Res Arcana - How To Play

[@benmeister]

That spin alone deserved a like.

[@pier-lucboivin6645]

I like to believe he got it on the first take.

[@benmeister]

@@pier-lucboivin6645 not even a question. What are even takes. :) he probably didn't have anything soft out of view in case he missed either :)

[@TaohRihze]

Which of them? 0:10 or 14:43?

[@swagaroniyolonaise]

I want to see the stack of dented boxes under that table:-)

[@JesusIsTruthAndWayAndLife]

Empty box?

[@NoTimeForGames]

You know that I only get to do videos about board games because you teach me how to play them all. I also am noticing how masterful you truly are with editing, positioning of cards perfectly centered and aligned, well timed and with a great pace. It all seems effortless and easy, but that's the illusion that only the true great work is able to create. I know this well because I know how hard it is, and how many unexpected things go wrong. You deserve every bit of success you have, and much more that will come in the future :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

You are very kind - thanks for the lovely words. It was really fun to get to do a video together this year :)

[@ryangilmore3678]

I just want to say how much your videos help me learn games. As a visual learner, I struggle with instruction manuals but never fail to learn from you. I've actually pulled back from buying a game because you didn't have a video on it. Keep up the good work! You are needed!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to know you've found the video helpful Ryan - thank you!

[@JackieFox1976]

I think we need a live playthrough on this one!

[@BlimpMcGee]

I second this. That would definitely seal the deal for me

[@n20games52]

Once again, delivered with panache and great clarity. I fell out of the gaming loop for more than three years after moving to Florida. Glad to be back in the game (so to say) and back watching it played! Er, I mean watching, "Watch it Played".

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad to have you back :) Nice new avatar!

[@sandragrehn1554]

I have to agree with most of the comments here. You truely are the best to explain and straighten out every little question mark. And though my english is a bit mediocre, thanks to your clear way to explain I can easily understand everything. You're videos are indispensable! Thank you so much! 🙏 And btw, you're box spinnings are awesome!! 😄❤️

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to take the time to say Sandra - and from your writing I can see your English is far from mediocre!

[@shplane]

This man is the most loveable nerd on the planet

[@FrankMinogue]

Looks really great! I am still digging the box flip, especially for the intro, where the box ended up in upright, readable position! How many takes did that take? I like the new starter with going to the shelf, with a fixed camera on a tripod, and your backstory going through until you sit down at your AWESOME game table (that I secretly am coveting). I definitely am liking the new polo-less approach. You are definitely the best in the business!

[@chrisbowling5695]

You are absolutely by far THE ABSOLUTE BEST at explaining a game! So complete. You should do your explain how to play, AND do a playthrough. Then sell the download for $5 a pop. I would buy one with every game I purchase.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the kind words Chris, very glad you're enjoying! We have a Patreon, or other ways that support can be shared, if you like.

[@jeffcarrier9808]

This is a sweet looking engine building game. I'm digging the theme! Looking forward to seeing more to judge if my group would like it.

[@milkiverplanski9491]

Love how you *ALMOST* crack up after those cheesy box spins in the beginning and end. The spins were cool, sure, but how you're able to hold back that grin that was already trying to take over is way more impressive. :D

[@kennethpaschall4801]

I wasn't sure about this game, but watching this may have converted me. I will have to give this one a play through at the very least.

[@daveabood]

Yet another rich and concise how to play vid. Just got the game and feel ready to play. Thanks Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have a great time playing Dave!

[@benbrown3778]

Played this after my friend bought it at a games fair this weekend, came here to check we were playing it right. I’ve said this elsewhere, but part of our collective criteria is whether there’s a ‘watch it played’ for a game.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad the videos have been a helpful part of your gaming experience Ben :)

[@brakstrongarm9551]

Thanks for the comprehensive and easy to understand rules. I am about to play my wife and had no idea what I was doing until I watched this.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you both have a great time playing!

[@revbrentcolby]

Box flip like a boss.

[@crepusculo1027]

I'd watch this video 20 times more just for that super boardgame spin xD he didn't even look!

