How do you create rules for board games?

Answer 1

Rules for Board Games are often developed through a trial and error process. Once you have an idea for a game, make a quick mock-up and test it with other players. You'll want to play it over and over with different types of players, both experienced gamers and people who just play for fun, as well as players of a variety of ages.

Modify and change the rules as you go. Don't forget to play your game with different numbers of players as a game will play very differently with two players than it will with a larger group. You may even need to modify some rules to make the game enjoyable for just two players versus three or more.

As you test and tweak your game, a rough draft of your game's rules will slowly be crafted. Once you have a way to play that you think is right, it's time to write the final draft of the rules. Almost all games include the following:

• Game's Name
• Ages and Number of Players
• Game's Object or Goal - This is a quick blurb about how the game "works."
• List of the Game's Components
• How To Assemble the Game (if necessary)
• Game Setup - This is how to set up the game before you start to play.
• Game Play - This is the main portion of the instructions and should include what happens on a player's turn. Also use this area to explain what happens in particular circumstances or on special spaces.
• Winning - Explain how the game ends and how the winner is determined.

Once you're done, don't forget to have a few people try your rules out. Ask them to read your rules and see if they have any questions. Two easy ways to test if the rules are well written is to see if they can explain how to play the game or if they can play the whole game the correct way.