Every game, explained.
At The Play Manual, it’s all about game rules. From board games and card games to dice games, party games, kids’ games and video games, we’re here to help you spend less time figuring out the rules and more time actually playing.
Why we started
Rulebooks get lost. Box inserts are written for people who already know the game. And online, the answer to “can you play an eight on anything?” is often buried under a long story.
We wanted one place where every game is explained the same way: what you need, how to set up, how a turn works, and how you win.
What you’ll find here
Some games take just a few minutes to explain. Others have you flipping through pages of rules before you’ve even made your first move.
We make things easier with step-by-step instructions, practical examples and scoring tables. Many of our guides also include a 60-second summary for when you just need a quick refresher.
You’ll also find printable rules, score sheets and helpful tools to make game night a little easier. And when a game has popular house rules, we make sure they’re clearly marked so you know what’s official and what’s not.
Already have a game in mind? Browse our Rules A–Z or explore our Card Games. Still deciding what to play? Our Game Finder can help you pick something.
How we work
A good game guide should clear things up, not leave you with even more questions.
That’s why we work with official rulebooks, publisher information and other reliable sources to make sure our explanations are accurate. We also pay attention to different editions and variations, since the rules aren’t always the same.
Of course, we might miss something now and then. If you spot a mistake or think something could be explained better, feel free to email us at [email protected].
You can learn more about our approach in our Editorial Policy.
Casino games
We also cover the rules of certain casino games. These guides are intended for adults and are purely informational. We explain how the games work, not encourage gambling.
For more information about gambling risks, see our Responsible Gambling page.
English or German? Both!
The Play Manual is available in English and German. You can read our game guides in either language and switch between the two whenever you like.
Now, enough about us. Have fun playing!