[@catherinetaylor2014]

Thanks For the video Rodney. Really clear and logical as ever. I watched this after playing 4 games with my dad and I really should have watched it before we played because you pointed out 4 minor rules mistakes I made 🤦‍♀️

[@WatchItPlayed]

It happens :) Glad it helped!

[@kraun124]

Great video. The extra insights beyond the rules are really nice. Such as why you'd want to discard an artifact early on.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you liked it Danny!

[@Nukekid23]

Now we are getting fancy with the one hand no look flip. Tip of the hat to you sir.

[@FrankMinogue]

I have watched this before, but we are finally in the same State again (long story). No doubt about it. You are simply amazing. Your productions are so amazing. I really, really hope that BGG Con is not cancelled. I really want to meet you in person finally....

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly Frank.

[@FrankMinogue]

Dang it, Rodney, my wife always beats me and the first game out of the box, she beat me 12 to 7...... I swear she cheated. (I looked at Taverns of Tiefenthal yesterday after she crushed me and she has beaten me 72% of the time we have played!!!). Why do I torture myself?? LOL

[@JasonSmithPsychedelicTherapist]

Love this game and appreciate your how to play series so much. Keep it up. Great job.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Jason!

[@BloodyFox1]

How many times did you have to film that opening, before you got the boardgame toss right?

[@ConsummateGamer]

Another great video. I can't get my hands on this game soon enough.

[@gentlevilvideo]

Awesome walk through! Read the rules booklet before watching and I am ready to roll now.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Fantastic - have a great time playing!

[@MrRubixscube]

rodney is a wizard, he can summon a bell out of thin air !

[@Kolbywalker]

Excellent as always Rodney, thanks!. Planning to give this a go tonight with gaming group.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hope you have a great time with it!

[@movie5784]

I wish Rodney had been my teacher for grade school, high school, and college. Another beautifully explained, thorough video.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much. I'm not sure if I would have been much help in grade school, unless the course was board games ;)

[@movie5784]

@@WatchItPlayed You could have easily had an entire grade dedicated for that though: your courses would be Dice Throwing 101 (dice are your friend, not enemy), Losing is Okay (How to not hate your friends after Catan). You could definitely get clever with it!

[@simonb9898]

Great video as always Rodney, thank you. By itself it didn't quite convince me to purchase, however your playthrough video with Nikki etc sealed the deal and it's on it's way, along with the first expansion.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you have a great time playing Simon!

[@cartoon80s90s]

I am tired of games where all you do is exchange a resource for another, but the card art is stunning, and the mechanics look interesting for those who enjoy this genre. btw, Rodney, you had asked a question a few weeks back about what people think about you doing game reviews. Have you decided if you will make review videos in addition to "How To Play" videos?

[@chriswinston1223]

I don't think there's as much trading of one resource for another in this game as you think. It's certainly NOT like Century, for example.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Still not sure if reviews are a space I want to get into, but have relaxed my "no opinions" approach in some of the non-tutorial content.

[@NoTimeForGames]

You're my savior, and this is not overstatement.

[@SirNichosis]

Wow, very interesting game. May have to add this to my list! Thanks for the great explanation as always Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly!

[@RowantarotBlogspot]

A box flip at the beginning and lid twirl at the end. Rodney doesn't like to talk about his flair.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Ha! You know me well Carla :)

[@RowantarotBlogspot]

Rodney, we got our copy of Res Arcana and played today. I managed to beat young Derek 11 to 6 in our first game. (That is certainly better than my AireCon score of 4!!)

[@xSF141x]

How many takes did you have to do before you made that catch ;)

[@toweypat]

The Force is with Rodney.

[@WatchItPlayed]

The first time, every time ;)

[@MrKosko]

You're really good at these. Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say Dan - glad you enjoyed!

