Board Game Etiquette – Or “How Not To Be A Tool”

I finally did it!. I went to our FLGS (Favorite Local Game Shop for you newbies). They have been hosting a game night for months now, but because of my work, kids, life – it just has been tough to attend. By the way – shout out to Central City Comics! Anyway – you never quite know what you might step into, being the new person coming into the group. I had felt the same way when I went to my first board game convention.

When you are going to a board game group for the firs time, or gaming convention, there are certain “protocols” you want to be aware of. Call them what you will – “unwritten rules”, “board game etiquette”, “social contract” – I prefer “How Not to Be a Tool”. Even just recently on a popular Facebook Group Board Game Revolution the question was poised. Well I took it upon myself to take the unwritten and write them down. I more or less tallied the most popular responses and group with with very similar ones. I consulted a few Redit posts, and BGG posts as well – and mixed in a bit of common sense.

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Be Respectful & Engaged

Be a respectful and engaged player – that generally means: No phones, be present at the table, and acknowledge your seatmates. Maybe even smile now and then. When you are joining a board game, there is a social contract to be upheld. If you are in a position to select a game, select a game that gets people talking like Just One or Ultimate Werewolf.

Keep food & Drink Away

Check with the host or owner of the game to see what they are ok with. If you are eating/drinking keep it away from the game area and keep your hands clean. Under no circumstances should Cheetos be around! Games are expensive – having them ruined by an untimely (and preventable) spill is bad form.

Don’t Bend the cards

Handle the cards with care. Don’t over shuffle them. Don’t use them for anything other than playing the game. They aren’t scrapers. Don’t been them into half moons. Frankly I was surprised by how many people felt the need to reference not to use them as nose pickers. At first I thought it was just someone being clever – but that came up over and over…

Declare & Narrate your Moves

Let players know when you are starting and ending your turn. Let them know what you are doing. This helps new players and validates the game play. Don’t over do it – but be intentional. As someone put it – if you just immediately start picking up pieces and moving them “I’m not going to trust you”. Scale your narrative to the game you are playing – your responses between say “Uno” and “Twilight Imperium” are going to be different – use the aforementioned common sense.

Personal Hygiene

Yep – make sure you had a shower that day. Make sure you have clean hands as well. Deodorant, toothpaste, etc…, all your friend. If you cough/sneeze – do it into your sleeve please. Find that bar of soap you’ve been holding on to for a special occasion – today is the day.

Be Timely

Be timely in your moves, & be on time for when the game is scheduled to start. Plan your moves during downtime if possible. Be respectful of others who may need a little extra time.

Offer to help at the end

Ask the host if they need help picking the game up. Some have specific ways of storing the game, but most will welcome sorting up components and cards. Look for other ways to help the host(s) close down the evening, whether at a shop or someone’s home, or whereever.

In General – “Don’t be a tool”

Play by the rules, don’t quarterback the table or other players, don’t touch other players pieces, be a good winner/loser. Remember what you learned in Kindergarten – it still applies. Get that book here!