The next time you play Kardball, you may well be playing with at least one rookie. Heck, there might even be five rookies, or seven, or ...
We pause now to consider: what is the best way to introduce new players to Kardball?
A Couple of Rookies on Experienced Teams
In a case where some experienced players have been joined by a few brand new players on each side, we recommend starting out with an actual game, scorekeeping and all, after a brief overview of the game concept.
The beauty and genius of Kardball (for which we take no credit, mind you) are such that mutual coaching among teammates is part of the game. Naturally this extends to you telling the rookie on your team what to do next.
Sure, your buddy's dopey cousin might drop a ten-spot when the batter swings a deuce, but we don't judge. He can take it back. Think of him like the little league fielder who makes a wild throw to first base: he'll get the hang of it eventually.
One Veteran in a Room Full of Newbies
(You should be so lucky!) If you're starting your own Kardball night with a bunch of newcomers, or something like that, one or two developmental innings are probably a good idea.
If you're working with a 60-90 minute game time in mind, you might consider playing two innings for practice, and seven more for keeps. Talk through the first inning with everyone's cards face up on the table. If at least a couple of your guests don't catch on right away, consider starting a "Go Fish" night instead.
Play the second inning in the conventional way, taking time to patiently answer questions and engage in some "what if" scenarios. After two innings, you'll be ready to start keeping score. If not, start checking passports, because your friends apparently don't have a baseball gene in them!
