![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
barnabas_trumanHOW TO TEACH GAMES TO NOOBS WITHOUT INTIMIDATING THEM
by Barnabas Truman, Teacher and Gamer
Two separate methods are listed below. Keep in mind always that the purpose of the first game (or first few games) should be to teach the noobs the rules and perhaps a bit of basic strategy, and to get the noobs interested in learning and playing more. Intimidation and advanced cutthroat strategies are not conducive to these.
-----
Method the First:
Only noobs are allowed to play the game. Experienced player(s) do all the set-up, explain rules and procedures, and advise (but not command) the noobs on what might be useful moves to make, but do not themselves join in, acting instead as referees or coaches.
-----
Method the Second:
Both noobs and experienced player(s) play the game together, but no secrets are kept (e.g. hands of cards are held face-up on the table), and experienced player(s) openly discuss both their own strategy and suggested strategies for the noobs in addition to explaining the rules.
-----
These methods will allow the noobs to learn the rules of the game without feeling like they are doomed to failure from the start, thus easing them into developing an interest as they learn. Furthermore, open discussion allows insight into strategy instead of bewildered intimidation.
Bonus method:
If the game in question makes it possible, set up a scenario which involves cooperation or non-exclusive goals so the noobs can learn rules and gain experience without feeling the pressure of intense competition. In a miniature wargame, for example, the noobs could be running an obstacle course instead of fighting, or they could be working together to fight a monster (controlled by automatic rules, or by the experienced player at a handicap) instead of fighting each other. Once they are comfortable with the rules and procedures, they can move on to the "real" game.
by Barnabas Truman, Teacher and Gamer
Two separate methods are listed below. Keep in mind always that the purpose of the first game (or first few games) should be to teach the noobs the rules and perhaps a bit of basic strategy, and to get the noobs interested in learning and playing more. Intimidation and advanced cutthroat strategies are not conducive to these.
-----
Method the First:
Only noobs are allowed to play the game. Experienced player(s) do all the set-up, explain rules and procedures, and advise (but not command) the noobs on what might be useful moves to make, but do not themselves join in, acting instead as referees or coaches.
-----
Method the Second:
Both noobs and experienced player(s) play the game together, but no secrets are kept (e.g. hands of cards are held face-up on the table), and experienced player(s) openly discuss both their own strategy and suggested strategies for the noobs in addition to explaining the rules.
-----
These methods will allow the noobs to learn the rules of the game without feeling like they are doomed to failure from the start, thus easing them into developing an interest as they learn. Furthermore, open discussion allows insight into strategy instead of bewildered intimidation.
Bonus method:
If the game in question makes it possible, set up a scenario which involves cooperation or non-exclusive goals so the noobs can learn rules and gain experience without feeling the pressure of intense competition. In a miniature wargame, for example, the noobs could be running an obstacle course instead of fighting, or they could be working together to fight a monster (controlled by automatic rules, or by the experienced player at a handicap) instead of fighting each other. Once they are comfortable with the rules and procedures, they can move on to the "real" game.
