7 wonders. Can anyone very simply help me understand how to to play it

[7Blunders]

Please. It's been sat staring at me for years and I only got it due to a mn thread raving about it.

Yes i have looked at the instructions and u tube videos.
I'd love some basic instructions please to help me.
What is the point of it, is it thrilling or slower paced?
I'd love to just do one round with my family (then I can give it away guilt free) thank you.

While I love 7 Wonders, it's not a simple boardgame. Not the most complicated of all games out there, but it's not a game I'd reccomend to people who aren't already into board games.

If reading the instructions and watching videos isn't enough, do you know someone who is a boardgame enthusiast who could play it with you? If not, maybe just eat the guilt and give it away.

I don't think you could really explain anything more than the premise (you are competing civilisations trying to build your world wonder first) in the space of a mumsnet comment.

We have played monopoly ticket to ride, camel up, labyrinth and a few others. I just can't get my head around this one

I love all of those mentioned, but I'd personally consider 7 Wonders a step up in complexity. Which is part of what I like about it, but it is also why I would not bring it out to play with my mother, despite her enjoying Ticket to Ride and Camel Up.

Is there a specific part of the rules that is tripping you up? I might be able to help if it is something specific.

Another thing I often do when I'm trying to learn a new game is to play the first game of it "in the open" where everyone can see everyone else's cards etc and then we don't play it seriously. We just walk through the rules as we play and say out loud what we are trying to do and learn together and someone who has understood something someone else has not can point out to someone else that they could do x, y or z.

I know you said you watched videos already, but I am a big fan of The Rules Girl. Her videos are short and to the point and very streamlined:

You could maybe try playing it online on Board Game Arena first, with a family member on a different device - this way they keep you right about the rules and scoring.

A great idea! You can't make mistakes because the computer will only let you do moves that are allowed under the rules.

en.boardgamearena.com/

I want something complex and challenging.
I will try this on line thing thanks

Another thing I often do when I'm trying to learn a new game is to play the first game of it "in the open" where everyone can see everyone else's cards etc and then we don't play it seriously. We just walk through the rules as we play and say out loud what we are trying to do and learn together and someone who has understood something someone else has not can point out to someone else that they could do x, y or z
Do that.
It will become more interesting and fun after a few games, as you will gradually discover possible strategies (focus on a specific area such as army/academics or a bit of everything, get plenty of ressource cards or rely on trade, etc).

We did try snd play it and all new games open to start.
@CasaBianca those tips are great you see and have quickly given me a bit more over all understanding