Favorite way to learn new games?

[LadyLivaet]

What are your favorite ways to learn new game mechanics and rules? I can think of a few including YouTube and the tutorials on some games or watching other people play, but I haven't really found one that fits me when playing online.

[Sykokitti]

I may watch Rahdo or Watch It Played, but my favorite way is to just dive in using Training mode

[Jest Phulin]

1) Skim the rulebook on it's own.
2) Reread it with the components laid out on the table, or at least handy.
3) Play a game with people who understand that this is a session where we may be stumbling through the mechanics.

Either that, or be the one new player at a table where everyone else has already read the rulebook and played several games...

[nmego]

My preferred way is watching a JonGetsGames playthrough if it is available (Highest-quality series I've ever seen, most other videos skim over parts of the rules, this got it all).

Else, I'm a big fan of reading the rulebook, taking notes in a .txt file on my computer for later reference, and after finishing the rulebook, working on the notes and try to figure out what to do from them before my first game.

[SquashEngineer]

I have done them all:
Youtube review
Youtube How To rules
Youtube playthrough
Read the Rule Book
Game Layout & mock play through
Solo play through
Have a Master teach it
WIng it
Join in digital
Just start playing - look at nothing ahead of time and try to figure it out in real time

[King Hrothbeort]

My favorite by far is to have someone who knows the game teach it to me by playing. Ideally with one game master who knows the game explaining and several beginners who are learning actually playing the game. Unfortunately, BGA is not great for this method of learning. So on BGA I usually revert to playing with some one who knows the game actually playing rather than just explaining.

[DaddysDip]

For me, I learn best by doing, so usually I will first:

1. Watch a game on youtube to get an idea
2. (if available) Play a digital version of the game to confirm my understanding and cement those ideas
3. Teach the game to others (I usually teach most of the games I play) and play with people. People will ask questions and forces me to actively review my knowledge.
4. Re-review the video to confirm everything seems correct.
5. (Optionial) consult the rulebook and actually read it if I am still unclear.