6 Ways to Improve Your Board Gaming Skills (No Matter Your Game)
Board games are awesome. They're a fun way to hang out with friends, challenge your brain, and enjoy some friendly competition. Whether you're into quick games like Codenames or something more complicated like Magic: The Gathering, there's always room to get better. The good news is that no matter what board games you play, there are ways to level up your skills. Here are six practical tips to help you get better at board games, no matter which ones you enjoy.
1. Train Your Skills
Just like with anything else, practice makes perfect. But playing over and over isn't always enough—there's a better way to improve. Try to focus on specific skills you want to get better at. For example, if you're playing Catan, the trading part can be tricky. Knowing when to make a trade and when to hold onto your resources can be the difference between winning and losing. By practicing these decisions over time, you'll start to understand what works best for your strategy.
Even with solo games, you can practice. Solo games are great because they let you play on your own without needing a big group. The best part is that you can experiment with new strategies without the pressure of a competitive game. If you're not familiar with solo board games, they're a great way to try out new tactics in a relaxed setting. After all, it's all about refining your skills, no matter who you're playing with
2. Join a Community
Playing with others is one of the fastest ways to improve your skills. And joining a community of players will expose you to new strategies and help you grow faster. You can learn a lot by playing with people who have more experience than you. Plus, they're usually happy to share tips and advice.
One of the best places to find new strategies is online communities. Websites like BoardGameGeek are full of players who discuss different games, share tactics, and offer advice. You'll also find playthrough videos and written strategies that you can follow to improve your game. It's a great resource for when you're trying to learn how to handle specific situations in a game.
If you're more into in-person experiences, local game stores are a great place to meet other board gamers. Many game stores host regular events, game nights, or tournaments where you can meet people who are passionate about gaming. It is a great way to make new friends, and you can also play games with more experienced people who can teach you new things.
3. Keep Learning and Improving
Board games aren't something you can just pick up and master overnight. There's always something new to learn. The best way to improve is to keep your mind open to new ideas and strategies. Don't just play the same way over and over—learn as you go.
There are tons of resources available to help you improve. Whether it's reading blogs, watching YouTube videos, or joining forums, there are lots of ways to learn. For example, Twilight Struggle and Magic: The Gathering are both games that require a lot of strategy. There's a lot of depth in these games, and you can always discover new tactics or improve your approach the more you play. Some games even have dedicated communities where players share strategies specific to the game, so it's worth looking into that.
You can also learn a lot from simply going back and rereading the rulebook. Sometimes, you might overlook a small rule that completely changes your gameplay. Reading the rulebook again (or even watching a rules overview video) can help you grasp the game better and catch the strategies you may have missed at first.
Most importantly, never stop learning. The best players are always seeking to improve, and you should be, too.
4. Play with Experienced Players
One of the quickest ways to improve your board gaming skills is to play with people who know what they're doing. Experienced players have been through a lot of games and have picked up a lot of valuable tips along the way. By watching them play, you can pick up useful tricks and strategies that you might not have thought of yourself.
When playing with experienced players, pay attention to how they make decisions, especially when it comes to tough calls or complex moves. For example, experienced players can often spot patterns in Codenames or Carcassonne that you might miss, and they can give you a better understanding of how to strategize and make smart moves.
If you don't have experienced players in your immediate circle, don't worry. You can find them at your local game store or online. Even if you're new to the game, joining in on gameplay is a great way to learn.
5. Visit Your Local Game Store
As we mentioned, local game stores are the hub for board game lovers. Not only can you find new games, but you can also meet other players there. Most game stores host events, like game nights or tournaments, where you can test out new strategies and meet people who share your love for board games.
Store staff are usually very knowledgeable about the games they sell and can recommend new games that fit your style. They may even offer strategy guides or other resources to help you improve. Plus, there's something really fun about being surrounded by other people who are just as excited about gaming as you are.
Some stores even allow you to play the games they sell, which can help you figure out if a game is a good fit for you before you buy it.
6. Optimize Your Setup
A neat setup can really improve your game. If things are messy, it can slow the game down, confuse players, and make it less fun. It’s hard to focus on strategy when you’re always looking for pieces or cards. Take a few extra minutes to organize everything, especially for games with lots of parts. For games like Scythe or Gloomhaven, it's easy to lose track of the small pieces, but using trays or small bags to keep them separate can save time and prevent frustration.
Make sure everyone has enough space to play comfortably. A cramped table where people are reaching across the board to grab pieces can get in the way of making smart moves. You want the setup to feel smooth, not stressful.
Level Up Your Game
Improving your board gaming skills isn't something that happens overnight, but it's not as hard as it might seem. With the right mindset, practice, and a bit of guidance, you can become a better player and stay motivated to improve. Don't forget to visit your local game store for new games and tips, and remember: the more you play, the better you'll get.
If you're looking for a local game store in Vernon, check us out at Obsidian Games!
