TTA Quick Start Guide | Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

Michael J

(mjacobsca)

United States
Folsom
California

After having taught this game many times to many different players, and after writing summaries of game rules over and over via e-mail, and after having searched in vain for a comprehensive rules summary that I could point a new player to, I finally decided to compile all of my various e-mails, add some graphics, and create a useful tutorial that could be handed to anyone wanting to learn how to play. Hopefully there are no major mistakes, and the order of the guide makes sense.

Posted Sun Aug 21, 2011 1:48 am
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Jonathan Harrison

(HuginnGreiling)

United States
Fisher
Illinois

South Quarter Independent Games

Firp! ding! blast!

We have put off playing this game for nearly a year because of having to wade through two different rulesets before getting to play the only version we want to play, the full game.

Thank. You.

Posted Sun Aug 21, 2011 2:13 am
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Shane Larsen

(thedacker)

United States
Salt Lake City
Utah

HuginnGreiling wrote:

We have put off playing this game for nearly a year because of having to wade through two different rulesets before getting to play the only version we want to play, the full game.

Thank. You.

Jon, I honestly believe the best way to teach/learn this game is by jumping on boardgaming-online.com and working through a couple plays there. It does so many things for a new player to simplify the learning process:

1. Eliminates rules mistakes
2. Only shows you actions that are currently available to you (this is huge since there are so many different actions in TtA)
3. It allows you to focus on the rules and game play without worrying about the "bookkeeping" side of the game
4. It's turn-based, so you can take all the time in the world to figure out every rule, on every turn, and nobody cares
5. It jumps you straight into the full game

If you want to have a go at a game with me on BGOL, I'd be happy to take you through your first couple plays. I've done it with a couple others and I really enjoy people learning this outstanding game.

Plus, it gives me another online game buddy.

My username on BGOL is Shane Larsen. I hope to see you there soon!

Posted Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:51 pm
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J. Chris Miller

(coyotemoon722)

United States

Utah

Just finished reading the guide, and I must say you did an amazing job. I just bought my copy of TTA and have yet to play it, and so I'm just preparing now for when I actually get the chance.

The 3 separate rules sections in TTA's game manual are confusing, and hard to follow. You condensed all of the rules into one section, making for fast and easy reference. The examples provided, and the bold lettering made for easy understanding as well.

A lot of people say to play the simple game first, but I'm definitely the type to go all or nothing, at least in a game of this caliber. I read the simple game rules in the manual before reading this, so I did have an idea of what was going on, but reading through your guide helped me categorize each step and type of card due to the way it was laid out.

I'm essentially ready to teach this game, though I will probably print out the guide just for easy reference. Thanks!

Posted Tue Oct 4, 2011 7:20 am
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Michael J

(mjacobsca)

United States
Folsom
California

Glad you liked it. I'm kind of like you; I like learning games with full rules rather than cut down versions that aren't as fun. I'd rather play the full game and cut it short then play a game with different rules entirely for the same amount of time. Another reason I wanted this document done is because I wouldn't want to play the teaching version of the game with a new player any more. So if a new player is playing with me, it's the full game or the highway. Hence the need for the guide. Let me know where you think it can be improved! I've already made some minor corrections, and, after 2 months off of it, am ready to beef it up even more. Cheers!

Posted Tue Oct 4, 2011 5:22 pm
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WAN CHIU

(chooche)

United States
SUNNYVALE
94089

The *real* rulebook. Seriously even the quick start guide is 37 pages...

Posted Fri Oct 14, 2011 11:22 am
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