Frequently Asked Questions
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In addition to the information specific to an event, 
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Group​

Do you charge any fees to members?

We do not charge any fees to members and we do not charge any fees for our events. The group organizer pays the meetup and web hosting fees so that you can spend your money supporting the industry by buying games from our friendly local game stores.
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What are the symbols in the logo?

Our logo consists of shapes you'll find in many of the games we play:
  1. On the left is a 6-sided die, the most common die found in games like Catan and King of Tokyo.
  2. A meeple is in the middle, the iconic shape of worker pawns introduced in Carcassonne.
  3. On the right is a victory point chit, collected by players to track their score in games like Puerto Rico. 
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Games

What kinds of games are played?

​We primarily play modern boardgames, sometimes called Euro games or designer games. For a detailed description of these and other types of games, please refer to the Game Terminology page.
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You don't need to have experience with modern boardgames, or any games discussed on this page, in order to join our group or attend our events. Most of us joined not having experience with these games, so we've been there and understand how intimidating it can be. There are so many different games available and being released all the time so we are always teaching and learning games and you will probably not be the only person learning a particular game.. We only ask that you are clear about your experience to ensure we can help find a game of an appropriate complexity, and commit to in order to help us gauge All we ask is that you keep an open mind and are willing to try a variety of modern boardgames.
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Will games be taught or do we need to know how to play?

​We are always teaching games at our events, so specific rules knowledge isn't required but please read the information in the GAMES tab and spend some time researching these games before requesting membership. 
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What if I don't recognize any of the games being discussed?

We are always teaching games at our events, so specific rules knowledge isn't required but please read the information in the GAMES tab and spend some time researching these games before requesting membership. 

All we ask is that you keep an open mind and are willing to try. Everyone in this group joined without most of this knowledge, and it's a fun journey to discover all the possibilities that are waiting for you!
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You are responsible for determining if a game is suitable for you before joining, whether that is  online research before a scheduled game or asking questions at an open gaming event. 

Do I need to sign-up for a specific game?

Some events will be an open structure where attendees decide what to play when they arrive at the event, choosing from the games that were brought to the event. Other events have a pre-arranged schedule where everyone attending should choose a game to play from the ones proposed in advance.

Do I need to bring games to an event?

Bringing games is not required, but it is appreciated since we rely on attendees bringing games to share. Especially if you're new to boardgaming, feel free to come out to a few events and try some games so you can figure out what you like before you start buying anything. 

Can I bring a game that I've designed?

Generally, our group is not an appropriate place to test your game design. There are a number of local events dedicated to pairing designers with playtesters, including monthly events at 401 Games and Snakes & Lattes and an annual event, ProtoTO. However, exceptions can be made so if you want to bring your prototype to an event, please contact me with details about your game, including comparisons to existing modern boardgames to show that it would appeal to the players at our events.

How can I learn more about specific games?

There are so many resources online that allow us to research boardgames and engage with the community about games.
  • BoardGameGeek (BGG) is an online forum for boardgame hobbyists and a game database that holds reviews, images and videos for over 100,000 different tabletop games. Create a profile to post on the forums, manage your boardgame collection, log your plays and rate games.
  • Tabletop is a fun show that provides a great introduction to some of the most popular games with geek icon Wil Wheaton and a slew of celebrity guests.
  • Daily Worker Placement is a Toronto based blog about boardgames and the culture that surrounds them, with reviews, interviews and news from all over the industry. 
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Where can I buy games?

Supporting our friendly, local gaming stores is a great way to support the companies that provide free play space for our events. The prices at our FLGS is competitive and the selection is vast, so go shop!
  • 401 Games has a store downtown and in Vaughan, both providing space for our events since 2009.
  • Face to Face Games is on the Danforth and host one of our weekly events.
  • Boardgamebliss is in Richmond Hill and has a selection of imported games and gaming accessories.
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Where can I buy or sell used games?

The following are the most active options to buy, sell and trade previously owned games with other locals. Since these are often used games, be sure to specify and ask about the version, condition and completeness of games.

Can I promote my game or kickstarter?

Our group is not an appropriate place to promote your game or kickstarter campaign. 
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Events

Can I post my event on your calendar?

If you're interested in hosting an event and have a venue in mind, contact me to chat about posting it on our calendar. All events on our calendar must abide by our code of conduct, including having no entry fee.

Why don't you host events in the west end?

We don't currently host any events west of Yonge Street! Check out the West GTA Board Gamers Meetup Group who host events in Etobicoke and Mississauga. If you have a venue in mind and want to chat about hosting an event in the west end, contact me!

What do I do when I arrive at an event? 

Taking the time to answer the profile questions demonstrates knowledge of the boardgames played by our group and ensures everyone is able to gauge which games are appropriate for their experience and interests.

If the event has flexible timing, and you arrive after games have begun, you may need to wait for a game to finish before you can join. In these cases, it's often best to sit near the pile of games  

What should I bring with me to an event?

  1. Games. If you own games that you are comfortable teaching, feel free to bring them. It can even be helpful to bring games to events with a pre-arranged schedule, so you have something available to play before or after your scheduled game, or in the case that the game host has to cancel last minute. Our group doesn't have a dedicated library, so we rely on attendees bringing games for everyone to play. The best way to contribute to the group is to bring a game that you are willing to teach to an event, but this is not required. Especially if you're new to boardgaming, come out and play a few games before you know what you might want to purchase. Boardgames are brought to events by the members attending. 
  2. Food & Drinks. Make sure you bring anything you'll want during your game, including water, pop, coffee, and snacks.

Can I eat and drink during a game?

This is a tricky question and is generally up to the game host. If you'd like to eat or drink during a game, be sure to ask the host if they are comfortable allowing that. Since game hosts are providing their personal proerty for the group's enjoyment, it is up to them how their games are handled. Our members are respectful, inclusive and community minded.

Behaviour

What if someone makes me uncomfortable?

Do not hesitate to find the event host and explain the situation. If you are uncomfortable discussing it in person at the event, feel free to message the group organizer. My email is visible in the link at the bottom of this page.

What if I'm not enjoying the current game?

Do not hesitate to find the event host and explain the situation. If you are uncomfortable discussing it in person at the event, feel free to email the group organizer anytime. My email is visible in the link at the bottom of this page.

Any other questions?
Contact me!