Carcassonne - How To Play

In this video we're going to learn how to play Carcassonne! If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to post them in the KZbin comments below, ensuring you abide by our Code of Conduct: watchitplayed.tv/code-of-conduct.
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00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - The Setup
01:17 - Starting Tile
01:26 - Player Colors
01:43 - Scoreboard
01:49 - Gameplay Overview
02:22 - Taking a Turn
02:31 - Tile Laying Rules
03:23 - Placing Meeples
04:37 - One Meeple Rule
05:15 - Villages
05:31 - Sneaking Onto Features
06:42 - City Scoring
07:27 - Passing 50 Points
07:39 - Retrieving Meeples
07:53 - Immediate Scoring
08:08 - Running Out of Meeples
08:40 - Road Scoring
09:07 - Sharing Features
09:47 - Monastery Scoring
10:06 - Claiming Farmland
11:09 - Ending the Game
11:21 - Scoring Incomplete Features
11:52 - Farmland Scoring
12:42 - Optional Rules / Expansions
12:59 - Conclusion
#watchitplayed #boardgames #tutorial

[@benleague3115]

I play this at lunch break whenever we have in-office days. My programming coworkers are mostly very shy like me. It can be hard to talk. But I started bringing this years ago. One friend plays with me everytime. Others come whenever they want. When we get a new coworker, I invite them. They feel more like they belong, and I really like that. --My one friend even made an app to randomize what expansions we play each time! Everyone knows they are invited. Thank you for teaching this game. One of my new coworkers watched to learn how to play beforehand! :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope it helped them get into it - this is one of my favorites, and it helped get me back into the hobby after a break away from it!

[@olavopaceli2144]

Such a wholesome comment, thanks for posting it.

[@kelamram]

What's the app?

[@PianoScenesMoviesandSeries]

This game represents the happiest moments of my life when I played this with my family.

[@anders7050]

I farted...

[@met6187]

Lovely Gifleo, my wife says you're clearly not competitive though x

[@peacenite]

Yeah spent moment with family is great

[@Anonymous8421]

What a wholesome comment

[@moizgaming4934]

@@anders7050 bruh

[@domlalonde5319]

Played this game over a 100 times. Couldn't resist watching the video anyways. Keep them coming Mr. Smith!

[@domlalonde5319]

P.S.: I really don't like the new art on the tiles!

[@nelsonleidens5808]

I did the same over here =)

[@WatchItPlayed]

You bet!

[@atteljas]

For ease of use go online

[@purplepuma123]

I think it’s a great service that you make these videos for classic games. There are ALWAYS new to table top gamers out there and watching the instructions rather than reading is a huge bonus. As always a huge thank you. Another very well done video.

[@WatchItPlayed]

It's always fun to cover the newest games, but some of the classics remain in our hobby for years and years, and it's my hope that the videos can be helpful for all the new people who find this hobby through these titles. Glad you're enjoying these as well!

[@DavidZanter]

i concur. When playing with beginner friends I've loaded up these watch it play tutorials on my phone to show them before we start our first game. 🖒

[@kellyalvarado6533]

Agree! Thank you. Just bought this game. It's entirely new to me so definitely appreciate finding a demo video for it!

[@Flababoo]

This is a classic, one of my favorites and my wife's favorite game. Thanks for revisiting this, you're still the best board game teacher imo.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly!

[@marlenat6089]

I still enjoy watching your videos on games I already know how to play. They often show me better examples I can give, or more efficient ways to teach the game to others. Thank you for all the work!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say!

[@rodrigodeus8730]

Thats so great to see a classic being revisited by my favorite boardgame reviewer!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I've been enjoying going back to some classics - glad you're enjoying it too!

[@rodrigodeus8730]

I am! Very much, thank you! :D

[@richt4009]

“One meeple to one feature.” That’s a good way of remembering the rules.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I like that!

[@ShotgunAces]

Loving these videos for the classics. Thanks Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

My pleasure! Really nice to know you're enjoying them!