[@DieOxXiN]

Thanks for the video rodney, its really helpful, i will be glad if you can just answer few questions related to Res Arcana, 1. Do i keep collecting essences each turn if i did not exhaust a cards in my spell? (Each turn) 2. After passing, i should swap my magic items with another one, and the new magic item should be faced down, do i face it up and use it the next turn when it comes my turn? 3.if all player passed thier turn, we should check if anyone has 10 points or more then he is the winner, if not we start a new round and all the exhausted cards should be flipped back and then we do the collection phase right? Thanks in advance and forgive my bad english typing

[@WatchItPlayed]

Let's see if I can help: 1) Not sure what you mean (this might be a translation thing). You always collect essence each turn, from your components with the Collect Essence symbol on them. Remember, none of your cards are exhausted at the start of your turn. 2) When you pass, you will not take anymore turns for that round. So you will not turn the new magic item face up until after everyone has passed and a brand new round has started. 3) Yes.

[@DieOxXiN]

Watch It Played thanks rodney, rules are clear for me now I appreciate it

[@hugo9090]

I’ve just ordered it! Great video!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Hugo, I hope you have a great time with it!

[@darrenw2]

Just picked this up. Another great video!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly Darren!

[@tooboomafoo]

I really like those shelves. Is there a video about how they are built or maybe where you got them. (Looking into redoing my own shelves.)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Afraid not. I told my carpenter what I wanted in terms of measurements, but they were constructed while I was travelling at a con.

[@tooboomafoo]

@@WatchItPlayed Ok, thank you.

[@paolap.7369]

Do the discard cards come back into play ? Example. If I discard a card from my hand to get gold or essence, would that discard card come back to play during the next turns when I pick up card at the beginning of the round ? I have been in a situation where I discarded 1 card but having no deck already, so we put the discarded card back into play to make the ‘deck’ Thanks a lot !

[@WatchItPlayed]

Sounds like you were doing it right. Discards go to the bottom of your deck, and then when then come back up to the top, they are drawn as other cards you would draw from your deck (so if you have no deck, they are effectively already on top for the next time you draw.). Hope that helps!

[@paolap.7369]

@@WatchItPlayed omg thanks so much ! Can’t believe you still check comments on old videos and reply to them too ! You are a LEGEND! Thank YOU 💖

[@ROBIN90]

Thanks rodney! It was really helpful video~ gotta put this on the table tonight!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you have a great time with it!

[@SembeiNorimaki]

Good tutorial. Well explained in an engaging way.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly Isaac!

You are The Man on explanations!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly - glad you're enjoying :)

[@mod_noise]

9:08 So I can gain 4 any essences with any combination +2 additional essences from Elemental Spring (e.g. 6 death)? Not the initial cost of Elemental Spring (2 fire, 1 life, 1 water + 2 any other (except gold))

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hi Artem, I'm not quite sure what you're asking, so let me rephrase to say exactly what you can do: You must collect EXACTLY the types of essences matching the cost of the artifact you're destroying (except any gold), plus you can then pick any 2 other essences of your choice (except gold). When I say "in this case I'd get 6 essences", I'm just pointing out that in this specific case, the total number of essences you'd be gaining is 6 - but you still have to follow the rules, that the initial 4 (in this case), must be 2 fire, 1 life + 1 water. Hope that helps - sorry for any confusion!

[@mod_noise]

@@WatchItPlayed Now I understood. Thank you a lot for a fast response and detailed explanation

[@seekerofthebema]

Thank you for these videos.

[@jestermask6460]

Ordered. Merci Rod!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you liked it - I hope you have a great time playing :)

[@andrewtaylor6614]

Wow, what an excellent explanation! Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@Rubberglass]

This looks really fun! Sorta like Splendor or Century Spice Road on steroids.

[@chriswinston1223]

Splendor maybe. Nothing in common with Century.

[@spacekyng5013]

Can you look through your deck at any time? Also can you keep the item you have if you are last to pass in a two player games or are you required to select a new one?

[@WatchItPlayed]

You can’t look through your deck at any time (there are effects that will let you look though), and you always have to give up the token you used in the previous round - you can’t take it again.

[@spacekyng5013]

Awesome! Thank for the reply!

[@quaide78]

Great job as always Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Eric!

