Learn to Play Root in 24 Minutes (with updated rules)

How to play the Root base game with all factions and updated rules in 24 minutes (there's some silliness in the front and back ends)
To support RTFM, consider pledging at / rtfm
Watch The Brothers Murph's Adventures in Board Gaming: • Playing Root at Amir's...
Updated Rules: boardgamegeek.com/thread/2091...
Want to buy this game? Get it here amzn.to/2FEHbNE (or at your friendly local game store, that's cool too)
Corrections:
6:48 - When placing Dominance cards to the side, I say that any OTHER player can acquire them, but you can too on a later round. (Thanks to Paulo Renato for spotting this one)
8:18 - I accidentally left a clearing empty that should've gotten a cat. Do what I said, not what I did. (Thanks to TutorialsForMom for this one)
16:40 - A new update to the Law of Root (published after this video) describes what's called Full Removal: Whenever an enemy player uses an effect that says it removes all enemy pieces from a clearing (such as Alliance revolts, Favor of the Mice cards, Conspiracy bombs) with the Vagabond, the Vagabond damages three items. (Thanks to Rotten Jeeves for this one)
18:43 - Just to be clear, because birds are wild, you can give the Woodland Alliance a bird card to satisfy Outrage. (Thanks to Paulo Renato for this one)
20:51 - If a tea, bag, or coins get exhausted, move it to the satchel. These can be moved back as soon as they're refreshed. (Thanks to Grant Smith and laes25 for pointing this out)
23:37 - The placement of the caption implies that the birds couldn't leave their space. Sorry for the confusion. The cats were allied and thus were unable to leave due to the birds ruling the clearing.
23:53 - You become hostile to other factions by removing their warriors, not by removing any of their pieces (Thanks to Tyler Pacheco for spotting this one)
24:46 - If you perform "An Evening's Rest," repair and refresh all items instead of just repairing. (Thanks to David Kuling for noticing this)
Want to rewatch something?
Intro: 1:20
Set up: 2:12
Basics: 2:53
Battle: 3:51
Cards: 4:48
Ambush and Dominance: 6:00
Marquise de Cat: 7:43
Eyrie Dynasties: 11:10
Woodland Alliance: 15:06
Vagabond: 19:13
Had to remove the song at the end because copyright law is more confusing than I thought. Sorry folks.
Twitter: / rtfmshow
Instagram: / rtfmshow
Personal Twitter: / sheasayswords
#tutorial #boardgames #RTFM #rtfmshow

[@justsayjay]

Im a teacher. This is insanely well structured and very easy to follow. This seems to have a lot of planning and thought put into it. The links are so helpful. Very well done! A+

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much! Glad you like it.

[@ts7844]

Having just watched with the board in front of me, I do not agree. It would work better if he just played the game while talking through elements as they come up. Instead he talks far too much in advance of what he’s supposed to be doing.

[@nicka.9057]

I agree. Excellently done

[@jerkomirko]

I'm a mortgage broker. They were also very easy to follow for me.

[@LiiChinHo]

2:10 "So you've got your friends..." whoaa there looks like I'll need more than just this video to be able to play :/

[@RTFM]

Haha, well the expansion does come with an AI opponent for a solo variant...

[@_DaemonCleaner]

Who needs friends when you have board game buddies

[@Ping54]

if u r interested in Root but do not think you will know anyone to play it with, there is a project that seems to be wrapping up development and come pretty close to completion, sort of, called the better bot project. Every faction, including the Lizard Cult and Riverfolk Company from the expansion has an easy to use bot that once you get used to how they operate, can have their actions be performed pretty quickly. Idk if it is worth getting Root just for this because you lose the whole political side of any war game but it is still a lot of fun.

[@furretthefuzzynoodle3896]

LiiChinHo I love how he’s like now that we’ve got our wood we can start breeding kittens 😂

[@FishyAshB]

Recently a digital version of Root came out! You can play with Bots or do online play. There are also single player challenge games you can do that give restrictions or rule changes for even more variety.

[@DaveHaenze]

As always, really helpful video! Made my first time playing practically a breeze. Also shout out to "Look what the us dragged in" during the Vagabond segment. I genuinely chuckled.

