Board Game Etiquette: Don’t Be the Reason We Can’t Have Nice Things

I love board gaming. For me, it’s the ultimate way to disconnect from the world and plug into a great experience with friends. But let’s be real: nothing ruins that vibe faster than someone who treats the table like a waiting room. After thinking about what drives me bananas during game night, I wanted to put together a no-nonsense guide to being a respectful player. If you want to keep getting invited back, here’s the deal:

1. No Phubbing - if you're here, BE HERE!

If your Instagram feed or doom-scrolling is more interesting than the game, honestly? Stay home. We’re here to engage with each other, not the back of your phone. When you’re buried in a screen, you’re the person constantly asking, "Wait, whose turn is it?" Don’t be that person. It’s a group experience; don’t ghost people while you are in the same room. I’m not saying you can’t use BGStats to log the play or that you have to toss your phone in a bin, just be part of the mix, not a ghost on a fix

2. Respect the Clock

Shit happens. I get it. But if you’re late every single week, you aren’t just running behind, you’re delaying everyone else's night. Especially if we’re tackling a long, heavy game that no one has played yet. Every minute counts! Respect the group’s time

3. The Splash Zone

I think the golden rule has two purposes, treat people as you'd like to be treated (AKA show up on time) and treat components as if they were your own

• The Card Rule: don’t bend them. Period. And for the love of all things holy, ask before you bridge-shuffle someone else's deck. I learned this the hard way. I used to make fun of people that sleeve games, and now, I am the proud owner of a few sleeved games (I have seen the light)

• The 20oz Lesson: keep drinks away from the table. I’m not lecturing you. I’m speaking from trauma. I recently sprayed a brand-new board game with a glass of water. It was ruined instantly, and now we own a second copy of Captain Flip for the convenient price of double the original cost. Now? I don’t even drink at the table. I stand up to take a sip. It’s not worth the risk

4. Don't Read the Rules Out Loud

Everyone learns differently. In my house, my wife is usually the profesor. She'll dive into the rulebook before game night. From time to time, there's a new game we want to play RIGHT NOW, and while the rest of us prep food and drinks, she reads it and then she teaches us. That works. Or maybe we pull up a Watch It Played video on BGG and learn together. Whatever you do: do not just sit there and read the rulebook out loud to the group. It’s painful. Know your crowd and find a way to learn that doesn't kill the energy

5. Be a Good Table-Mate

• No Quarterbacking: let people think! I don't care if you see the best move in board gaming history; let them play their own game. This goes for scoring as well. If someone needs your help, they'll tell you

• Talk, But Pay Attention: I talk a lot, but I also know when it’s my turn. It’s fine to ask whose turn it is occasionally, but if you’re asking every single round, you aren't paying attention

• Keep it Classy: chirping is fine if the group is into it, but there’s no need to gloat when you win or sulk like a sore loser when you don't

6. The Cleanup

When the game ends, don't just stand up and walk away. Unless the host has a very specific system for their box organization, grab a baggie and help pack it up

The Bottom Line

 Board gaming can be a solo adventure, but when you’re playing with friends, it’s about respect. Let's keep the water off the board, the phones in our pockets, and the focus on the game. Huge shout out to my wife, who teaches most games to me, and to my other friends who do the same. Teaching games is a gift, don't make it harder than it needs to be