A Gest Of Robin Hood (a COIN Game!) - How To Play

[@WatchItPlayed]

*NOTICE:* After this tutorial was recorded, an official update to the rules was presented by the designer: "5.1.1 Regular Events. All regular Events have two options that players may choose from when executing the Event, one unshaded and one shaded. Robin Hood may only choose the unshaded option and the Sheriff may only choose the shaded option." *NOTE:* If Robin Hood is in Prison, the Swashbuckle Deed allows him to be placed *in* or adjacent to Nottingham. The video only indicates he may be placed adjacent. *NOTE:* If you rob the Nottingham treasury, it also gives +1 Justice.

[@TheStretts]

42:17 woah! Feel like this game really clicks when the carriage explanation comes in, so thematic!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Pretty cool element to the game, right?

[@sergewind2208]

Do more COIN please, your videos are so good

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks so much :)

[@FeyNick]

@@WatchItPlayed Would love you to do another how to for a COIN game. Red Dust Rebellion perhaps ;)

[@1SaschaT]

The fine grained chapter marks are really helpful to lookup specific details. Well done!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you liked that!

[@wmarclocher]

Robin Hood, what a great theme for a COIN game!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Agreed! I love the Robin Hood stories, so seeing it represented in a COIN game was quite a treat!

[@wombatgirl997]

Completely agreed. I hope they do more fantasy/"what-if" COIN games. I'm not as much into history but I love speculative fiction. The system seems super solid but I just never felt the need to pick up anything in the series before because the theme didn't appeal to me.

[@-Markus-]

The initiative track here is such a brilliant and elegant mechanic, I hope this is something future COIN titles might look at.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I think it works well here too.

[@Claymen7]

In the rules the designer says he stole it directly from The British way - a COIN anthology

[@-Markus-]

@@Claymen7 Ok good to know. I know this is a COIN system but its laid out in such a intuitive way.

[@CarlToonist]

I am normally not a coin game player. But this is a wonderful theme, and it looks like they did a great job of incorporating it into the game play

[@WatchItPlayed]

I thought Fred put in a lot of excellent theme related twists too :)

[@henriwhitehead]

Most anticipated video of the year!

[@aungkyawpaing2865]

1st

[@WatchItPlayed]

It's been a journey, but the game is almost here!

[@peterixon8708]

This was both an excellent 'how to play' example, but also a strong motivator to buy the game. Well done. Gene was smart to ask you to do this review.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I was excited to be able to cover this one - I hope you get a chance to try it!

[@guacamolen]

I haven’t really looked into COIN games too much, but I heard Root was pretty much a "COIN lite" game. After watching this, definitely seems like that description fits. Since I love Root but don’t have a ton of players all the time, this seems like a great option!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for checking this out, I hope you get a chance to try it!

[@danieljdm9519]

I've heard the comparison too, but I don't think it's particularly fitting. Root has a few minor similarities, in that it has asymmetrical factions, including some that are "insurgent" (thought they don't play that much like insurgent factions in COIN games). However, COIN games (and the COIN-spinoff Irregular Conflict Series games, which is what A Gest of Robin Hood technically is) all use some form of this "contested event card system" (for lack of a better term - I haven't seen anyone come up with a convenient shorthand for the system), which defines the core gameplay loop and doesn't have any analog in Root. Because of this difference, COIN games end up feeling very different from Root. No shade against Root - it's a great game, and if you like it you could definitely enjoy COIN/ICS games too (I recommend trying Vijayanagara for a currently available entry-point). Just that the similarities are pretty limited.

[@-Markus-]

@@danieljdm9519 Yeah I think the comparison have come around simply because Cole Wehrle at some point mentioned that one of his inspirations for Root was the COIN series. But I also think its not a good comparison, the main similarity between them would be the asymmetric factions and more specifically how each faction has individual and unique ways they win a game. Which isnt even much similar between the two. I dont mind people comparing Root to COINs, and I wholeheartedly love both Root and COIN but personally I dont much similarity. And anything that gets people playing either of these is a good thing!

[@davismcnevin8795]

Wringing my hands in anticipation. I can NOT wait for this game to deliver. Thanks for this explanation. It all seems very intuitive, but I'm sure to watch this again before trying to play. Great job!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Davis - hopefully you don't have to wait too much longer :)

[@chriskoppen4613]

So great! Always look to Rodney first when learning a game! Thank you again!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You’re very welcome!