[@smilingnavern]

Thank you for your videos. Your explanations are very clear :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you for the kind comment Alexander!

[@giladnadler]

Wow! how many takes until you managed the flipping at the begining?

[@WatchItPlayed]

First time, every time! ;)

[@BlimpMcGee]

That flip though, Rodney the Boxomancer

[@JoeSondow]

When I see the no-look perfect spin I have to rewind to watch it again and then giggle for a long time.

[@WatchItPlayed]

:)

[@AnthonyCashmanHC]

Great job -- super clear as always.

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@raz6321]

How many takes did the spin at the start took? Admit it, Rodney!

[@Daley63]

If you do not have essences on a place of power (eg., Sacred Grove), do you still get the +2 victory points when checking for victory points? In a previous comment, you answered "you continue to collect essences each turn". Did you mean each round? We quickly ran out of essences doing that, and one player kept loading up a place of power each turn. If that is correct, collecting essences each turn, do you still collect if you rotated the card on a previous turn?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Re: Sacred Grove. Yes, you'd still get the 2 victory points for it. The points for the green essence are in addition to that. I'm not sure exactly what you were doing, so it's hard to say. It would be strange to 'quickly' run out of essences. You could run out in some cases, if someone is collecting a lot of a particular type. I'm also not sure which comment you are quoting me from. If I said each "turn", that's a mistake. It should be at the start of each round.

[@Daley63]

@@WatchItPlayed Got it! Thank you!

[@yellow2213]

Can you infinitely tap and untap cards if you have 2 of the untap ones?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I do my best to answer all rules questions on the games I cover, but I avoid individual card effects, as that's a level of detail beyond what I can manage across all the videos I do. I'd suggest checking the rules forum for the game on BoardGameGeek or the publishers website. I hope you can find your answer there - have fun playing! That said, as I recall, most untap effects have a cost, so it's unlikely you could do it indefinitely.

How much tries it take to spin the box that it shows right side up? Also, that elegant closing ... too bad you haven't some special move to put the box back in the shelf :) Like! Subs!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Welcome to the channel! :)

[@mickaelhubert5254]

Hi, I need some accurate explanation for the word "color" used in the Windup Man artefact (page 10 at 12min09s), does colour mean only green, blue, red and yellow (and not black and white since there's no such thing as black or white wavelength for a color). With the pearl essence expansion, the Windup Man becomes too powerful and unbalance the game : First you leave a pearl essence, then round 2 you got 2 more pearls, rounds 3 two more ...

[@WatchItPlayed]

I do my best to answer all rules questions on the games I cover, but I avoid individual card effects, as that's a level of detail beyond what I can manage across all the videos I do. I'd suggest checking the rules forum for the game on BoardGameGeek or the publishers website. I hope you can find your answer there - have fun playing!

[@rjba02]

Hi rodney i wanted to ask for a clarification on the fiery whip artifact you showed. What if the artifact you destroy has a cost including gold? Do you not get that as well or does the no gold restriction apply to the two extra essences only?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I’m travelling currently and have limited wifi, could you provide a time stamp?

[@rjba02]

Thanks! Its at the 9:00 mark

[@WatchItPlayed]

Rafael My understanding is that you total the number of essences on the original card, no matter what they were, add 2 to that number, and then you collect that many resources, in any combination you want (excluding gold).

[@rjba02]

Watch It Played Thanks for the clarification Rodney! You really helped the decision to buy it. I'll be getting this game as soon as its available here in my country (Philippines)

[@giladnadler]

If do you check for victory in the middle of the game, is the 1st player still counts?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yes!

[@giladnadler]

@@WatchItPlayed thanks

[@David-cz7mm]

Explained perfectly :) thanks a lot

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome David!

[@Medsas]

I was hoping you would do a counterclockwise flip when you put the game back down at the end of the video...

[@NatashaLeah]

Can you do a how to play for game of thrones LCG and root?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the interest! I talk a bit about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XXdaisfrqUbKM&t=342

[@30Felipex]

Is it possible to discart a card in use ?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Nope.

