The PROBLEM with Rulebooks

[@colinglynn5563]

I am a huge fan of rulebooks having walkthroughs that take you through a few turns or even an entire game. I realize it takes a few more pages, and extra paper costs money in terms of paper and design and weight and package size (maybe), but I would be happy with this feature being available as an online extra on youtube from the developer. just walk us through every turn of an entire game, explaining every mechanic through that walkthrough

[@PsychicLord]

You guys are spot-on. I have been reading rule books for nearly 55 years, early rule books rarely demonstrated any concept with illustrations, yet made perfect sense. Personally, I commence the draft of a rule book during the games design, and amend it as the game develops. Play testing helps to ensure the rulebook is fit for purpose, whilst blind playtesting provides the proof of the pudding.

[@quibily]

What a coincidence! I'm in a class about teaching reading and writing, and I'm using learning to play a board game as a basis for a series of lesson plans for my final project. I chose Carcassonne, which is pretty good, as far as rulebooks go. However, I think manuals could really benefit from either a walkthrough or a decision flow chart.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

The Puerto Rico board game won the Essen Feather Awards for its rulebook. If you read them, you will clearly see why. It is the best rulebook I have ever seen.

[@Sam_Richins]

Wingspan's Starting guide is something that not every game can do, but as many as can, should. It really helps people, as not only can they read what's happening, but see some of the interactions. Super nice. Another game that's interesting is Tapestry. It started out with a rulebook that was just 4 total pages (front and back of a folded page), and was so simple and it was easy to learn. They also had a couple of reference guides on what everything on each track did, so you could look at it. But, once the expansions came, the rulebooks just got... Wow. The worst is when there's combinations that you don't know if it's legal or not, and there's no answer. Blech.

[@lelandrighter6797]

One rulebook I really liked was the Lost Ruins of Arnak. It started out with the setup, just to show you what you'd be interacting with (can't imagine teaching a game without first establishing the interface...). Then moved into round structure, breaking down not only all the actions you could take but doing it in the order players are likely to take those actions. Some extra stuff is wrapped up at the end of the rulebook, and then there's a nice reference on the back for symbols. I can't name any rulebooks that definitively lay things out in a better manner.

[@septimustavi9352]

Wayfarer's of the South Tigris does 1. Brief aim of game, including a line about end game trigger 2. Components 3. Set-up 4. Gameplay overview (includes how to read cards, how to add them to your tableau, whats giving you points, 80% of the iconography) 5. Player's turns (covers all 3 main options for what you can do and the restrictions around those options, and the other 20% of icons) 6. End game 7. Example of scoring In terms of reading the rules to be able to understand how to play the game this is probably one of the best rulebooks I've ever read and it flows very well, though there are still some very niche interactions that I've had to google. Though this is not how I teach the game.

[@Esauofisaac]

Definitely adding onto the praise for the TI4 book. Learn to Play gives you all the info you need to tackle the game itself, and it's arranged in such a way in the actual rules that it breaks down each component of an action such that even if you don't have the direct wording of an answer to how to proceed you know the spirit of the law. Beyond that, though, I really love games that are easy to be understood visually. An example is another 4X game Eclipse, where on the board you have a direct visual indicator of what each action does, without needing to reference the rulebook outside of rare events.

[@garettruesch2294]

I wish I could offer my services as an editor for rulebooks. I have thousands of hours of experience teaching board games and I feel like I could really make a difference in rulebooks. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to even offer my help without the right connections.

[@misdirections]

A crazy good rule book was for Police Precinct. It looks like a MESS at first, but as I went through it, it ended up explaining things perfectly, and in a very natural language too.

[@mitchellkopitch]

The main issue I have with rule books is when they use terms without explaining what it means. A word like “scoring” or “eliminated” can vary quite significantly from game to game but they continue on as if you know what it means. Word choice for things is very important but you also need to explain that. I personally have to find someone playing the game online in a video form to understand fully. Some rule books are passable, and I can get by but dang

[@rinaldodelucca8073]

Being a former professor, I have no patience for badly written rulebooks. If the rulebook is bad, I won't buy the game. I am not going to pay for a sub-developed product, the rulebook is part of the product.

[@daem0nfaust]

Not every game can have easily concise rulebooks that work fine with mid-complexity ones, but if the rulebook has to go long I like it when after the components list and objective and setup is explained, they give a clear explanation of HOW to use their rulebook. This especially workable with those that put exceptions and emphasis on marginalia.