[@beakerkell]

Preordered a few days ago. So excited to get my first COIN game!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm excited for you to have your first COIN game! I hope you really enjoy :)

[@damfino22]

I pre-ordered my copy a couple weeks ago. So glad to see you do a How To Play for this. Excellent job!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you - have a great time playing!

[@findinapp8311]

Great how to play!! Just a small detail: in sneak plot “Sneaking Merry Men that will become Hidden should be set to Hidden before placing them in destination spaces, so that the Sheriff does not know which of them is Robin Hood.” P.7 in rules of play

[@WatchItPlayed]

Correct - a good reminder to bring up!

[@elqord.1118]

Beyond excited!!!! Never seen Rodney so enthusiastic

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@wombatgirl997]

I'm just getting into COIN games and this looks surprisingly fun. I love the idea of there being a leader piece that is face down so only one player knows where it is.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed what you saw - thanks for checking out the video!

[@mattkruse1364]

Def gonna get this. I tried to learn fire in the lake a number of times on tabletop simulator but it kept breaking my brain with the complexity. This looks very manageable! And the theme with the carriages is great.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I played Fire In The Lake once, and it kind of broke my brain too. I really enjoyed it, but I'd need a few more plays to "get it".

[@ericburgess8347]

Just ordered thanks to this video! Great job on the overview!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly - have a great time playing!

[@MyBricks4you]

This looks really fun! I have always had an interest in COIN games, but it would be hard to get most to the table due to theme. My wife loves Root and this game really seems to the fit the space between Root and most other COIN games so I think we’ll have a blast with this one, ordered! Also, thanks for a really great teach, your videos are top notch.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Excellent, I hope you'll enjoy the game! It's shipping VERY soon now.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Really glad to know you enjoyed what you saw - I hope you and your wife had a fantastic time playing!

[@LmodianABiene]

Wau, perfect How To Play video :) I really like the way you are using thematical names and describes the situations in theme, which really helps me to remember the specific rule :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say - glad you enjoyed!

[@ColonelKurtz]

51:15 the merryman piece in Newark should have to move, yes? Which also means it could not have been swapped with Robin Hood, either.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Exactly right! That should have been moved during the example - sorry if that caused any confusion (by guess is that I had a camp there at one point, but accidentally removed it before that shot).

[@cardboardconflicts]

Yes! I playtested this and so happy for Fred see it come out! (Just don’t tell him I said that!)

[@WatchItPlayed]

Your secret is safe with us!

[@viktorkm]

Oh! First GMT game that get a how to play on the channel? I wonder if this is a free treat from Rodney becouse he loves his COIN games 😉

[@WatchItPlayed]

I’ve done two others - surprise! 1960 Making of the President and Sekigahara. All three in partnership with GMT, and very glad to have been able to with their support!

[@viktorkm]

@@WatchItPlayedAh yes! That is correct! I totally forgot about those! Amazing games.

[@Karak-Fak]

Didn’t you also do Cuba Libre? 🙂

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@Karak-Fak I had previously done a live teach and play on Twitch. Then last week we included a full play through on the channel here for Cuba Libre.

[@akalkendi]

Excellent teach as usual. It's always a pleasure seeing your video amongst the list of videos of a certain game I'm planning to play. Any chance covering Vijayanagara as well?

[@WatchItPlayed]

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

[@glayher]

My Gest of Robin Hood p500 shipped today. I think this video pushed it over edge for printing. Thank you for the assist

[@WatchItPlayed]

Ha! I'm glad to hear it - have a fantastic time playing when it arrives!

[@victoryfish]

Fantastic game - can't wait for the final version to deliver!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very soon, I believe!

[@Nosferatu755]

I'm from Nottingham, so this video immediately caught my eye

[@WatchItPlayed]

I always enjoy when I see the area I'm from on a board game map too :)

[@justgettothegame6331]

Just ordered from this video… great job sir!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have a great time playing!

[@thomasvickery5671]

Loved the enthusiasm coming through! Cant wait to get this on the table!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Thomas, it was a pleasure to be able to share this one. Have a great time playing!

[@47571660]

Don't have much opportunity to play two-player games, though this one looks fantastic. Thanks for the great video, as always!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Appreciate you checking it out, even though 2 player games don't get to your table as often.

