Teaching the game

[Long_Bomb]

After some inspiring words from Darkson about how we need to get new players into the game I've started to think about demoing the game to new players. It has been several years since I last taught anyone to play so I thought I might pick the brains of others with more recent experience.

I was thinking of running the following:

1. Humans Vs. Orcs from the starter set
2. Playing only one half
3. Using only the basic rules with the addition of assisting blocks
4. Introducing extra rules like handing-offs and going for it! at the appropriate points

Do any of you thing that you could run two games at once?
Any other ideas?

[Jonny_P]

First game, you could just get mechanics down and use linemen only.

[Doomy]

I've done this before using 11 Norse linemen vs 11 Amazon linewomen. Play one half, in which you kick. Everyone has the same stats and only two skills are involved. You walk your opponent through correct procedure and tell them how to score.

[Shteve0]

Better yet, try sevens - it's great fun.

Here are the rules we use at our club, feel free to adapt as desired.

http://nzcbbl.forumatic.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=16

[Dave]

I am teaching my son (10 yrs old now) and when I started a year ago I found that he really, really wanted players that could do some different stuff.

We therefore played 9-a-side, humans both with a few of all positions mixed in, 2 catchers, 2 throwers, 2 blitzers, 2 linos and he got an ogre as well (where I didn't and got 3 lino's).

This worked quite well as he had to think about the order of doing things (block with blitzer first, he's got block) and was able to do all other things (passing, catching, dodgeing) quite well, but not as good that he'd simply go through everything without failing.

He is now hooked and by noe we play 11 vs 11, slightly biased teams though (he a normal human team, me Chaos Pact with just one big guy)

[voyagers_uk]

I also started teaching my son, and started by stacking the odds against me, allowing him rostered stars to give him access and a chance to get familiar with skills he is unlikely to see otherwise early on. start with more cash for roster development and try to keep the basics simple. Avoid fouling yourself but if the game is in the bag walk them through the choices. highlight your weaknesses in set-up and players and try to not take advantage over over commitment of players for the first handful of games , but do point it out.


viewtopic.php?f=49&t=35998

[Olaf the Stout]

I like using Humans vs Orcs using 1m rosters that I've made beforehand. Human roster has all positionals except Ogre. Orc roster has all positionals except Troll and Goblin.

If I'm playing in the demo game I give the other player the choice of race. I tell them that Humans are a bit faster and have more Skill re-rolls, while Orcs have more strength and better armour. What would you prefer.

Play only half a game. Roll of to see who kicks-off or receives if there are 2 new players, or let the new player automatically receive if I'm playing in the demo. Either just start the ball on the ground in the middle of the field, or roll for scatter as normal (but don't bother with placing it anywhere other than the sweet spot).

I don't include the following things in the demo game:

- Weather
- Kick-off table
- Specific injuries (just knowing if it is a Cas is enough)
- Fouling

Olaf the Stout

[babass]

the roster to learn the mecanics of the game is HUMEN !

[Rewslaun]

The last time I taught someone I let them play orcs and I played Halflings without trees. I ended the game with 1 fling left on the pitch. They enjoyed it and played several games since.

[Olaf the Stout]

The last time I taught someone I let them play orcs and I played Halflings without trees. I ended the game with 1 fling left on the pitch. They enjoyed it and played several games since.

Yep, that's a great way to teach someone. Let them smash you so that they enjoy it and want to come back!

Olaf the Stout

[Shteve0]

Sold. I will now be building an all halfling team specifically for this purpose (though will likely use humans vs halflings for demos so there are thrower and catcher options as well as blitzers and linemen).

[SinisterDexter]

I used to work at GW, so we did a few demo games.

I guess it depends on the type of demo asked for. If they have time, play a whole game. But if it is at a con or something where they may wish to try a bunch of stuff and only want a taster, I would use human vs orc (probably 6 human linemen, 2 catchers, 1 thrower and 2 blitzers vs 6 orc linemen, 2 bobs, 1 thrower, 2 blitzers). All stats and skills (block, dodge, catch, sure hands, pass) would be clearly displayed nearby. I would play one drive with simplified rules (no assists, no fouls, no rerolls, no weather or kick off chart). If they then had more time I would play a second drive adding in assists and fouls (and maybe two rerolls each).

[Long_Bomb]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am slightly in two minds about assists. On the one hand they do make the game much more complicated to play, on the other hand they are a fundamental part of the game and without them how does the human team stand up to the Black Orcs? I do quite like the idea of introducing them at half-time. Anyone have an opinion from their experience?

[SinisterDexter]

Well, they don't stand up to the bobs. But it's a demo, who wins is immaterial.

[plasmoid]

For a demo I much prefer mirror teams for several reasons:
1. I've had a few demo games where the orcs inflicted a few early cas, making it a rough run for the humans.
2. No worries about one side being the better team.
3. No worries about one side not stacking up (so you play without assists if you want).
4. Fewer stats to learn.

Humans vs humans. Ogre optional.
Cheers
Martin