[@RTFM]

Haha, thanks! Glad I could help!

[@Wattorok]

I really like Woodland Alliance gameplay mechanics. They are one of the hardest to play right but really makes you feel like you're a guerrilla fighter while Birds and Cats are having a conventional war.

[@Coffee-Comrade]

100% agreed, you really do feel like an underdog fighting an uphill battle against the ruling class using the "by any means necessary" tactics. It's perfect.

[@piggelini9376]

I agree, but the Vagabond is truly my style of play

[@dholeplays1211]

Thanks a ton for making this video! My friends and I have been getting into Root recently and were a bit confused by some parts of the rules, or had just interpreted them wrong. This is super clear and easy to watch!

[@RTFM]

Hey, thanks! Glad I could help.

[@tylerpacheco8508]

One note to add about the Vagabond becoming hostile at ~23:53. You only become hostile if you remove a warrior piece, not any piece (according to 9.2.9.III).

[@RTFM]

Ooh, good spot, thanks!. Added a note in the description.

[@no.8128]

Wow, your tutorials are unbelievably clear and thorough. You taught me and my friends Spirit Island and now this game. Thank you for doing this!

[@RTFM]

Hey thanks! Glad I could help!

[@jerrymcbride5589]

Oh my god i love the intro

[@georgehunt7187]

The game arrived today and I couldn't help myself and this helped me instantly set up and learn how to play.

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help!

[@Reilanish]

Amazing video as always. I just got the game and can't wait to try it out. You guys do amazing work with your rules videos and I can't wait to see your terraforming mars video.

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much! Glad I could help.

[@gameweekend8289]

This is perfect. I literally bought this game last night. Love the sketch at the beginning too.

[@RTFM]

What perfect timing! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@evannadeau3938]

See the Brothers in the intro was a funny surprise! It's great that you guys collaborate. Thanks for this video!

[@RTFM]

I love the Murphs! We've actually done a few collaborations on this channel. Most recently they helped out with the intro to my War of the Ring tutorial, which was a ton of fun.

[@evannadeau3938]

RTFM I own that game and haven’t gotten anyone to play it hahah thanks for that reply because I”m definitely checking out that video now!

[@synthetic240]

I think this will really help. We got really overwhelmed trying to understand how each side plays. This game is still really complicated though, because cards do so many different things and you don't always do what's on the card!

[@RTFM]

You're not wrong about the cards, they can take a little while to really wrap your head around. Glad I could help at least part of the way though. And I promise, after a few plays it all makes so much more sense.

[@michaellamb2200]

Fantastic content! Love the L2P series.

[@karniancommunitygaming]

Excellent video on rules. Very clear sprinkle with a little humor... Keep up the good work!

[@RTFM]

Thanks, I will!

[@danajacobs9727]

I absolutely love the intro! I showed it to the people that I was teaching to show them the backstory of the conflicts to give a bit of flavor.

[@RTFM]

Thanks! Glad you like it!

[@bladioYT]

Excellent rules summary! Thanks for putting in the time and effort to create this

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@geraldgerund6221]

the rules explanation is great, but it's the little bits of humor sprinkled in that really make this so enjoyable as well as informative! (the "bird I grew up with" thing cracked me up) thank you!

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much!

[@saffronandloki]

Love the start lol XD Super helpful, thanks!

[@travisr9839]

It suddenly clicked and I finally understand this game. I’ve been interested in it for a while. (P.S. I just supported your Patreon. I’ve been enjoying your tutorials. Great work all around)

[@RTFM]

Well thank you so much for supporting the channel! I really appreciate that, and I'm glad I could help!

[@dooglesw]

"Green pieces of bread." I loved all the funny words you put on the screen. Very helpful video.

[@RTFM]

Haha, thanks!

[@patrickwetterlov7332]

Fantastic Learn to play-video! Besides learning the rules it really made wanting to play the game right away.

[@RTFM]

Thank you so much, that's so nice to hear!

[@serpentsaurus7969]

Amazing video! Thank you so much for this primer. Subscribed!

[@TheGamingEntity]

24:46 If you perform the "An Evening's Rest" action, your damaged items that are also exhausted are flipped face up, even with the updated Law of Root (9.6.1)

[@RTFM]

Ah, good catch. That should have been on the printouts for the new rules since Evening's Rest just says "repair all items" and the repair action has changed. But BGG agrees with you, so I'll add a note.

