Board Game Arena

Can I play the games against the computer? I need to practice before getting an oponent. Is it possible?

Thank you.
Mayarabeauty7

mayarabeauty7 wrote: ↑16 June 2025, 21:52 Can I play the games against the computer? I need to practice before getting an oponent. Is it possible?

Thank you.
Mayarabeauty7

Welcome to BGA.

Some games have a solo mode. You can select just one player. I suggest setting the game to turn based rather than real time. This means you won’t be under time pressure and can consider your moves. Set the game speed to infinite (move the slider all the way to the left) - it will show as a friendly game, with no time limit.

Even though it’s a turn based game you can still play it in a single session if you wish. Using turn based with infinite time means no time pressure.

Additionally, most games have a learning mode called a tutorial. This won’t fully teach you the game but will teach you how it’s been setup in BGA and what the buttons/options do.

On each game’s page you’ll find video links to how to play the game. This can help when there isn’t a solo mode. You can watch someone teaching the game or playing a live run through, often using a physical game not the BGA version.

Use the search function to find and join groups who might share your level of experience, or play learning/friendly games.

Good luck.

You can also play games on "friendly mode" against a human player who might be willing to help with the game interface and rules.

I'd be happy to do so for any game listed in my profile.

You could post in the forum for a specific game asking for a friendly game against a veteran player.

Also.. welcome to bga. As mentioned. Many games can be played solo against computer opponent. In friendly mode. There are tutorials. Sometimes watching a game in progress can help. I sent friend request if you would like further help with site and someone to practice against. Enjoy the site. Best site. Best app on internet

You could set up a table and limit it to beginners and apprentices, or beginners, apprentices, and average players. Then you can flail together.

I've generally found that the players who join tables I create as a novice are aware that they're playing with someone who doesn't know the game (or even the interface) yet and are kind about it.

IIRC there is (was?) one game that had an authorized bot that you could invite to play with you. That's quite an oddity. BGA is set up for people to play games with people.

mikkashar wrote: ↑17 June 2025, 17:34 You could set up a table and limit it to beginners and apprentices, or beginners, apprentices, and average players. Then you can flail together.

I'm generally found that the players who join tables I create as a novice are aware that they're playing with someone who doesn't know the game (or even the interface) yet and are kind about it.

This is a great answer. And I believe you're more likely to get your table filled because you've made it more welcoming for beginners to join your table because of these restrictions.

You can also step through a finished game, which might be helpful.
Go to the Game information section of a game, and click on the number of played games.

This is a question I often ask myself. There are a lot of games with solo mode and there's some with Android and iPhone apps.

I enjoy Schotten Totten which doesn't have a solo mode or an app. For that one I'm considering watching maybe 50 to 100 game replays overtime to understand the game further.

I'm also interested in learning Hive but don't want to face human opponents before starting to play. For Hive as well I have bought the physical game and some strategy books to 'pre' learn the game before going live against human opponents so to speak.

In addition to what being said, here is a link to all BGA games available in solo mode: https://boardgamearena.com/gamelist?players=1

You might also be interested in these groups:
Game Tutors https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=1111129
Talkative and friendly games https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=1088438
Play a game we have never played https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=10129965
Discover and play all games https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=7553079

cigma wrote: ↑19 October 2025, 11:57 In addition to what being said, here is a link to all BGA games available in solo mode: https://boardgamearena.com/gamelist?players=1

You might also be interested in these groups:
Game Tutors https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=1111129
Talkative and friendly games https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=1088438
Play a game we have never played https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=10129965
Discover and play all games https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=7553079

These are very useful links. Thanks for sharing.