[@DaCooGa]

Whaaaat, was that Xia footage I saw at 12:59? Omg id love to see a review/ur opinions on that game

[@DaleNolanJr]

Hegemony is one of the best rule books I’ve read for a complex game. It walks you through the game so clearly.

[@robertthurman9866]

I try to play a new game on my computer table with a searchable PDF of the rules on the computer. Between the PDF and Google I can figure out issues really quick. One thing I have never figured out is why an important rule is mentioned only once in a rule book even though that rule can comes into play 3-4 times in a turn. That rule (like the discarding events in the War of the Rings card game) only gets mentioned in passing in the last of 4 phases in which it can be used. You don't even know where to look for the rule in the manual.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Gameplay Examples of Cards, etc., should be a must for any rulebook.

[@closedchill5243]

Nice video. I think the videogame style of teaching as you play is a great idea, especially for complex games. Some board games sort of try this with scenarios but I have yet to play a game that I thought did it really well. I wonder if a legacy type game would work. Put full sections of the game manual in the sealed boxes so players just focus on rules and mechanics they have unlocked. Then add those rules to the book via 3-ring binder. It would make for large boxes, and how would the digital manual work? hmm Edit: any chance you will be playing Europa Universalis: Price of Power?

[@dagdamar2000]

This is exactly why I backed shadowdark. Not only play tested by player BUT They actually offered the basic rules for free that you can down load BEFORE you put the money down on the kick starter. They did every thing right and that is why they got my money. You can play the game with the free basic download but if you want more then kick start for the full rules. everything you said was so correct as far as a lot of rulebooks are not written well to the end user. I.C.E. used to encourage feed back from play groups., I was in one for silent death. It was kinda cool that an executive from the company asked and listened to what a bunch of teenagers thought if the game. For me that is how you get it right .. simply ask the people that play it what they think.

[@iphatbass]

Do you guys have podcast? I could easily listen your ramblings for hours 😁

[@Shelfside]

yep we do! It was supposed to be every month, but we're not too consistent with it haha. Check it out on www.shelfside.co/podcast

[@Spoutnicks]

BattleCon had comic panels for a rules primer. That was kinda fun.

[@GoranTurda]

Ah Cerebria taken me 4-5 years to finally put it on to a table due to language (terminology used). Previously I could not wrap my head around it, all I want to see at least in brackets a reference to wording. Now playing it, it is actually pretty good rule book, but those twisted words (not generic words for components) was enought to turn me away from playing it. Many other games have no reference or not even a picture how to set up a game. Also many tutorials it would benefit if they show more examples just a few more pages.

[@Shelfside]

Cerebria was something else haha. I'm at the point where I'm hoping it becomes industry standard to have official playthroughs, extensive faqs, and QR codes to digital resources where you can ctrl-f search rules significantly faster than you'd ever be able to skim the rulebook. -Daniel

[@kirkbeiserlynxlakegames768]

I think a big part of good rulebooks is the core game design. You briefly talked about this but there are some games that have very simple actions. Most of the Ryan Laukat games have unnecessary complexity imo. I love the games a lot but the games feel like a lite midweight game but they take a long time to explain every part of the game. Another thing that I like in rulebooks is a one page quick reference that shows the action order each round. Kids Table Board Games does a great job including one of these on the last page of their rulebook.

[@mercuzio711]

Am I right that we have a flaming of "Human Punishment: the Beginning" incoming, especially the rulebook? ;)

[@Shelfside]

haha, I remember daniel saying the rulebook was terrible. We're trying to review it at some point (played it like 3 times), but it just keeps getting pushed back -Ashton

[@Wh0isTh3D0ct0r]

I can't stand rulebooks that are the same length and width as the interior of a typical square-shaped board game box. It makes it harder to get the rulebook out of the box, and it's so big that it can't be held in just one hand. Dune Imperium is the best example of this that I can think of.

[@SarimRune]

Really appreciate this vid. It came at the perfect time, as I'm trying to learn Elder Scrolls Skyrim Adventure game. The rule book is awful. Some of the info is in the tutorial book which I was considering skipping. The iconography is poorly thought out and I was struggling to figure the game out. Needed to go to KZbin to learn it.

[@AdamJorgensen]

I know I must have some decent rulebooks in my collection, but surveying the shelves behind me I'm struggling to think of any that really stuck out as excellent. I have a soft spot for the Doomtown Reloaded rulebook and how to play guide that AEG did with their re-release but apparently other DTR players don't think as highly of it. Otherwise...hmmmmm....