[@k.morningstar7983]

hey thanks for helping my confidence, now that i need to take a run with this think i'll love it, more than Fort, definitely

[@vespera219]

Excellent work, as usual.

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@PMMagro]

Nice! Very clear and easy to follow.

[@morganvitale]

Great video, good job dude!

[@ZandoFox]

Going to use this video to teach my group, really great resource!

[@RTFM]

Happy to help!

[@omarbradford6130]

Great video. I have the digital version but was still struggling with understanding the rules especially for Vagabond which this helped clear up.

[@RTFM]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@loganlaliberte4511]

Just played this tonight as the vagabond. So much fun

[@abunchoftulips9519]

This is brilliant, thank you!

[@nwrasch]

Such a good video; thanks for putting this together! :)

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@woodman4046]

Outstanding tutorial!! Thanks a bunch and keep up the good work!!!

[@RTFM]

Thanks, glad I could help!

[@andraslibal]

Wow. This is a very well made video. Thanks.

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@oi_rod]

JUST LOVE YOUR INTRO SEQUENCE! LOL

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@konnyknees]

Great video man. You’re def one of my fav how to play content creators! Cheers

[@j.a.velarde5901]

Very funny. Well voiced... so many accolades. Thank you!! :)

[@jakebrill5990]

This is the video that I watch before I teach root to friends. Super helpful!

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@teaMmMate]

Hats off, best intro I ve ever seen

[@ZeroSkater45]

The intro is incredible. Well done. xD

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@TheZaaz]

Good tutorial. I learned the basics of the game with 0 prior knowledge. Also, when the third animal picture is shown with the faction name, I SWEAR that noise comes from Chrono Cross. The Isle of the Dead song.

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help! As for the music, I get them from KZbin's audio library, so I doubt it's from Chrono Trigger. Unfortunately I haven't played it, so I can't verify.

[@TheZaaz]

@@RTFM I went and listened, and it is 100% the same noise. From Isle of The Dead. It makes sense that it came form a sound library, Mitsuda (the composer) probably used the same one! Fun fact of the day I guess!

[@RTFM]

@@TheZaaz huh, good to know!

[@Koshak87]

Wow, delighted I've roamed upon this channel. Great stuff! Also, 04:34 - headphone users, beware.

[@RTFM]

Oh yeah...sorry about that

[@vespera219]

I will never play Eyrie without making that noise! I love it.

[@c4tch]

Thanks so much for this video! Love the content.

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad you're liking the videos!

[@seanmcconnell1874]

hey man, the youtube gods muted the last few seconds of this video :( playing root for the first time this weekend, thanks for the video!

[@RTFM]

Yeah, I didn't realize that my rights to the credits music I used to use had expired, so I had to mute it or face a copyright strike. Copyright law is weird.

[@SuperWilliamW]

"Little green slices of bread", lol. Liked for that description

[@Zorayas]

People often say the app is a great way to learn the rules, I disagree. I found the app terribly confusing and felt many rules seemed to be missing. Your video was much more helpful. Thank you.

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help!

[@Archytas-Leroy55]

Thanks for doing this. Now I just gotta buy it and play!

[@RTFM]

No problem! Best of luck!

[@RottenJeeves]

Missed rule at 16:40. Full Removal. Whenever an enemy player uses an effect that says it removes all enemy pieces from a clearing (such as Alliance revolts, Favor of the Mice cards, Conspiracy bombs) with the Vagabond, the Vagabond damages three items

[@RTFM]

Ooh, that seems to be a new update with the latest Law of Root. My video was made before that was published, but I'll make a note of it anyway. Thanks!

[@RottenJeeves]

@@RTFM No problem. Lots of little easy to miss rules in root. :)

[@AdibIzuddin]

Heyyy. Love the intro part. COOL!

