Game Guides
Plain-English guides to the rules, strategy and controls behind the games on ForgeFlow Games. Learn how classic board games work, how to get more out of tower defense and horde-survival games, how online play finds your friends, and how to play well on a phone.
Board games
How to Play Backgammon: Rules, Setup and Basic Strategy
A clear introduction to backgammon: the board, how checkers move, hitting and the bar, bearing off, and the handful of ideas that make beginners play better.
4 min read
Checkers (Draughts) Rules and Strategy for Beginners
Learn the rules of American checkers: how pieces move, forced captures, multi-jumps and kings, plus simple strategy to stop losing pieces for nothing.
3 min read
Chess for Beginners: Rules, Opening Principles and Common Mistakes
A beginner's guide to chess: how each piece moves, the special rules (castling, en passant, promotion), how a game ends and the opening principles that avoid early losses.
4 min read
Mahjong Solitaire: How Matching Works and Tips to Clear the Board
How mahjong solitaire works, what makes a tile free, how flowers and seasons match, and practical tips for clearing the classic turtle layout without getting stuck.
3 min read
Rummikub Rules Explained: Runs, Groups, Jokers and the First Meld
How to play Rummikub: the tiles, what counts as a run or a group, the 30-point first meld, using jokers, and tips for emptying your rack first.
3 min read
How to Play Dominoes: The Double-Six Draw Game
The rules of draw dominoes with a double-six set: the tiles, how to match ends, drawing from the boneyard, what happens when the game blocks and simple strategy.
3 min read
Strategy
Tower Defense Basics: Economy, Chokepoints and Counters
How tower defense works and how to get better at it: spending wisely, where to place towers, matching towers to enemy types and preparing for boss waves.
3 min read
Deck Building 101: Mana Curves, Synergy and Consistency
How to build a good deck in a collectible card game: choosing a plan, balancing your mana curve, keeping the deck consistent and testing changes.
3 min read
Naval Tactics Games: Angles, Range and Searching for Hidden Ships
Practical advice for turn-based and real-time naval games: positioning, firing arcs, search patterns for hidden fleets and when to commit to an attack.
3 min read
Action
Parkour Platformer Tips: Momentum, Coyote Time and Jump Buffering
How first-person and 3D platformers really work: momentum, jump height, coyote time, jump buffering and air control, with practical ways to practise each.
3 min read
Horde Survival Games: How to Build a Strong Run
Practical advice for wave-survival and horde games: movement, upgrades, reading telegraphed attacks and managing risk, whatever the theme.
3 min read