Back To Basics: First Steps to a Much Larger World

So there is this interesting phenomenon called the Dunning-Kruger effect, now what does this have to do about Armada well we will get to it but let me explain this first? The Dunning-Kruger effect is a type of cognitive bias where people think they are smarter and/or more capable than they really are.  It’s a really interesting effect it is brought about mostly because someone cannot see the intricacies of a topic like Soda Pop.

So we have a guy his name is Bob, Bob feels that he knows a lot about soda pop.  In our made up world we have 10 kinds of soda pop Bob has only had 2 soda pops but he only knows about 3 so he feels that he knows over half of all things there is to know about soda pop while in reality he actually knows very little about soda pop, in fact he knows only about 20% percent of what there is to know about soda pop as he does not even know of the existence of 7 soda pops in the world he lives in, but because he perceives the world as only having 3 soda pops he thinks he knows a lot.

There is so much you don't know Bob...

So in bobs mind he knows about 66% of what there is to know about soda, because bob perceives the world as only having 3 kinds of soda pop. However in bobs world there are really 10 soda pops so while Bob thinks he is fairly competent he really is not as he knows only about 20% of what there is to know about soda pop.

So Bob’s belief that he knows a lot about soda pop comes from him in all actuality not knowing hardly anything about soda pop. In essence Bob does not possess the skills/knowledge he needs to recognize his own incompetence. I think we all can think of a time when we thought we could do something or knew a lot about something and then we find out we can’t or don’t this is the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Okay so that is all well and good, but what does all this have to do with Armada? We probably all started learning Armada the same way picking up the learn to play guild and reading it or at least flipping though it or someone flipped through it for us and then taught us. Now if that is all you do and play Armada that is awesome it’s a great game and you can have a lot of fun with just the learn to play guild and I want to make it clear that I don’t think your dumb or anything like that have fun and you do you the whole point of the game is to have fun. However if you just read the learn to play guild how much do you really know about Armada? If I am being optimistic I would say about 40%, and if you are willing to accept that and just have fun with the game that is 110% okay, but I think it is at least important that you know that there is a lot out there to learn and discover about Armada if you want to, and this wright ups intention is to invite you to do just that.

So how do you go about learning more about Armada well two sources The Rules Reference Guild and the most recent FAQ.  These two things encompass everything you need to know about this game.  I would encourage you to read the Rules Reference cover to cover I will tell you right now it’s not all going to stick, but you know about it and that is the first step into a larger world.

There is so much to learn and so much to know about Armada so much to learn it can be overwhelming sometimes, but start with the basics and then move onward from there, know that you won’t know everything right off the bat, I don’t know everything, and there are even top tier judges that would probably tell you they don’t know everything. It is important to remember “The first step on the road to wisdom is admitting that you don't know anything.” 

While I was learning this game I picked up some bad/incorrect habits thinking I knew the game pretty well and it took time for me to shake them. The best way to git rid of bad habits in this game is to come to a deeper understanding of the rules.

So pick up that rules reference and dive in find out how much you really don’t know and you will become a better player regardless of your skill level.  That is what this Back to Basics series is taking a basic concept and unpacking every nook and cranny we can find.  I will be reading the Rules Reference again and as I do I will do wright up of things that stick out to me, but if you want to get better at this game pick up that rules reference and come to realize how little you know and grow from there. Until next time have a great week.