[@eshgrb1127]

Really? The stupid intro is why I stopped watching and found a better video

[@AdibIzuddin]

Hahah. that is from my point of view, other's may feel different about watching it . It is something different from the previous video. so yeah, i found it cool. ofcourse it is stupidly funny . haha. @@eshgrb1127

[@monseigneurlerichelieu7739]

@@eshgrb1127 We are all entitled to our opinion of course, but dissing the video's quality simply because you did not want to skip the intro, for which there are also timestamps in the description seems shortsighted. I didn't care much for the intro either, but am finding the actual video to be one of the best how to play.

[@TomLostWave]

Really good video! Helped alot

[@RTFM]

Thank you! Glad I could help.

[@XDJ0003]

Thanks to this video i can finally, FINALLY say i will be buying Root, been interested for A WHILE but with this everything is clear and i'm no longer afraid of not being able to explain it correctly. Thanks!!

[@RTFM]

Glad I could help!

[@JackieFox1976]

Great video. Oh, and I love it when you buy a game, and before you can get it to the table, they rebalance and your unplayed game is no longer valid without gluing changes to it! Ah well... such is life. Glad when designers keep working to make their games better!

[@RTFM]

Yeah...it's not ideal, but it's also not necessary. I know people who don't bother with the updates because they think the game works fine without them. Up to you.

[@Marinealver]

Now we need a skit on the 4 other expansion factions.

[@axelcampbell5669]

This game is so complicated but very well explained

[@RTFM]

Thanks!

[@steirqwe7956]

16:45 Whenever vagabond is affected by "remove all pieces from clearing" effect he soaks 3 points of damage instead.

[@RTFM]

Yeah, someone else pointed that out so it's in the description. This video was made before the latest rules update, which added that. Thank you though!

[@bconnoll44]

Thank you for posting this. Pretty clear and a good overview. I feel this was helpful for getting a general feel for the game. I also really enjoy the humor from your text flourishes. However, not quite clear enough to fully learn it. A few pieces of constructive criticism: I think you should slow down and give more visual examples of how things work (i.e. show each of the actions being taken on the board). This would be more helpful than watching you talk.

[@aaronchamberlain4698]

This seems really well structured. Don’t know if I’m just slow at picking up rules but I’m listening at 0.75x speed and still having to go back a few times lol

[@ABD-qs9sc]

Hahah you’re definitely right

[@ZandoFox]

It's a complicated game! But all the information is in here

[@ABD-qs9sc]

@@ZandoFox ya that’s is right

[@USSTrashBoat]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@RTFM]

No problem!

[@kelseyholm8636]

This is super helpful. Also, where did you get your cat/heart blanket?

[@RTFM]

Thanks! I think the blanket came from H&M, but it was a gift, so I'm not actually sure.

[@spearshaker7974]

Just started playing won a couple challenges against ai but wow it’s a lot of information to take in.

[@Polovene]

great work

[@jacquesfouche4278]

Great video and teach, thanks!

[@RTFM]

Glad you like it!

[@FuzzymothGames]

This game is basically the plot of Redwall book 2 with a random raccoon in the mix.

[@kringfish4078]

Will you guys cover the underground expansion? Love your content!

[@RTFM]

Possibly in the future. For now, I tend to go to new games and don't look back, but the next goal on my Patreon will have me revisiting expansions.

[@axelkling5978]

Do you score points when revolting with the alliance and by doing so remove tokens or buildings from other parties?

[@RTFM]

Yep. Every time you remove tokens or buildings.

[@scottrenfer2735]

I know this video was from a while ago, but quick Question... When the Vagabond has to aid a faction multiple times in one turn, as per their player board, do they have to exhaust that many items each time they aid too? So, if they were at the "2x" space, they would have to give two cards and exhaust 2 items twice? Thanks so much for such a great video! I just subscribed today and you have already helped me out tons!

[@RTFM]

Hey thanks! To answer your question, if you're at the 2 space, you'd need to perform the aid action twice in one turn, but the action cost hasn't changed. So you'd need to do it twice, but each time you'd still only exhaust one item and give one card.

[@purpleartjunky]

where do items go when discarded by the vagabond the rules say to the box but does that mean put of the game or back to designated box?

[@LarryCroft111]

Thx for vid, mouse!

[@charlottemalone7375]

Awesome video!! I very much like your style.

[@jonathanbarbarosa2496]

I love your Elephant shirt.

