwise, you’ll wander off like a lost sheep at a board game night.

1. Read objectives out loud. It helps everyone stay sharp—plus, it annoys your friends.
2. Count the points. Go for big rewards, but watch out for sneaky low-point wins.

Plan Early, Win Late

Start working on objectives before your friends catch on. Don’t wait until the last moment—no one likes desperate endgame sprints.

1. Match your actions to objectives each round.
2. Switch plans if someone blocks your path. Flexibility pays off!

Secret Objectives: Friend or Foe?

Those hidden goals can win games. Try to guess your friends’ cards by their moves. Then, block them with style. It’s like board game detective work!

Mastering Time Token Tactics for Victory

Choose Wisely, Play Boldly

Always pick your time tokens with care. Every choice matters! If you spot a good one, grab it before your best friend Dave snatches it for his wild plan.

1. Avoid hoarding. If you stack up, you may run out of moves fast.
2. Balance short and long time tokens, as you never know what curveball the game throws next.

Adapt to the Board State

When the situation changes, adjust your time token plan. If someone else speeds ahead, slow down and think harder. Don’t just copy!

1. Monitor opponents’ token use—it can show future intentions.
2. Change strategy if you’re losing the lead.

Save the Best for Big Moves

Plan to use your strongest time tokens when they count most. Timing your biggest actions right can make the difference between glorious victory and epic defeat.

Outsmarting Your Rivals: Master the Art of Reading Opponent Strategies

Watch Their Patterns

Start by keeping an eye on your friends’ usual moves. If they always grab the same actions, pay attention! Here are some ways to spot patterns:

1. Notice repeated choices. Are they always picking the fastest move?
2. Track their favorite tokens. Do they hoard or spend fast?

Map Their Objectives

Next, think about what goals they might chase. If someone avoids risky spots, they may play it safe. Try these tricks:

1. Guess what objectives they’re hiding by their moves.
2. Block obvious paths if you can guess their next step.

React and Distract

Finally, keep them guessing. After you pick up on their plans, quickly switch your own strategy. Use distractions:

1. Make unexpected moves to keep them off balance.
2. Fake interest in one goal, then grab another.

In our last game, I tricked everyone by acting clueless while watching every move. They didn’t know what hit them!

Mastering Times: Outplay, Outsmart, Outlast!

Well, that’s it, folks! The sands in my hourglass are gone and I can’t remember where I put the spares. After playing Times with my friends (who are now grumpy because I beat them), I can say these tricks really do work. Keep your eye on those objective cards, keep a tight grip on your time tokens, and watch your friends like a hawk watches a mouse at a cheese parade.

So gather your crew, put the rules on the table, and show everyone you know How To Play times better than anyone else. And if you still lose, just blame the tokens—they’re obviously out to get you. Happy gaming!

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