Editor in Chief Bill | 14 Feb 2019 8:57 p.m. PST |
What is the best method in your personal experience for learning a new ruleset? * read the rulebook * have someone show you how to play * watch a Youtube video etc. |
KSmyth | 14 Feb 2019 10:35 p.m. PST |
I learn best from others. Especially if they are my buddies. |
Forager | 14 Feb 2019 11:11 p.m. PST |
Read it first, definitely. After that, I may watch a video if I can find one. |
BrockLanders | 14 Feb 2019 11:56 p.m. PST |
I detest learning new rulesets, which is why when I find one I like I stick with it forever. The best way for me to learn is actually playing, hopefully with someone smarter than me who is better at absorbing the information and distilling it for me |
Winston Smith | 15 Feb 2019 12:08 a.m. PST |
I remember buying a new set of rules and furiously searching through it to find the definition of one very crucial element. It features in all of that company's rules, but it wasn't defined in this one. I can only assume that they assumed you already knew what it was and what it meant. Another "tool box" set of rules had a chart that listed all of the variables that went into defining a unit's characteristic. Except the one I needed immediately at a crucial point in my first game. I found it a day later, 8 pages away from that all inclusive chart. Both rules are very well known and respected, but those examples left me Cold. If I'm going to change what I play, let someone else teach me. |
advocate | 15 Feb 2019 12:34 a.m. PST |
I like to have read the rules beforehand, but after that they are easier to learn if someone walks you through the first game or two. |
Narratio | 15 Feb 2019 2:32 a.m. PST |
I'll skim read and then play an instant game with a friend. We'll then have fun thrashing out what we did wrong on a turn by turn basis, what rules we screwed up and adding them in each turn… the usual. |
martin goddard | 15 Feb 2019 3:58 a.m. PST |
firstly a quick skim through, reading the examples and picture captains. then see any videos that are on the line. Next on to the basic mechanisms for shooting, fighting, moving and morale. Lastly the scenario set up mechanisms and the victory point schedule. All that having been said; a friend who runs me through it with me is the best by far. |
Dentatus | 15 Feb 2019 4:10 a.m. PST |
Read then watch. Preferably a live demo but YouTube works. |
etotheipi | 15 Feb 2019 4:38 a.m. PST |
Read. Demo some engagements for myself. Find a demo. |
cloudcaptain | 15 Feb 2019 4:58 a.m. PST |
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FusilierDan | 15 Feb 2019 5:37 a.m. PST |
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Oppiedog | 15 Feb 2019 6:40 a.m. PST |
Watch/play, then read, then play again. |
79thPA | 15 Feb 2019 6:44 a.m. PST |
Play a game with someone who knows the rules. |
Andy Skinner | 15 Feb 2019 8:03 a.m. PST |
I want to read the rules myself, but it sure makes it easier to learn to play if someone shows you. I never used to watch battle report videos, but I have been watching some while I'm on the treadmill. I've watched games I already know but haven't played that much recently, because it increases the familiarity. Next time I play I'll be more familiar. andy |
Tacitus | 15 Feb 2019 9:42 a.m. PST |
Read, YouTube, read, get confused, frustrated, then go back to painting… |
arsbelli | 15 Feb 2019 9:53 a.m. PST |
Read the rulebook thoroughly, watch any available YouTube videos, then play. |
Uesugi Kenshin | 15 Feb 2019 10:21 a.m. PST |
I'm stupid. I need someone to show me. |
14th NJ Vol | 15 Feb 2019 12:45 p.m. PST |
Read , play, repeat five or six times so I have it down m |
evilgong | 15 Feb 2019 1:08 p.m. PST |
Having somebody who knows the rules walk you through a game is probably easiest and has the advantage that you can leap into it straight away. And you have somebody to fire questions at rather than thumb through the rules. David F Brown |
Aethelflaeda was framed | 15 Feb 2019 2:53 p.m. PST |
read them. Too often I find those who have read the rules and explained them to me got something wrong, sometimes so very wrong to the point that the game would have been broken or makes no sense if you wanted to use historical tactics. I have found this to be the case with some folks who have played the game many, many times but never bothered to re-read the rules after play. Con games are often the worst…since the GM master doesn't want to go into the time to explain everything and might want to oversimplify for brevity. Game videos are too boring to watch. rarely can i sit through one. |
Wargamer Blue | 15 Feb 2019 6:59 p.m. PST |
Read, take a few dot point notes. And then hopefully watch a YouTube vid. |
Old Contemptibles | 15 Feb 2019 9:48 p.m. PST |
I read it all the way through each time before I play. I will sometimes watch the game being played. I also play solo a lot. Just to learn the charts and SOP. I usually get the strategy down before I learn the rules. That's not on purpose that's just how I learn. For me the worst thing about this hobby are learning rules. I am a slow reader and my comprehension is not all that great. I can run the charts but I am really slow at it. So other players lose their patience and run the charts for both of us. |