Subjects / Board games & strategy games

Best books to learn Board games & strategy games, in order

This hobby goes deep in layers, so the reading starts with learning to play and think well, grasping strategy and tactics across common game types. Then it opens into game design and what makes mechanics tick, and finally into the culture and history of the hobby. For a subject that's as much about appreciation as play, moving from playing to understanding to designing is the natural arc into its depths.

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Reading paths for board games & strategy games

Popular board games & strategy games books

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Frequently asked questions

How should I approach learning board games & strategy games?
This hobby goes deep in layers, so the reading starts with learning to play and think well, grasping strategy and tactics across common game types. Then it opens into game design and what makes mechanics tick, and finally into the culture and history of the hobby. For a subject that's as much about appreciation as play, moving from playing to understanding to designing is the natural arc into its depths.
What's a good book to start board games & strategy games with?
A strong starting point is The art of game design by Jesse Schell. The ordered reading paths above show exactly where it fits and what to read next.
What should I read after board games & strategy games?
Once you have the fundamentals, explore closely related subjects like Go (the ancient game), Rubik's cube & speedcubing, Vinyl records & hi-fi.

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