Which game is this for? There is a slim chance there is a bug.
But, in general, the steps to follow:
*Put the friends in your Friends list
*Go to the lobby (PLAY NOW). Set up a Simple Game, Turn-Based, Manual.
*Either select a game from your favorites, or type in a game's name.
*Create a new table.
*Set any game "Table Configuration" options you want (game speed, training mode, game options [expansions, optional rules, etc.]).
*Select "I want between 3 and 3 players," or however many people you want, including yourself.
*Either "Restrict table access" to group "My Friends", or specifically invite the player(s) to join the table. Invitation makes it easier for your friends to find the table, as they'll get a notification they are expected at it.
*
Only now do you "open table to other players." Doing it before this step may allow unwanted people to join, or mess you up in getting the game settings right.
You should not need to click the start now button --- the game will start when the maximum number of players has been achieved.
