How To Play: Times

If you want to crush your friends at Times, you need sharp card management, clever use of abilities, and a knack for reading their moves. With the rules, strategies, and a list of bits in the box (thanks to my group’s chaos), you’re set. Happy How To Play times!

Times: Box Cover Front

Overview

If you’re tired of losing at Times and want to taste sweet victory (or at least not come last again), you’re in the right place. My friends roasted me for weeks after my last loss, so I took notes. This guide covers an outline of the game rules and all the sneaky tips you’ll need. Get ready to master How To Play times and maybe even impress your friends!

What’s in the box

  • 1 Game board
  • 110 Time cards
  • 6 Player tokens
  • 36 Hourglass markers
  • 1 Rulebook
  • 12 Timeline tiles
  • 6 Reference cards
  • 1 First player marker

How To Play Times: Rules Summary

Setup

  1. First, shuffle all the Time cards. Try not to drop them like I did the first time!
  2. Deal five cards to each player.
  3. Place the scoring track in the center of the table. Put a scoring token for each player on the starting spot.
  4. Set aside the Special Ability tokens. You’ll need them later (no, don’t eat them).

Gameplay

  1. On your turn, draw a card from the deck. If you forget this step, prepare for mockery from your friends.
  2. Play one card face up in front of you. Announce it in your most dramatic voice, please.
  3. If the card has an action, resolve it now. Some cards let you mess with rivals—use with glee.
  4. End your turn by discarding excess cards if you have more than five.

Winning

  1. Keep an eye on that scoring track. First player to reach 15 points wins.
  2. If two players hit 15 in the same round, whoever has the most cards left in hand takes the cake. No real cake provided, sadly.

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. If you draw a “Freeze Time” card, all players skip their next turn. Yes, everyone. Enjoy the silence.
  2. If a player runs out of cards, they draw two new cards as a penalty. Don’t ask why, just blame the game designer.
  3. Special Ability tokens can only be used once per game. Don’t blow them on turn one unless you want to regret things instantly.

So there you go, now you know How To Play times. May your points pile up and your friends grumble in defeat!

Best Times Strategies

Mastering Card Management in Times: Tips from a Guy Who Lost Twice Before Winning

Plan Ahead, Win Ahead

When I first played Times, I kept grabbing cards like snacks at a party. Don’t do that. Instead, always think two moves ahead. This keeps you from getting stuck with useless cards. Next, smart card cycling can change your fate.

Top Card Management Tricks

  1. Always check your opponent’s discard pile before picking a card.
  2. Keep a balance between action and scoring cards in your hand.
  3. Don’t be afraid to burn a weak card to draw something better; sometimes risks pay off.

How To Play times Like a Pro

Card management is key for How To Play times. My friend Jeff ignored this, and he finished last. Don’t be Jeff. Watch your hand, track what’s left, and you’ll do way better.

The Secret Sauce: Timing Special Abilities For That Sweet Win

Know When to Hold ‘Em

  1. Wait for the perfect moment. Even if your ability is burning a hole in your hand, resist! Patience pays off more than my grandma’s slot machine.

  2. Watch your friends’ moves. If they look too smug, that’s your green light to shake things up with a surprise ability play.

Chain Combos Like a Boss

  1. Use abilities back-to-back for max impact. Hit ‘em when they least expect it—makes people gasp, and How To Play times guides always approve.

Timing Beats Power

  1. Strong powers are cool, but using them at the wrong time is like spilling nachos on your gameboard: it ruins everything.

  2. Always remember—using a weak ability at the right time will crush even the fanciest moves your pals try. Aim for that perfect moment.

Cracking Your Friends: Reading Opponents’ Strategies in Times

Watch Their Moves Like a Hawk

  1. Notice the cards they grab. If Bob keeps snatching action cards, he’s up to something sneaky.

  2. Check who hesitates. Pausing often means tough choices or a huge combo coming (either way, sweat).

Track Patterns

  1. Always remember: people stick to habits. If Sally attacks early, she’ll do it again. Prepare for chaos!

Use Table Talk

  1. Some friends try to bluff. Others just can’t help bragging about their hand. Listen for useful clues about their How To Play times strategy!

Master Time and Take the Crown!

Well, there you go! I’ve tossed all my hard-earned wisdom into this Times strategy guide—much like I tossed my dignity when I forgot to draw cards for two rounds during our last game night. Remember, the key is to keep your cool, watch your friends like a hawk, and always check your hand! If you follow the tips (and laugh at your own blunders), you’ll speed up your How To Play times and maybe, just maybe, claim victory without flipping the table. Good luck—just don’t beat me!

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

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.