Top 3 Mistakes New Players Make in Bandido (And How to Avoid Them)
Bandido is a super fun game, but even easy games can trip you up if you’re new. I learned this the hard way when my daughter and I first started playing. We made some silly mistakes—but we also figured out how to fix them. Let me share the top three mistakes new players make in Bandido and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Block All Tunnels
Why It Happens
When you’re new to Bandido, it’s easy to focus on just one tunnel and forget about the others. My daughter did this during our first game. She blocked one path but didn’t notice the bandit sneaking out through another tunnel. Oops!
How to Fix It
Always look at the whole board, not just one part. Before placing a card, ask yourself, “Am I leaving any tunnels open?” This simple trick helped us stop the bandit more often.
Mistake #2: Playing Too Fast Without Thinking Ahead
Why It Happens
Bandido is such a quick game that it’s tempting to rush through your turns. At first, we were placing cards without really thinking about what might happen next. Spoiler alert: the bandit escaped almost every time!
If you're new to Bandido and want to avoid common mistakes, it’s also worth exploring how this game stacks up against others like Spaceteam and Sushi Go in this family game night comparison . For those who love quick games, understanding why Bandido is great for short play sessions can enhance your experience. Parents looking to boost their kids' strategic thinking will appreciate insights from this post on why Bandido is a fun strategy game for children . Additionally, if you’re planning a family game night, don’t miss these tips on why Bandido is the perfect choice . Beginners can benefit from this step-by-step guide on how to play Bandido , while those considering adding it to their collection should check out this review discussing whether Bandido is a must-have cooperative card game . If you’re a fan of Sushi Go , explore 10 board games like Sushi Go for more fun or discover the best cheap cooperative board games to expand your options. Finally, if you’re curious about Sushi Go , this review breaks down whether it’s worth your time . These resources not only help you master Bandido but also guide you toward other exciting games that could be a great fit for your next game night
How to Fix It
Take a few seconds to plan ahead. Ask yourself, “If I put this card here, will it help or hurt later?” Once we slowed down, we started winning more games—and having even more fun.
Mistake #3: Not Working Together as a Team
Why It Happens
Even though Bandido is a cooperative game, it’s easy to forget that you’re on the same team. Early on, my daughter and I would argue over which card to play instead of talking it out. It felt more like a competition than teamwork.
How to Fix It
Talk to each other! Share ideas and listen to what the other person thinks. When we started doing this, we became unstoppable. Plus, it made the game feel more like a team adventure.
A Personal Story About Learning from Mistakes
The first time we played Bandido, the bandit escaped five times in a row. Frustrating? Yes. But funny? Absolutely. After laughing about it, we decided to slow down and work together. By our third game, we finally trapped the bandit—and celebrated like champions. Those early mistakes taught us so much and made our victories even sweeter.
Why You Can Trust These Tips
As someone who’s played Bandido with my family dozens of times, I’ve seen firsthand how these common mistakes can happen—and how fixing them leads to better gameplay. Teachers and parents also recommend Bandido because it helps kids learn problem-solving and teamwork while having fun.
Final Thoughts: Have Fun While Learning
Bandido is all about teamwork, strategy, and fun. Don’t worry if you make mistakes—they’re part of learning the game. Just remember to block all tunnels, think ahead, and work together. With these tips, you’ll be trapping the bandit in no time.
