Bring Your Own Book: Remote Play Guide
Though it’s different than being face-to-face, Bring Your Own Book can be played remotely over a video or audio call. Here are tips to help your remote play session run smoothly. If you have suggestions, reach out to us on social media or at bringyourownbook.com.
APPOINT A COORDINATOR: Rounds run more smoothly when there’s one person driving the action. Things to coordinate include drawing the prompt cards, keeping track of Picker order, and even tracking points. If you’re using a timer, the coordinator can also call out when time is running low or has run out.
WRITE DOWN PLAYER ORDER: Since there’s no circle to sit in, it’s advisable to determine and write down an order for the players. This can then be used to track who is next for being Picker/Judge, players’ points, and even the order that Seekers read their selections each round. The coordinator can call everyone’s name in order so there’s no confusion.
PUT PIECES ON CAMERA: The game is easier when the components are visible to all players, so it’s useful if the player with the copy of the game can put game pieces in view of their camera. You can prop up the prompt card and put the timer next to it so the Seekers know what they’re hunting for and how much time is left.
ROTATE BOOKS: While you can’t pass your books to each other, you’ll have more fun if you play with a variety throughout the round. Grab 3-5 books and determine when you’re going to rotate. You can use the standard rules—swapping out every time a player gets three points—or something else that feels right for your game.
USE THE CLASSIC RULE SET: While it’s possible to play remotely with any of the rule sets—Classic, Democratic, Cutthroat, or Royale—Classic tends to work best. It’s generally easier to have one Judge pick the winning submission than to organize a vote (Democratic), and Cutthroat’s last-Seeker-out rule can be tricky to manage with telecommunications delays. If you really want to run the Democratic rule set, players can write down their votes on notecards and show them all at the same time.
THANKS: Big thanks to Kristin and Tim from the BYOBook playtest crew, who were the first to contact us with things that made their remote play work smoothly! Thanks also to all the players who’ve mentioned their successes with remote play on social media and board gaming websites. Y’all inspire us on the regular!
For more detailed instructions, demonstration videos, alternate ways to play, or frequently asked questions, check bringyourownbook.com.
