My friend told me my game explanations were making people check their phones

About two years back, we were setting up a new game, 'Dune: Imperium', and I launched into my usual full rulebook breakdown. Halfway through, my friend Mike just said, 'Eva, you're doing it again. You're giving the history of the spice before you tell us how to move. Everyone's eyes are glazing over.' He was right. I looked around and two people were on their phones. I used to think being thorough was key, but I was just burying the fun. Now I stick to the absolute core rules to get playing in under five minutes. I explain scoring, a main action or two, and what makes you win. Everything else comes up as we go. It's made game nights way smoother. Has anyone else had to shorten their teach after getting some honest feedback?

2 comments

2 Comments

perez.thea1mo ago

Wait, was it Dune Imperium or Dune? Because Dune Imperium is a deckbuilder with worker placement, not the classic Dune game. That's a pretty different teach. Either way, cutting it down is the right move for sure.

davis.emma1mo ago

You mentioned explaining scoring and a main action first. What's the one rule you always leave out at the start, even though it feels weird to skip? For me with Dune Imperium, it's the whole intrigue card phase.