[@DebbieBuckland]

Thank you.... I am 45 and only just started getting back into table top gaming again.... this was very helpful. I see heaps of boxes of expansion packs but not the actual game yet but hope to get it when I see it in town. Thank you.

[@WatchItPlayed]

From one "in -their-forties" gamer to another, you're very welcome Debbie! If you pick up the game, I hope you have a great time playing!

[@DenisRyan]

The Classics Series continues with one of my favourites! I know this game inside and out but still enjoyed watching this. Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for watching Denis :)

[@freemanedwards5663]

Great vid as always Very helpful !!!

[@darthmary4737]

Just introduced my 7 year old to this game and he loves it! Excellent video so I could brush up on the rules. Love the fact that there are so many cool expansions to keep the game fresh and different each time you play

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you're enjoying it!

[@abhishek007sabat]

I have recently started following your videos. This is the 4th video of yours that I watched and I must say that your way of explaining is very clear and neat.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly - very nice of you to say Abhishek.

[@DanieleMazzoni]

Classic Rodney for classic Carcassonne, gotta love it.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed Daniele :)

[@dennishanans533]

Always a pleasure watching you explain games.You prepick your tiles and show how they work instead of bumbling around like others do, well done! Thanks! (my game just arrived today!) :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you have a great time with it!

[@TheRich4187]

Just got into board gaming this summer and these walk through videos really help instructions that lack clarity so much. I usually look for your videos as they are not too long but also not short and in a hurry just to be short. They always have just the right amount of time to get the rules across. Nice job as always!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to leave such nice feedback - nice to know you've found these useful!

[@patb.9268]

You’re fantastic. Watched you for a handful of games now and always feel confident after!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to hear - have fun playing!

[@ragnotgreymane]

Thanks Rodney. After getting into gaming 6 years ago I finally got this game and you were my first port of call to learn the rules.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad to have been able to assist!

[@thed0nz]

Woot! Thanks for reviewing this one Rodney! Going to pick this one up ASAP!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome Donz!

[@rwmlui]

Hi Rod, thanks for doing this video (and Ticket to Ride). Love them so much!!! Support from Toronto, Canada!!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks, my fellow Canuck!

[@Jameserboy]

Amazing explanation! Thank you for the great video, subscribed just from this

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad to have you here!

[@clferg01]

Thanks Rodney, I've struggled trying to learn this one for quite a while. It finally makes sense to me now!

[@WatchItPlayed]

A pleasure to assist Craig - I hope you have a great time playing it now!

[@SarahJones-vg4cb]

Thank you so much for your clear and informative video! I received Carcassonne for Christmas and we struggled to understand the instruction booklet. You've helped us get started and enjoy the game x

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad this was helpful - have a great time playing - one of my favorites!

[@galileo3166]

So awesome to see you cover a classic like Carcassonne! keep up the great work!

[@WatchItPlayed]

The encouragement is appreciated. I'll be sprinkling in a few more among the other new releases :)

[@anders7050]

Nice profile pic

[@robbyy840]

these videos are so awesome. makes me want to game more!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Ah, that's a great reaction to hear - glad you're excited about the hobby too :)

[@Maerowitz]

Thanks this is a very good explanation and very fun to play! Just played my first game yesterday without farmers or rivers to get the hang of it. Played mostly correct but definitely learned the rules better watching this that I didn’t realize before

[@WatchItPlayed]

Playing without farmers or rivers is a great way to get the hang of it! Enjoy your future plays Matt :)

[@Ebenezer456]

I'll be playing this game in 2 hours time. This video was an excellent introduction. I really like the clarity with which you present the rules and your tone is perfect! Thanks very much!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to hear this - I hope you all have a great time playing!

[@travelingpolicebox]

How does this channel not have more subscribers ?? Best game explanations!! Excited for more content 😊

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad to have you here, thanks for the kind words :)

[@nogan99]

Excellent clear and concise explanation, thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much, I hope you have a good time playing!

