One player in our small co-op group knows the game much better than everyone else. They are generous with their time and genuinely trying to help. Unfortunately every door comes with instructions, every puzzle gets explained before we touch it, and half the surprises are announced just before they happen.

I finally said I wanted to work something out myself. It came out sharper than I intended. They went quiet and the evening felt awkward after that.

I have apologised for the tone, but I still mean the request. How do other groups handle the experienced player without making them feel like they have to sit there silently? I want to play with my friend. I also want to actually play the game.

Agree on a hint signal before you start. Then the experienced player does not have to guess whether you want help or are enjoying being stuck.

We use “nudge or answer?” A nudge points us back at something we missed. An answer gets us moving if everyone is tired.

I sympathise with your friend a little. Watching people repeat a mistake for twenty minutes is not much fun either.

I get that. This was more like twenty seconds. I opened a room and got the solution before I had looked around.

Right, then yes, they need to give you some space. I was picturing the group stubbornly refusing help all night.

Could also pick something none of you knows for the next evening. Let everybody be confused together for once.

We talked and settled on asking before hints. I offered to play something new to both of us after this. Much less awkward outside the middle of the puzzle.