← How to Explain a Game · Lesson 3 of 4
Start before everyone understands
The urge is to wait until everyone has every rule. Resist it. Once people know how to win and have seen one turn, start playing. Explain the rest when it comes up, at the moment it matters.
A rule heard in the abstract is forgotten. The same rule heard when it is about to change your move is remembered. "You can only do that if you have a red card. Do you?"
Tell the table at the start that the first game is a practice game. Then nobody minds a mistake, and you can let someone take a move back.
Two players still look unsure after the goal and one shown turn. What is the usual best move?
A lesson is kept once you've answered the question and written at least 8 words. Nobody grades it; it stays on this device.