[@mikes4865]

GMT has good rule books but better than that they have living rules posted on the game pages on their website. The other thing they do for complex games they usually have a play book which give great examples of game play.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Why don't rulebooks have Glossaries a the end? Games like Robinson Crusoe should have a Glossary in which you can look up any word (a.e. "Camp") that tells you which page to go to find what you are looking for without the need to look it up online or reread the entire thing.

[@pilotvc]

Examples with pictures are very important

[@JEGranberg]

Universal Head (Peter) of the Esoteric Order of Gamers has excellent rules references. He does fantastic work on summarizing rules into easy to follow guides.

[@Pinstripedood]

War of the Ring has one of the worst rulebooks I've ever seen. It's unnecessarily long and so many details seem misplaced, but there are also parts where it reiterates the same rules. I've played that game 3 or 4 times and I am still finding rules I was missing.

[@Shelfside]

amen. First 2 games were a complete disaster. -Ashton

[@Deadsubstance]

You guys should review Orléans

[@sillypookmonster]

Waiting for cloning to be perfected so we can get a free Rodney with every game

[@KitsuneBleu]

Not only are GMT/Wargame rulebooks bad, both in terms of clarity and errata, the players seem to have Stockholm Syndrome as to that is how rulebooks should be, like a secret code and intentional hurdle to their little niche of the gaming world. One designer demands only strict interpretation. One designer suggests interpretation if things aren't clear. Ask on BGG and the stock response is "What does the rulebook say?" I don't know, dude, that's why I'm asking. Having to know the quirks of each designer does not make for good rules. One question I put to BGG was how to order numbers from "lowest to highest". Yes, the pain is so bad that I had to ask what "lowest to highest" meant. Was that -6, -3, -2, -1? Or does it mean -1, -2, -3, -6? It was the second example. Of course it was. Why? Because "you need to assume absolute value". Was this a game from a designer that demanded strict reading of the rules, interpreting nothing? Also yes. So always interpret strictly except when you don't.

[@plungy]

Exceptions on Rules are a bad mechanic and will slow down or even destroy a game! When a game begins to strain its becomes a nightmare to be aware of all those exceptions.

[@Crockist]

I don't play too many different games, so I think I've been a bit lucky when it comes to rulebooks. There are, however, a few bad examples I've seen. To keep this brief, I'll just talk about the most annoying one. Super Truffle Pigs, on the other hand, wins the award for placing a rule in the most inappropriate of places. There are these little dens, but you can warp in between them. Where does the rulebook mention this? Not in the movement section. Not anywhere in the rules explaining how a turn works. It's in the components list on page 1 mixed in with how many pieces the game should contain. I didn't know that rule for a while, and even when I teach this game I always forget to teach this rule because it's still hard to remember.

[@xanth987]

i’ve found that when it comes to my games, i’ve gotten into the habit of using index cards to put into the box. a shortcut of how much each person gets. how much certain are. actions of various common spaces. it has helped me get the setup done much faster looking at a single card than a rule book

[@OrdemDoGraveto]

That's something I really need to do with the game I'm designing: Improve the rulebook!

[@Shelfside]

blind playtesting is awesome for that :D -Ashton

[@OrdemDoGraveto]

@@Shelfside i know. My bigest problem in rule book is that im too objetive. I present the rules in the most straight to the point way posible, i need to learn How to include examples in a natural way.

[@PersianImm0rtal]

Have you ever tried downloading the rulebook PDF file and using control + F to search the key word of the rule you looking for ? It can help

[@Shelfside]

Definitely helps, but shouldn't be a prerequisite to learn/facilitate a game! A rules reference or index fulfills that job without having to use extra external resources -Ashton

[@joncasso]

I’m really tired and enjoyed watching this video

[@hunter4hire]

Please tape a playing of Civilization.

[@Shelfside]

like, the whole game?! Sid Meier's 2010? That would be quite the experience haha -Ashton

[@hunter4hire]

@@Shelfside Yes! I only play board games like twice a year, as me & my buddies live far from each other now. I'm desperate to spectate a game, lol. TMI. Please, it will do great!

[@hunter4hire]

@@Shelfside I only wish I could play with you guys...

[@Shelfside]

@@hunter4hire dang man, that's not something I can do anytime soon. But will keep it in the back of my head :) -Ashton

[@darbyl3872]

Game designers don't always realize we read one sentence at a time. If you clarify paragraph 3 in paragraph 41, you should quit your job. You don't deserve the position of rulebook writer. And, if you don't clarify things, you should put your personal phone number in the rulebook. Then, find another job.

[@daseemore4377]

More rambling videos please.

[@JonArt_As_Board]

its why Lacerdas rulebooks/games are top notch is due to his discord and hours and hours of open to all playtesters and feedback, completely open to the public, including his next game currently.

