How to Start a Board Game Group

Step one: find games you really like

Excitement is infectious.

When inducting newcomers into the cult of board games, a new game is probably not the place to start. Find something you like, either by going to local board game stores and testing things out, or playing with friends and family, or even watching a full playthrough on YouTube to see if you think you’d like the experience.

Once you’ve found a game you love, unless the mechanics are antithetical to someone’s preferences, chances are they will be swept up in your enthusiasm and enjoy the experience.

And if they enjoy the experience, you’ll get them to come back.

Step two: test the waters

You have some coworkers or friends that you think might be perfect to create a group. Start putting out invitations.

What kind of games do they enjoy? If they say they like board games, that might be a good start. But sometimes it’s even better if they don’t like Risk or Monopoly, as a dislike of those games will help them appreciate the dynamic complexities of hobby board games.

Give the invitation, but expect a few duds. If they like party games and partying, they may be the wrong person to get to sit still while you explain a 20-page rulebook.

This leads me to my next point…

Step three: practice teaching the game

Teaching a board game can be a lot of pressure.

You’ve picked a game you love, gathered three curious, receptive, but slightly unsure people around a table, and set up hundreds of beautiful components. They have no idea what the hell is going on and are feeling insecure about being too stupid to learn. You suddenly realize that you’ve read a 23-page rulebook and understand how to play in your head, but you have no idea where to start breaking down what the game is.

You feel responsible for everyone having a good time, but your anxiety is interfering with your ability to convey excitement about the game.

Ah, glorious preparation!

A couple of days before, open a document on your computer and write a draft explaining the game in your own words.

Draft the document like a speech. Start with the big picture, maybe some context if it’s a historical or fantasy setting. Explain how you win. Then break the game into smaller and smaller chunks until everyone is ready to play.

You can do a practice round if time permits, but often the best way to learn is to jump in and play. If it’s a competitive game, people may get frustrated when they make a mistake born from ignorance. But that’s all part of the experience. Just be empathetic about it.

And if it’s a competitive game, expect to lose. It’s generally a better experience for the first-timers if the person teaching the game doesn’t take the W. Most of your focus should be on helping everyone else.

Step four: pick snacks and music

Video game soundtracks are a great place to turn for your atmospheric music. Some games, such as Arkham Horror, have a composer like Graham Plowman making music just for them!

Tabletop and video games have a massive overlap in genres, and great music can set the mood.

Snacks are a must. Games can drag on, and everyone is happier and less brain-foggy if they’re munching on something.

Step five: invite people

Pick a day and put out invites. Have a contingency plan for different numbers of people. If one friend shows up, you need to have something other than a 3–6 player game. If four friends show up, it’ll be awkward if your only plan was a 2–4 player game. Pay attention to what kinds of games people like, who would actually be interested in a regular tabletop gaming experience, and make it happen.

Here’s to the many great relationships founded on board games!

What’s been your biggest obstacle in building a board game group, or what’s your best tip?