[@fizzy965]

I love your videos! I'm autistic and find visual learning so much easier to follow than reading a rule book. Your videos are so clear and you explain everything really well. Thank you so much sir!

[@WatchItPlayed]

It is so nice to hear that the vides have been helpful - thanks for the kind comment (and happy gaming!)

[@Talasesdfsdf]

Mr. Smith, your videos are the best :) Just great!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you!

[@leonharte7780]

I'm just getting into the game and this was a very helpful and clear video. Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You’re very welcome - glad it was helpful. Hope you have a fun time playing!

[@elizabethw.454]

Best how-to for this game I've seen. Now I can finally play it.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to hear Elizabeth - I hope you have a great time playing!

[@dollscott7990]

Thankyou so much for explaining this Rodney, I saw lots of other people were fans of this game but being new to this type of gameplay I was quite daunted. However after watching this video it's definatly going on my "to buy" list!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I think you'll be all set to tackle it, and I hope you have a great time with it. This is one of the games that got me back into the hobby after an extended break back in the day.

[@SylvieDale]

Just found this after failing to understand the online version of this game. Glad I did! This video is clear and progresses logically through what I needed to know about game playing and scoring, with lots of examples to help me understand. Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad to know this was helpful Sylvie - have a great time playing!

[@gravrod]

What an excellent review and tutorial. The best I have seen yet.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say David - thank you!

[@renees5672]

This was my gateway game to modern gaming as well! Oldie but a goodie! Nice job on the video (as usual)!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Renee - glad you enjoyed!

[@krusomore]

carcassone is my group's one of best filler games, we liked it vry much thanks rodney for going back to classics ^^

[@tmelnikov]

Thank you so much , the best video I found on how to play this!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad it helped!

[@hobbs1701a]

Dude, your video was the most helpful of all the videos we checked out! Thank you so much. My friend Ellie says you are "a sweet boy!"

[@WatchItPlayed]

Well thank you both :)

[@moyinguis]

I always watch your videos because you always make them easy to understand, being a native spanish speaker I don't always understand tutorials but yours are my trusted source. Please make a Catan tutorial, I just bought it. Greetings from Mexico.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I don't announce my videos ahead of time, so I can't say for sure, but we have also been doing more classics lately.

[@WrathOfNolla]

Keep them classics comin, Rodmeister!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Sure thing :)

[@SrAJGP]

Love how efficient your explanation is ✌😊

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks AJ!

[@sarosaroyan5042]

Great video so well explained! Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you liked it - thanks!

[@BethSaunders]

You do a great job explaining this game! Well done!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Beth - so glad you enjoyed!

[@ChrisSchumann]

Excellent video, Rodney! I think you missed one tiny rule: That if you cannot place a tile (a very slim chance, to be sure), you put that tile in the box and draw a new one.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Did I forget to say that? Curses! Good catch Chris.

[@smoggie2833]

Thanks Chris - I was wondering what you do if you can't place a tile!

[@ljubovlissina6834]

so, what is the answer?

[@andrewkeller1117]

@@ljubovlissina6834 The answer was given by Chris: Just put the tile in the box and pick a new tile.

[@DutchFurnace]

Haha, I thought "draw a new one" meant you actually take a pen and some empty cardboard and draw the piece you want.

[@suzanne202]

Thank you so much! I just got the game for my birthday and watching how you placed the tiles and scored answered all my questions that weren't quite answered for me in the rule book or forums! I appreciate it. Great explanation of the game and clarified everything I was wondering about!💓 PS I just subscribed!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Welcome to the channel Suzanne - very nice to know the video was helpful. Have a great time playing!

[@yusufkarabacakoglu9281]

Awesome job Rodney. You teach boardgames like a good professor teaches to students. You take your time and cover all topics. Thanks 😀

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you for the kind words Yusuf!