[@RTFM]

Haha, thanks. If you want it, search for pachyderm forest shirt and it'll pop right up.

[@DCAMM720]

4:33 scared the shit out of me

[@aggelikichris]

Hello! Thanks for the video, its really helpful! I have a question though. Around 9:20 you mention that both moves ("march" step) need to be completed before taking the next action. However, for what i understand from the "Learning to play" guide, the cat is allowed to take up to two moves, which means it could even be one move, right? Thanks!

[@RTFM]

You have it right. I think the rules have been clarified a bit since I made this video, but yes it's up to two moves. The point being made in that moment though is that you can't take a march to move one cat, then take a different action, and then "finish" the march by moving another cat.

[@aggelikichris]

@@RTFM Oh great, thanks for the reply! 🙂 I got root recently and ive never had such trouble understanding a game.. there are so many things to remember 😛

[@RTFM]

@@aggelikichris No problem! And yeah, there's definitely a lot to keep track of. I try to just make sure everyone knows how their faction works, but if you're teaching the game, you do kinda have to know all of it.

[@spiromac25]

Excellent video, thanks! Cleared up a couple questions I had after reading the books and playing the tutorial. Only have a couple questions. My Vagabond is "Set-up D", 19:37 is this a misprint, or a change? Who's is right/wrong? Is there a reason the crafting requirements are printed on the bottom-left and top-right of the card?

[@RTFM]

No misprint. I kinda messed up here. The Riverfolk expansion gives you a second Vagabond and I accidentally used that one while making this video. The crafting requirements are on both corners for easy reference, I suppose? Not entirely sure about that one.

[@spiromac25]

@@RTFM I just got the expansion today, and obviously see why now. I had thought maybe that was a first edition print thing. Doesn't invalidate anything. I'm hiding the expansion until I get a couple games in with the original in fear of overwhelming my family with more new rules! Of course I already watched your "How to" on the expansion; great work again!

[@philchazwill]

@@RTFM Yes for ease of reference. With the cards in your hand, fan one way to see all the suits. And fan them the other way to see the crafting requirements. Spread them horizontally and see both. I think.

[@Vulcanfaux]

Well this is coming out for the switch soon, so I hope that will be fun enough.

[@RedShirt-fq6ek]

What does RTFM stand for? Also, AMAZING video. Super strait forward 🙂. NVM. Looked it up.

[@RTFM]

Haha, yeah there's a reason I don't usually spell it out :D

[@charliegordan6354]

tthis helped so much ty

[@RTFM]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@IvoCunha]

Does control of a clearing count only the number of warriors or buildings and tokens like wood and the keep also count?

[@thundercleese]

Where did you get that light-colored wooden bookcase that you use to store your games?

[@RTFM]

Ikea. I believe it's a Hejne, and I got an additional shelf to make it more board game sized.

[@thundercleese]

@@RTFM Thanks! Great channel and videos. Keep it up!

[@gnom3_tb141]

Totally off topic.. where did you get the nice shelf in the back for your games?

[@RTFM]

Ikea. They're Ivar shelves, I believe.

[@jahniedez6834]

17:39 Train- does the warrior you place in the officers' box come from your supply or from the clearing with the matching base?

[@RTFM]

Supply. Any time you're told to "place" a warrior, it comes from the supply.

[@jahniedez6834]

@@RTFM Ok great- thanks a bunch!

[@shinjial]

Can any two factions be used in a two player game? Or does it have to be the cats and birds?

[@RTFM]

Cats and birds are ideal, but the back of the learn to play rulebook lists other options.

[@suka044]

Did you ever do instructional video for the moles or the crows?

[@RTFM]

I haven't yet, but I do plan on covering that and the clockwork expansion by the end of the year.

[@steirqwe7956]

There is frustrating moment about vagabond which isnt very intuitive and dosn't written anywhere if i recall correctly, but other players can force vagabond to break the alliance by attacking him and suffering casualities from returning damage. This is really useful because vagabond can pull quite a lot of dick moves on his "ally" with very little consequence (for example he can drag all cat warriors away from citadel then return on the same turn and completely trash the place) and you usually dont want to be his ally.

[@RTFM]

Yeah, having a vagabond ally can be nice at times, but in the long run it ends up being a lot more complicated of a relationship.