[@mauriciogerhardt3209]

had heard about the coin system, and never learned one. Was a bonus to find out at the end, that now I knew one. XD

[@WatchItPlayed]

You did it! :)

[@Nubbins86]

Thanks for making this. Much appreciated. I'm even more excited to get my tracking number now!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Shipping soon!

[@geebax8440]

Looks like a lot of fun! My copy is supposed to arrive tomorrow and I'll get to play over the weekend!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Excellent - have a great time playing!

[@reganfawley8362]

You had me at "places their screens", I love hidden movement games!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed what you saw :)

[@beng2143]

I have this on the P500 and am really looking forward to it. As a Nottinghamshireman myself, I must point out that Southwell is pronounced more like "Suth-ull" and not "South-well".

[@WatchItPlayed]

Darn it! I tried to get these exactly right, and that one alluded me.

[@beng2143]

​​@WatchItPlayed That said, a member of my gaming group has informed me that the residents of Southwell do pronounce it South-well! So...we're both right I guess!

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@beng2143 That makes me feel better!

[@RumplSK]

Thanks!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - thanks for the kind support!

[@Gathanokos]

Oh wow, this is without a doubt the most aesthetically pleasing GMT game if not the only XD

[@WatchItPlayed]

They've been making some good improvements in this area!

[@jakubProcházka-b4f]

Amazing how to play. Helped a lot. Thank you for it

[@WatchItPlayed]

So glad to hear - have fun playing!

[@vaulttecharry]

Very very good tutorial. This game is a must have who likes coin games.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks - glad you liked it (and the game!)

[@tylerferrara6612]

This was great! Would love to see Vijayanagara: The Deccan Empires of Medieval India cause o hear it’s a good way to get into COIN

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm keen to try that at some point!

[@ToddCarter]

Love it. I look forward to playing this one when it ships to me.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have a great time playing - thanks for checking out the video!

[@Ronno765]

35:37 (Swashbuckling) If I read the player aid correctly, you can also place Robin Hood IN Nottingham?!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're exactly right - the video doesn't convey that. I will add this to a pinned comment and the description of the video.

[@ManJackThe]

This game looks stunning!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@hairbrainedgames3127]

Great learning video. You should have brought Fred on as a ... Gest... speaker...

[@WatchItPlayed]

The video would never have ended, we would have ended up totally distracted with game banter :)

[@hairbrainedgames3127]

@@WatchItPlayed You say that like it's a bad thing. ;). Seriously, though. Good video, am excited to get my copy.

[@Mutucas]

Amazing teach! I´m so happy we got a more accessible COIN game (theme and mecanics)! Looking foward to play this one with the family. BTW, what do you think of hidden pieces games, Rodney? Any you would recommend for an 7 yo?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed what you saw :) I tend to avoid giving personalized recommendations. What I like, someone else might not - but hopefully you see a few games on here that might be what you are looking for!

[@housecaldwell]

0:14 seconds in and I've already learned that I've been pronouncing the name wrong and I now know what "gest" means. Off to a good start!

[@WatchItPlayed]

This game helped me learn that too :)

[@davidshaw8056]

You're the best, Rodney and team!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad you've been enjoying!

[@cferejohn]

/me stares impatiently at GMT 500 page. This looks great.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very soon! I hope!

[@_p2bg]

Amazing video! Thanks Rod!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@octaviustyree8899]

Do you have any other COIN game How to Play? This one isn't the typical COIN look for the board that I know of. Trying to learn Fire in the Lake.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You'll find a live teach and a live play for Cuba Libre linked in the description of this video, in case that's helpful.

[@CloudBuilderMetba]

What a great overview. This was essential to play it last night! One question. In the redeployment phase you noted that the Sheriff shouldn’t know if RH places the Robin Hood piece. How would this happen if you’re placing from reserve and adding a piece. Does that mean instead the Sheriff shouldn’t know where the Robin Hood piece is deployed, not that it was deployed at all?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'm not quite sure what you mean - do you have a time stamp to the section of the video you are asking about? That would help me with the context - thanks.

[@bradlybillingsley1870]

Is this officially released right now? I remember backing this on p500 quite a while ago. So excited to play!

[@victoryfish]

Releasing very soon - should be charging imminently

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very soon!

