5. Generally, I try to avoid complicated instructions, or even any instructions at all, when showing new players the game. It’s too confusing, and players feel like they HAVE to do certain things, and then they feel that they aren’t doing those things they have to do effectively, then they feel like maybe you’re not telling them what they need to know no matter how much you’re saying, then they feel overrun by all the stuff you’re telling them. That’s why I just give them a fat chunk of infantry. Let that infantry absorb the brunt of their mistakes. In the meantime, just answer the questions they ask, but keep it as short as you can so they’re not overwhelmed.
6. Sometimes, a player will take that big fat chunk of infantry and ram it right down your throat. That’s okay. People like winning. How better to lure them in introduce them to the game?
7. Giving your opponent a few ends and odds of units isn’t going to make a big impact on the game. I can give a Russian player four infantry, and he can go and buy a bomber and a sub on R1. Just give 'em a god-awful chunk of infantry, I say.
8. Don’t be afraid to CALL THE GAME. A sixteen hour game doesn’t necessarily appeal.
Intro games are a lot like sex, it isn’t about winning or losing, it’s about having a good time.
Of course, that usually means letting the other player win, which contradicts what I just said.
But you can look at it like having a one night stand, or an extended relationship. Even if the extended relationship is just a series of one night stands, it’s still more fun than just a single one night stand. Now, if there were infinite horny monkeys out there, you could have infinite one night stands. But there aren’t that many horny monkeys, so you have to show the monkeys a good time if you want them to play with you.
Likewise, there aren’t all that many players that can sit down for a long period of time and play a board game.
(snif) it’s so beautiful, all about love and trust and Meaningful Relationships . . . I think that’s why I really play A&A.
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Lol, not rly, it’s about seeing them cry. CRY, I SAY! Man, I don’t care if I put someone off the game, so long as I can get sweet, sweet victory. I say, the less scrubs out there, the better. That way I won’t waste my time!
Ah, sweet crack pipe. How I love thee.