[@PriusGuy2004]

Another great tutorial, Rodney! This is a favorite game of mine. I have several of the expansions, too. I think that my rule book refers to a Meeple on a road as a Thief.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yes, the different rule books over the years seem to have had slight variations on rules and terms.

[@Tabsit_Academy]

Although there are other board games with the same mechanics of play (like calico, micropolis or cascadia) but carcassonne has always it's place. Cool video😊

[@jakobbauer5054]

Your videos are great! Thank you.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're welcome! Thanks for taking the time to check them out!

[@TheCoz87]

Just want to thank you for excellent and informative content

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say Kyle - thank you!

[@oliw3664]

Love your explanations, thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome!

[@ElGote]

Thanks so much for making this video!!!! Super clear tutorial on how to play Carcassonne!!!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

One of my favorites - I hope you enjoy!

[@JohnnyLeyenda]

After more complex board games like Kingdom Death Monster or Gloomhaven, it's nice to go back to simpler, yet still incredibly fun games like this or Catan. This video made me purchase the Carcassonne 2017 big box and I'm so happy with it.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Ah, so glad to hear you've been enjoying it Johnny!

[@larryshair]

Very good explanation! I like your simple explanations!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks you Larry!

[@marccaron6008]

Played it yesterday for the first time. Happy to confirm we did everything by the book. Thanks for the video. ;-)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Great to hear!

[@oswald361]

thanks rod! you really helped my family learn how to play! you've earned a new sub :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad to have you here Dorian, glad the video was helpful!

[@MarkSchamel]

Another wonderfully explained game. Thanks.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome mark.

[@sarahevans4052]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while to help me understand board games. I really enjoy how clearly you explain things. I recently purchased the second expansion for Carcassone - traders and builders. I’d love it if you could do some tutorials about how to play some of the expansion kits please. I’ve looked at a couple of other tutorials, but no one explains it as well as you.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much for the kind words and interest Sarah!

[@flipperjones509]

Just picked this up, can't wait to play it!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you really enjoy playing!

[@KingLorrymar]

Just got this for Christmas 2021, so I was really glad to find a tutorial for it, especially because of how old it is. Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - have a great time playing!

[@gatorgoatjohnny]

This is such a good resource! I rarely have enough people to get together for board games, and this looks like a great gateway game. I love your presentation style, it's so friendly!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Such a nice comment for you to leave. This was the game that got me back into the hobby, so I hope you have a great time playing!

[@otaku5869]

Thanks for explaining! I forgot some things so this was a great review.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad it was helpful - have fun playing!

[@stuartmynard]

Great video Rodney. Well explained.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly Stuart - have fun playing!

[@stevepruneau6561]

Another old classic that everyone should own. Awesome job Rodney. I never quite understood the points system for this, but now I know how to do it right. Wow. I really love these new videos. Are you going to do any more classics? :D

[@WatchItPlayed]

We'll see! (really nice to know you enjoyed this one Steve).

[@Drashia08]

I have seen this game many a time in my local store. After watching your review, may be time to go pick one up.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad I could help you make up your mind on the game!

[@magic-steven]

thanks, you're great at explaining things

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very nice of you to say!

[@melissaalvarez1863]

So excited to play this game!

[@WatchItPlayed]

A personal favorite - I hope you enjoy!

[@Arvias]

Thank you for yet another quick and clear rules video, Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

A pleasure to be able to share this title with you and thank you for the kind support!

[@Erikk_0]

And Carcassonne too. This is great!

[@ljubovlissina6834]

The best explanation ever. Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@joshboy0]

Rodney must be soo much fun to play boardgames with! Cheering and sympathetic! Thank you for explaining the rules! :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say - glad you enjoyed the video!

[@beaucarter4692]

Thanks so much!! This was super helpful.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to hear Beau - have a great time playing!

[@0kimbc28]

Perfectly explained thank you.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're welcome! Very glad you enjoyed the video!

[@raz6321]

Going back to the basics...nice!!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Going to add a few of them here and there :)

[@SortOfInteresting]

Fantastic video, will be picking this game up soon after years of it being on my radar!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you have a great time with it!

