Hero Time Academy · Step 3 of 10
Board Game Rulebooks
A board game rulebook teaches your game when you are not at the table. It is step 3 of how to make a board game: start it while you playtest, have it edited before you print, and give players reference cards for the rules they forget.
A good board game rulebook teaches your game when you are not at the table. Players read it once, then come back to it when they forget a rule, so it has to be clear, complete and easy to search.
Writing Your Rulebook
Every game rulebook follows the same order: the goal, the components, the set-up, a turn, the end of the game and who wins. Our rulebook template lists every part, and the guide to board game rulebook design shows how layout, examples and pictures make board game rulebooks easier to follow.
Editing and Reference Cards
Before you print, have your board game rule book checked by fresh eyes: rulebook editing finds unclear rules and missing steps. Then give players reference cards for the rules they look up most, so the game keeps moving.
Next Step: Components and Pieces
With the rules written, the next step is choosing what goes in the box. Continue with board game components and pieces, step 4 of the ten.