[@stenolebrretzen675]

They are good, but not perfect. Sometimes, you can get confused if it starts describing a rule with thematic flair. I've had that happen with Weather Machine. Also it sometimes puts a key rule in a a coloured box along the side of the page which is easily missed because all the other coloured boxes were full of flavour text. But I will let Lacerda off the hook because the rulebooks are mostly good, have lots of illustrations and explain a relatively dense recursive ruleset pretty well.

[@VivecsTDawg]

I didn't find War of the Ring too difficult to understand, but I did download a setup PDF to help speed up setup time because the one in the book sucks lol

[@Ancalagon76]

In Brass, iron does not just teleport. Actually the thematic background is quite well explained in the rules. You did not need nearly as much of it as coal, so you were not dependent on a canal- or later train-network to transport it. It was just transported by carts on the road. So you don't need your network to acquire iron.

[@deepspaceexplorer4265]

I think that some publishers are getting cheap and lazy. Add to that the complexity of some games and you have a big bag of horse manure waiting to splatter your gaming table...

[@daxsynblackheart3193]

Zimby Mojo has a horrible network of rules. But fun once trudged through.

[@wayner396]

GMT games rules books are terrible. Tried learning Twilight Struggle the other day with a friend and the rule book was written like an almanac instead of rules and they'restill vague on half their concepts. Was way more difficult to make sense of stuff than it had to be

[@stenolebrretzen675]

I find that GMT rulebooks are pretty good. I will note I haven't seen the Twilight Struggle rules. It might be an acquired taste. It has the components and key concepts, then goes through the turn structure broadly. Then it goes through each element of a turn. Then all the extra bits at the end. Finally an index. Rules are mostly condensed and don't always explain why they are the way they are. What makes some GMT games difficult to learn is the way the games are designed, not how the rules are written. There are multiple games where the core of the game is dead simple, but then it has a page of rules of exceptions for the river Kwai, and four other pages full of exceptions to accomodate history. It adds flavour, but you need to devote time to learning the game for it to work in practice.

[@Shelfside]

I had a HUGE struggle trying to learn TS back in college... we almost gave up on our first game multiple times :) -Ashton

[@edackley8595]

Rule #1: NO Kickstarters. Stop financing the subpar experiences.

[@lolcookie2]

I think a lot of designers rely on BGG etc to patch the rulebooks. The average boardgame only lives for a few months really so not worth the investment I think to make the rulebooks good.

[@nathancantwell602]

A few months? Talk about cult of the new gone ballistic 😅 I stopped buying games because many are near forgotten relics after some years. But months? Glad I am mostly out now 😊

[@UmarAhmedBRU]

But guys, coal is very heavy and needs to go on trains/barges while iron can be transported by horse and carriage because we need less of it. Totally intuitive.

[@Shelfside]

hahahaha gosh. I mean it is I guess technically thematic, but man really unintuitive for us 2023 people -Ashton

[@UmarAhmedBRU]

@@Shelfside 😁😜

[@nealemarquardt7144]

FFG is the worst for rulebooks

[@kyleweeks2941]

Gotta disagree on that. I love FFGs rule books. Easy to look up things. They are not the best but they are better than most.

[@stenolebrretzen675]

The ones that just list everything in alphabetic order are hopeless. If you don't know what it is called, you have to read through the entire thing, and half of what you read you can't understand because it references things that are later in the alphabet!

[@LightPink]

I like their cosmic encounter comic that explains the basics.

[@rochedl]

If you need a Let's play video or a visit to the internet at all, you have a bad rulebook :). Gia Project is one of the worst rulebooks I have came across, The Traveller card game is another. As for good, alot of the pre 1990 games had great rule explanations, I recently picked up MB American heritage game Civil War from 1961 and the rules were great.

[@Shelfside]

The Gaia Project player aid was also REALLY laughable hahahaha. -Ashton

[@TubeJLF]

I do hate how terrible a lot of rule books are. Space base I'm looking at you! Though your Brass Birmingham comment is one where I have no issue because it's a historically based game and has a reason behind the rule!

[@hadzhere]

i never have a problem with rulebooks. i also rarely read the examples or walkthroughs provided therein (i find them superfluous). i'm always the person that teaches the rules to others. my key to doing this is, in the first game (after i've thoroughly read the rules), i make every rules call (right or wrong) without referencing the rules at all. this has the benefit of keeping the game moving and avoiding the players losing interest. after i finish the first game i reread the rules and see what mistakes i've made with my rules calls and correct them in my head. from then on i generally have the rules down pat.