[@Adam9496]

Awesome video man! Might go pick up a copy tomorrow

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hope you have a great time with it!

[@grogudjarin944]

Bought 3 games (7 wonders, catan, carcassonne) because my relatives are staying for a while, and your videos helped us a lotttt! Thank you sm! my mom got hooked and are going to buy more (ticket to ride and wingspan). We’ll be watching your other tutorials for sure Btw my sister really liked how your shirts match the color of the board game box 💕

[@WatchItPlayed]

Sounds like you all had a fun time - so nice to hear, and your sister did a nice job catching the shirt/game matching :)

[@jorgeramos637]

The first time I played carcassonne was on xbox live. Ever since , I've become addicted to it. I stoped playing for a couple of years and recently just bought the real version. This is the best explination I've seen. thank you very much. this brought back memories. I'll be playing again tonight!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you found this helpful! Hope you had a great time playing!

[@jorgeramos637]

She won...

[@martindutton3708]

Excellent explanation, thanks so much

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - glad you enjoyed. Have fun playing!

[@abbyslavens]

Thank you! So wholesome and helpful!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Really glad you enjoyed - thanks for the kind words :)

[@sarosaroyan5042]

Very well explained thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You’re very welcome!

[@YuanJane]

Just checking rules for a friend who owns the game and will brings it next time we meet. Thank you for this great video. It took me twice to fully understand and I am seeing now why this is a classic, so much possibility with just a handful of rules.

[@WatchItPlayed]

One of my favorites - I hope you have a great time playing!

[@phantomanalogs5387]

I just bought this at a thrift store unopened for $3.00. Playing it tonight with the family. Thank you for the detailed and informative description! Subscribed

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for checking out the video! Glad it could be of help!

[@jamie9926]

An excellent explanation of the rules! Thank you.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome Jamie - have a great time playing!

[@amyw7365]

Great instruction video. Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you Amy - glad you liked it!

[@eduwoodentoysgrace4077]

Really good explanation!Thank you

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome!

[@boardgamebuddy9554]

One of the first “proper” games I ever played and still gets table time years later. Thanks for the vid

[@WatchItPlayed]

This game got me back into the hobby after a long break!

[@goranmacura1720]

That was one of the best explained game I saw. Thank you. Ma wife and I just got the game and your video is the best.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So kind of you to say - very glad you enjoyed!

[@liammcgowan7143]

Amazing video - thank you

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - have a great time playing!

[@bladioYT]

Better late than never! Fun to see a WIP video of a modern classic

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sonny5068]

Excellent explanation!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flowerflower1987]

Love your explanation!! I would not have played 7 wonders if it wasn’t for u.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to hear you've found them helpful!

[@ThePSaco]

Great as always

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much!

[@adamsabaz2415]

Excellent explainer!!!!! THANK YOU

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@julianrivas1224]

DAMN IT Rodney! This is DAMN fine work! What an incredibly concise and well structured explanation.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much for the kind words Julian!

[@julianrivas1224]

Watch It Played Do you have a background in technical writing or do you have a method by which you go to reorganize and convey a games information? I find that the better I am at teaching a game the better the experience for the recipient (go figure). But I don’t know how to get specifically & consistently better at teaching in general.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I don't have a background in that field. I'm not sure how to explain my process exactly. I just rearrange things into a flow that feels more straightforward in my head, and then hope that works for the majority of my viewers as well :)

[@jessdorrough8581]

This video helped me alot thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome Jess - have a fun time playing!

[@timjones990]

Another amazing review and explanation, I am new(ish) to board gaming and you are my go to for any game I am considering. 2 successful purchases so far. Thanks 👍👍

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much Tim, and welcome to the hobby! I hope you have a great time playing :)

[@timjones990]

@@WatchItPlayed finally picked this up today within a bundle of 14 other pre owned games!! Watching video for a refresher. Continued thanks for all "Watch it Played" videos lol