[@jeremyspillerYT]

How does Rodney do that? I mean the spinning box trick, he does it in all his videos and it never clatters to the floor. So does he practice for hour or is it as many takes as it takes to get one that works? Whatever way it is, it always makes me smile and thanks Rodney for your very excellent explanation videos.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Practice? It's almost as if you're suggesting this isn't a natural talent?! *gasp* :) Thanks for the kind words about the videos Jeremy!

[@Michel_Vanaken]

If I've followed correctly, a parish can never be in a "passive" state? What are those passive labels on the board for? That's confusing...

[@WatchItPlayed]

There are event effects that can cause a parish to become passive. Hope that helps!

[@Michel_Vanaken]

@@WatchItPlayed Ok, that makes more sense. Thank you.

[@wmarclocher]

In hindsight before you started with Cuba Libre would you have prefeed to start out with this, vol 2 of the Irregular Conflict Series from GMT as your gateway COIN game or would you stick with CL or maybe GMTs new intro People Power?

[@WatchItPlayed]

That's a tough call. I don't usually offer my personal recommendations, but I'll say this: I wouldn't start with Pendragon or Fire In the Lake :)

[@wmarclocher]

@@WatchItPlayed LOL agreed.

[@Karak-Fak]

Would you say Rodney that this is easier than Colonial Twilight? Love the vid as always 🙂

[@WatchItPlayed]

I'd have a hard time saying in that case. For example, if you asked which is easier, this or Fire In The Lake, for me personally, I'd say this.

[@Karak-Fak]

@@WatchItPlayed of course! I was only asking re Colonial as it’s also a 2 player. Want to get a friend in and play the more “gateway 2-player”. Fire in the Lake is probably the hardest to grasp in all cmon so I totally agree 👍🏼

[@joaquimdorca3495]

Excellent video!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly!

[@KabukiKid]

Go, Fred! :-D

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very happy for Fred to see this title nearing release!

[@TeamBecwar]

Hey Rodney, so I have a COIN related question and despite even a thread on BGG I can’t seem to find the answer. Hopefully you (and/or the community) can help! We’re playing Liberty or Death. I’m the Patriots and the 2nd priority and I want to choose Command to block out the British player BUT I have no resources. Can I still select this option and not execute (since I have no free Commands) or can I only Pass? Thanks!!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

I haven't played Liberty or Death in several months so I forget it's specific terms, but I'll answer using Cuba Libre terms. My understanding has always been that in order to put my marker in the Ops and Special activity box, I must be performing at least 1 Ops. Likewise, if I want to put my marker in the Events box, I must resolve the event.

[@TeamBecwar]

Thank you! This is what we were leaning towards (and similar with other games verbiage - we’re just new to COIN games so weren’t sure). Appreciate the quick reply and the channel!

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@TeamBecwar Have fun exploring these titles :)

[@KDB1042]

Obligatory has it got a solo mode?

[@WatchItPlayed]

It doesn’t. The hidden elements would likely make that very hard. And be assured, if a game can be played solo, I’ll always mention it in the video.

[@HomoLudens1871]

Some people in the playtest group are chatting with the dev, Joe Dewhurst, to release an unofficial solo bot on Bgg

[@Seawolf159]

You forgot to mention that robbing Nottingham treasury also gives justice +1

[@WatchItPlayed]

Excellent catch - thank you. I will add this to the pinned comment! Sorry for that.

[@shatnershairpiece]

They spelled ‘Guest’ wrong. Looking forward to this one. I’ve never kept any GMT games so I hope this is the ferst.

[@victoryfish]

In case you aren't joking - Gest is correct, it means "Song" in middle/old French. For example, we have the Gest/Song of Roland.

[@MerlinsManor]

Gest also refers to an adventure, exploit, or deed, which may be the usage meant here. ​@@victoryfish

[@shatnershairpiece]

@@victoryfishI think the use of ferst should indicate I am joking.

[@victoryfish]

@@shatnershairpiece yeah lol I didn’t notice that before posting haha

[@WatchItPlayed]

You joke, but when I first saw the title I thought it was an error. Because of this game, I've learned a new word!

[@thegametrainer9004]

so weird, i live on this map 😂

[@WatchItPlayed]

That's always fun, right?

[@thegametrainer9004]

@@WatchItPlayed well first time for me 😂

[@lukepickles5099]

Welp… guess I’m getting a COIN game

[@WatchItPlayed]

That's the spirit!

[@aungkyawpaing2865]

First