[@EightThreeEight]

5:32 How the hell have I never noticed this until now?

[@Ollibear934]

I hope someone can help me here. I didn't quite get the crafting mechanic. So I've got some questions. Can you only craft one card per turn? And also when a card as let's say two mice symbols, do I need to have two roosts as the bird faction or two crafting stations as the cats? Or do I just need to rule two clearings that match the card? I'm sorry if this sounds confusing

[@RTFM]

Your confusion is totally understandable. The truth is that each faction handles crafting a little differently, but you have it right in the first example. As the cats you'll need two workshops in mouse clearings (they can be in the same clearing or different ones) to make a 2 mouse card. For birds, you'll need two roosts in two different mouse clearings because birds can only have one roost per clearing. In both cases, you do not need to rule the clearing to make the card. Hope that helps!

[@attiladukai2121]

I really have a GF9 Dune vibe with this one.

[@patrickwall6316]

Are you doing a video for Underworld factions too?

[@RTFM]

As of right now, no. I am going to start covering expansions to games I've taught in the past, but I let my Patreon backers choose which games I teach.

[@NormalGayBro]

Great, now the Yandere Vagabond is my new headcanon

[@IvoCunha]

Do sympathy tokens get removed from the map when crafting with the Alliance?

[@D-A-K]

Nicely done! Seems like most videos for this game are getting shredded for rules violations, but I don't care. Thanks for helping!

[@RTFM]

Haha, yeah it's a tough game to cover. I think we did pretty well. Glad I could help

[@davidfried8203]

Im still confussd about crafting. If i have a fox suit, but the sign post on the bottom left corner shows 2 mouse symbols and its showing the tea +2 vp; what do i need to have and or do to craft the card? Do i have to control 2 mouse clearings? Do i have to control a fox clearing? Do i have to discard two mouse/fox cards? Or am i missing a much simpler mechanic? Or is it just that easy as having a crafting station and playing the card and none of the symbols matter?

[@RTFM]

Let's say you're playing as the cats and using the example you suggested. To craft the tea, you'll need workshops in two mouse clearings. You don't need to rule those clearings, you just need the workshops. You also don't need to discard anything except the card you're crafting. The suit of the card is important for other game effects, but for crafting, you're only looking at the symbols in the bottom left.

[@davidfried8203]

@@RTFM Thank you! That helps a bunch!

[@StefanParker]

Oh Petrie...

[@farrahawryiirises491]

oh my god i love you

[@deadly_embers_6296]

Any plans to do the riverfolk?

[@RTFM]

Already did. Patreon backers got to see it early but it's up for everyone now.

[@IvoCunha]

Does crafting as Blue faction mean we remove the roosts from the board?

[@mattbrendlen]

A question about "March" 9:12... So if I have this correct, you can: - Move ONE miniature up to TWO spaces. - Move TWO miniatures up to ONE space each. - Move 1+X amount of miniatures up to TWO spaces, provided that X = miniatures you pick up along the way (ie. pick up as you move through them, but not if they're in your starting clearing)? Thanks

[@RTFM]

Not quite. When moving you can take any number of units from a space and move them from a clearing to an adjacent one. March gives you two moves, so you can do this twice, and you complete each move before doing the next one. Hope that helps!

[@mattbrendlen]

@@RTFM Oh I see... but when you March it's just one space per movement action, yeah?

[@TutorialsForMom]

8:18 "Next we place one warrior in every clearing, except the opposite corner." I didn't see this in your current description (or down below in the comments), but was it a mistake or intentional that there's *two* clearings without a warrior? (Or is the other one not counted as a clearing for a reason I'm missing?)

[@RTFM]

That was a mistake, yes. Sorry about that.

[@fiskenburg007]

If someone attacks the Woodland Alliance and they are defenseless, do they still get the higher die value? My friend didn’t think so, but I did, because I was defending.

[@RTFM]

Hi, sorry for the late response. Yes they do get the higher value. They won't deal any damage and the attacker still gets the +1, but it's useful if you've got multiple tokens in the clearing.

[@MattLong6]

I am still on step one, you made it sound so here is a long explanation for why I'm so confused. I still haven't found any friends?... 2:15