Confessions of a Board Game Thriftaholic

I believe board games do not have to be new to be legendary. I feel sort of hypocritical saying this because I don’t thrift anything else in my life but when it comes to tabletop gaming? Buying second-hand is a definitive YES for me

It’s no secret that Millennium Games is my favorite local spot. In fact, it’s rare that a week goes by where I’m not wandering the aisles. I love the new releases section in the middle of the store as much as the next gamer, but my absolute favorite corner of the store?

The Used Game Section

There is something exhilarating about browsing those shelves. This is where the magic happens. To date, I’ve bought 112 used games and 32 expansions, and I’ve sold 90 games and 15 expansions right back into the ecosystem. We are constantly cycling our collection because, while we love games, we hate seeing them sit idle

I’ll be honest: I get feisty when I see a masterpiece sitting in the used bin. I’ve been known to murmur (or borderline shout), "Who would get rid of this?! What a shame! Shame on them!" But the reality? I’m that person, too. That’s the beauty of the catch and release gaming. Buying used allows me to try games I otherwise wouldn't. Some haven’t been for us at all, and they go right back to the store. Others are ancient gems, and in this hobby, anything over 20 years old is practically vintage. And I love giving vintage a second chance for someone to potentially get a third chance a few months later

Data Driven and Deep Down the Rabbit Hole

If you’re wondering how I know those exact numbers. Well, I’ve officially drunk the Kool-Aid. I track everything. Every play, every win, every acquisition, and every trade-in goes into my stats. For us, the collection isn't just a pile of boxes; it's a living, breathing thing. If a game hasn't hit the table in a year, the data tells me it’s time for it to go up for adoption

The Rochester Advantage

I feel incredibly spoiled living near what is allegedly the largest board game store in the country. (If I’m wrong, sue NEWS8 WROC. They shared that stat, and I’m just repeating a cool fact about my city) I try to visit a local game store every time I travel, and so far, nothing has topped Millennium

The Thrill of the Find

When I first moved to Rochester, the pandemic hit. I couldn't go home, I had no local friends, and all I had was a lot of boredom and my wife. We had dabbled in Carcassonne and Catan, but then we received Wingspan as a gift. That was the spark. We headed to Millennium, the staff was lovely, and we’ve been back every week since. Yes, there is a specific magic to cutting the seal on a brand-new box and being the first to punch out the cardboard. But you know what’s better? Finding that same excitement for 50–85% off

My All-Time Second-Hand Gems

If you need proof that the used section is a goldmine, look at these scores:

• Dominion: a deck-building staple that I snagged with Prosperity and Intrigue, all sleeved, for just $20

• Jump Drive: fast, fun, and a total steal that came with the expansion still in shrink

• Vindication: found her sitting in the used section, components unplayed and pristine. I thought we'd hated, but I was wrong

• Raiders of the North Sea: Another unplayed find, complete with metal coins

Trust Your Gut, Not the Geek

My strategy for the used section is simple: Take. Your. Time. When something strikes my fancy, I pull it off the shelf, open it up, and start counting. I check the cards, inspect the components, and get a feel for the vibe of the game. Most importantly? I try not to look at BoardGameGeek. I know, I know, it sounds like heresy. But checking ratings can spoil the magic of a bargain find. Sure, this blind approach has bit me a few times, but I’ve learned that a 6.2 rating on BGG doesn't mean a game won't be a good time. Sometimes, you just have to trust the box and sometimes, a game will be great the first time, good the second, and needs to be rehomed after the third. And that's ok! The used section is a cycle, and I love being a part of it

The Bottom Line

Whether it's a vintage classic from 1999 or a 2025 release that someone played once and hated, the used section is the heartbeat of the hobby. It's how I've discovered my favorite game (Jump Drive) and how I keep our collection from becoming an undusted museum