[@wyz1324]

Reminds me of 51st state or Imperial settlers.

[@jestermask6460]

How many times you think Rod had to retry the flip? lol

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

I cant seem to find an answer for this: when you must pay resources due to a life loss effect and dont have green resource to pay, who decides which resource you then pay? Is it the owner of the life loss ability or the person who is paying for the effect? If it is the person paying for the effect, then why would you ever get green resource for this purpose since it can be any resource you can pay with. Would be cool that if you dont have green, then the owner of the life loss effect can punish you for it by making you pay it with gold instead. This way green resource would have a value for being your "life"

[@WatchItPlayed]

When you must pay resources due to a life loss effect and don't have green resource to pay, you decide which of your other resources to pay instead.

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

@@WatchItPlayed Thanks alot!

[@savannafc]

Rodney’s wearing BGG colours!

[@UniTea__]

I'm not following why turning/unturning action cards matters if you only have 1 action per round and the cards get unturned at a new round anyway?

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@UniTea__ Hey there, I think you’ll find the video indicates you get one action “per turn”, and players take turns around and around the table, during a round (meaning you’ll get multiple turns per round). Hope that helps!

[@lukelu1748]

Fun fact: "Res Arcana" literally translates to "magical thing" in Latin.

[@guijauregui]

Actually, it's a little more like "the mysterious/esoteric/secret/hidden". "Magical thing" would be "Res Magica" or something like that.

[@jestermask6460]

I love you Rod! hehe

[@Medsas]

Ah the fabled essence of the "5 times chip"...

[@tomzed156]

Excellent!

[@DuyLe-mm9rv]

Could I have a permission to do the Vietnamese subtitile on this video, Rodney ?

[@WatchItPlayed]

If you send me the .srt file for it, I'd be happy to add it. You'll find the email in the About section of the channel.

[@dwarftoken]

Did you get that Spin in one take? :O

[@WatchItPlayed]

Always! ;)

[@sandee1000]

How is it for 2 players

[@WatchItPlayed]

That’s more of a review question, and I avoid getting into that with my tutorials. I don’t feel I can say for someone else what they will or won’t enjoy based on their personal tastes, but I do hope the tutorial can help give you a sense.

[@Daley63]

@@WatchItPlayed In a two player game, when one player has passed, the other player continues taking turns until they pass?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Daley Portland Correct.

[@Kindlesmith70]

Pretty, and cluttered cards. The symbols/icons on the cards are very easy to identify. Did these people make Imperial Settlers? It feels like it has the same turn structure.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Different designer and publisher.

[@Kindlesmith70]

Ah. Just the turn structure borrows heavily from Imperial Settlers. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

[@batadjole2280]

That spin at 0:10

[@TheQueerLeaf]

Cool game

[@michiel6789]

RODNEEEE ma boy !

[@rollerbirdie]

Hey, guess what? MAGE you look!

[@Skorrigan]

So i get an elven bow as a Duelist to construct the Great Pyramids of Giza... Got it.

[@WatchItPlayed]

That's how it works! ;)

[@frankdetank9126]

I like 🥓

[@jacobcarpenter3513]

Is Rodney calling it “Ray’s arcana”? 🤣

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yeah, that’s what I saw the designer call it. Not what I would have guessed personally.

[@Syberi388]

wicked hair do

[@WatchItPlayed]

thx

[@AliceJellyfish]

I just thought of something. these are the same colors as MTG (magic the gathering) just white with gold is the stretch

[@kruskisking2062]

I wonder if white will be another essence in a future expansion. The insert is built for a 6th essence.

[@fuloran1]

Rodney after 3 espressos = 1.25 speed

[@sauljaffe4268]

"Does any player has 10+ VPs?" ???

[@WatchItPlayed]

Not sure what the question is?

[@sauljaffe4268]

@@WatchItPlayed Not really a question so much as pointing out the grammar error. Also wondering if this game is from a company that is translating rules/cards from another language into English.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Saul Jaffe I know the designer is English, but the publisher might not be.