As a table top enjoyer I generally prefer to explain the Big Idea to people up front. Then explain the specifics as we go. This works pretty well for most people
Yes, top down explanation of the game is the best: this is how you win, this is how you get there, this is what you do on your turn, etc. so many people try to explain a game starting with what you do on your turn and the player doesn’t even know what their goal is.
And honestly I forget a lot of rules and exceptions of many games or I don’t get the chance to properly explain.
So my rule of thumb is to allow it this time only or provide some special restitution so that they know the rule for next time.
Example
Someone tried in Catan to put a settlement one road away from another settlement, before I could say specifically where settlements could be placed. I let them spend the cards and have a free settlement coupon to use once they had an appropriate place to settle if they wanted.
As a table top enjoyer I generally prefer to explain the Big Idea to people up front. Then explain the specifics as we go. This works pretty well for most people
Yes, top down explanation of the game is the best: this is how you win, this is how you get there, this is what you do on your turn, etc. so many people try to explain a game starting with what you do on your turn and the player doesn’t even know what their goal is.
The other great tip I’ve learned (for games and life) is explaining the rule before the exception.
Let people mull around the usual way things go for a bit before introducing all of the instances where things don’t.
And honestly I forget a lot of rules and exceptions of many games or I don’t get the chance to properly explain.
So my rule of thumb is to allow it this time only or provide some special restitution so that they know the rule for next time.
Example
Someone tried in Catan to put a settlement one road away from another settlement, before I could say specifically where settlements could be placed. I let them spend the cards and have a free settlement coupon to use once they had an appropriate place to settle if they wanted.