Illuminati: Tips for Teaching New Players

[ian king]

I usually explain the basics using the back of the manual in the same order its written and pull out some random cards to give them visual examples. Try to start with a couple of Illuminati cards and a few groups. I find people start to get it when I say "it's like Dominoes mixed with Risk" to give them a cheap idea.

It gets complicated for new players when you explain transferable power, alignments, defense bonuses and those sorts of things so I usually go through that stuff quick and let them figure it out during the game with guidance from more experienced players. It takes most people two or three games to really get the hang of it so I don't put too much pressure on them.

Always keep the back of the manual out for reference with new players. I think I've taught around 10 people how to play in the last two months, we've got a tournament going now :). Remember to make it fun and you can't go wrong.