Prepare the first turn before you teach

Open the official rules for your edition and set up a small example. Find the goal, the turn order, and the ending rules, then take a turn with the pieces in front of you. Mark anything you cannot explain so you can look it up before teaching.

Explain what people need to know for their first choice. In Sushi Go!, that means showing how the dishes score before anyone selects a card. In Qwixx, explain what the other players can mark as well as what the person rolling can do.

Show an ordinary turn before an unusual one. Point out the pieces or information it uses, take the action, and show what changes. If your example exposes hidden cards, reset it or deal a fresh hand before starting. Keep the reference sheet where people can use it.

Check the ending rules too. What triggers the end? Does everyone get another turn? How do you count the score? Players need those answers when deciding what to work toward, even if they do not yet know every possible strategy.

When a question comes up, find the relevant rule instead of repeating your explanation. If the group agrees on a temporary ruling, say that you will check it afterward. Correct your notes before teaching the game again.

Give the players a decision to try themselves, then begin once they can describe their options. Keep the rulebook nearby and answer questions as you go.