Where Is The Best Board Game Store For Enthusiasts?

Are you on the hunt for the best Board Game Store to fuel your passion? Polarservicecenter.net can help you locate board game retailers, understand product support, and offer service solutions, ensuring you get the most out of your hobby by keeping your devices in top condition. Our platform provides resources for enhancing your gaming experience, optimizing wearable tech functionality, and maintaining your Polar devices for peak performance.

1. Our Board Game Storage Closet | Before & After

Moving into a new home often means taking the time to organize every space, from shelves to closets. Addressing a disorganized game closet can be a rewarding project.

Messy game closet with stacks and stacks of disorganized board games

Initially, board games were loaded into a tall hallway closet, but without a proper system, it quickly became disorganized. The goal was to create an organized space that could adapt to future homes. Considering various board game storage ideas led to unique, effective, and affordable solutions.

The final design incorporated both original boxes and fresh storage bins, making it easy to see, access, and return games.

Organized game closet with board games standing on their sides and smaller games inside clear bins

2. Why Choosing NOT to Unbox Our Board Games Is Important

Many board game storage solutions involve unboxing games into zipper pouches or plastic cases to create a tidy and uniform look. While appealing, this approach has some drawbacks. Matching containers solve two main problems:

Stacking Difficulties: Board games come in various sizes and shapes, making them hard to stack.
Space Consumption: Bulky boxes and packaging take up a lot of space.

Despite the allure of unboxing, there are reasons to keep games in their original boxes.

A game’s box is what catches your eye and makes you want to play. Clear containers can take away from the experience of selecting a game.
Matching containers are hard to find for every game. Games like Monopoly and Quirkle have different shapes and sizes, making uniform storage difficult.
Internal packaging can be useful, especially if it’s part of the game, like in Monopoly.
Boxes cannot be replaced once they are gone.
Purchasing containers can be wasteful and unnecessary when games are already in ideal boxes.

2.1 What We Did Choose to Unbox

However, there are categories of games that benefit from being unboxed.

2.1.1 Playing Card Games

Small card games come in various sized boxes, making them difficult to organize.

Moving card decks into uniform plastic card cases streamlines these smaller games and makes them easier to find and play. This approach enhances accessibility and reduces clutter, contributing to a more organized and enjoyable gaming environment.

2.1.2 STEM Games

STEM-style games with chunky pieces, such as Marble Run and Lincoln Logs, are easier to play with and clean up when stored in user-friendly containers. These games are often difficult to fit back into their original packaging.

These games were loaded into Sterilite bins and stacked on the closet floor for easy access.

3. The Downside To Stacking Board Game Boxes

Board games are often stored in vertical stacks. While this keeps games in order, it can quickly lead to disarray, especially with kids involved. Stacking is precisely why the closet can end up looking disorganized.

Messy game closet with stacks and stacks of disorganized board games

To keep board games accessible, place them like books on their end. This allows you to pull out one game without disrupting the rest.

3.1 What Is The Secret to Standing Board Games on Their Sides?

Storing games on their sides can cause lids to fall off and pieces to become a mess.

To prevent this, follow two essential steps:

Corralling: Use rubber bands or small plastic bags to secure all internal pieces.
Banding: Secure the boxes shut.

For example, rubber-band all the cards into stacks and add a large rubber band around the box.

Following these steps ensures that everything stays neat and tidy.

4. Best Supplies for Board Game Storage

The key to an organized game closet lies in these two inexpensive products:

5. Step-By-Step Guide To Vertical Board Game Storage

5.1 Step 1 – Empty Your Board Game Storage Area

Start by emptying the area where you store games, such as a playroom, living room, or closet. Gather all games and puzzles into one spot to assess what you have.

5.2 Step 2 – Assess & Purge Game Collection

Assess your game collection and get rid of anything not worth keeping. Consider discarding games that are:

Incomplete
Duplicates
Significantly damaged
Too young for your household
Never played with

Remove any games that are no longer needed.

5.3 Step 3 – Prepare Board Game(s) for Vertical Storage

Prepare each game for vertical storage, which involves repairing or reinforcing any game board box that has fallen apart. Clear packing tape works best for reinforcing corners and seams.

Load small game pieces, cards, and accessories into appropriately sized plastic bags and seal shut. Secure the box with a large rubber band.

Consider how you’ll place the box on the shelf when determining the rubber band’s orientation.

5.4 Step 4 – Repeat with All Games

Systematically work through your entire board game collection, addressing the nuances of each game.

Plastic bags are a great choice for this project, allowing you to perfectly store every piece, card, and accessory.

5.4.1 A Note On Interior Packaging

Sometimes, the cardboard or plastic trays within the boxes are worth keeping, especially if needed for the game.

However, if the cardboard is loose or only provides structure for bagged pieces, you can likely toss the inserts.

5.5 Step 5 – Place Games (Vertically) on Shelves

Once all your games have been purged, prepped, and banded, place them on your shelves like books.

An entire board game collection standing on their sides with rubber bands holding them shut

How you sort your games is entirely up to you, with options including:

Alphabetically
Categories (e.g., party, strategy)
Audience (e.g., solo, kids, family, adults)
Color/Size

Arranging by color looks the cleanest, and you often remember games by how they look.

NOTE: Size may require placing some games on the top shelf.

Organized game closet with board games standing on their sides and smaller games inside clear bins

5.6 Step 6 – Enjoy Finding & Playing Your Games

With your game closet now perfectly organized, it is easy to pick a game, get it out, clean it up, and put it away. Maintaining the organization is user-friendly and manageable.

6. Finding A Board Game Store

6.1 What Types Of Board Games Are There?

Board games come in a wide variety of types, each offering unique gameplay experiences and catering to different interests and age groups. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular board game types:

Abstract Strategy Games: These games emphasize strategic thinking and planning, often without a specific theme or narrative. Examples include Chess, Go, and Checkers. They typically involve perfect information, where all players are aware of the current game state.
Cooperative Games: In cooperative games, players work together towards a common goal, rather than competing against each other. These games encourage teamwork and communication, and are great for building collaborative skills. Popular titles include Pandemic and Hanabi.
Deck-Building Games: Players start with a small set of cards and acquire new cards throughout the game to build a more powerful deck. These games combine strategy with card management and offer a high level of replayability. Dominion is a classic example of this genre.
Dice Games: Dice are the central mechanic in these games, introducing an element of chance and unpredictability. Dice games can range from simple and quick to complex and strategic. Examples include Yahtzee and Roll Through the Ages.
Educational Games: Designed to teach specific concepts or skills, educational games make learning fun and engaging. They can cover a wide range of subjects, from math and science to history and language. Examples include Ticket to Ride: First Journey and Scrabble Junior.
Family Games: These games are designed to be enjoyed by players of all ages, with simple rules and engaging gameplay. They often involve elements of strategy, luck, and social interaction. Popular family games include Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Catan.
Party Games: Party games are designed for larger groups and emphasize social interaction and humor. They typically involve simple rules and quick gameplay, making them ideal for parties and gatherings. Examples include Codenames, Cards Against Humanity, and Telestrations.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs): In RPGs, players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting and make decisions that affect the outcome of the game. These games often involve storytelling, character development, and dice-based combat. Dungeons & Dragons is the most well-known example of this genre.
Strategy Games: Strategy games require players to make careful decisions and plan ahead to achieve their objectives. They often involve resource management, territory control, and tactical combat. Examples include Risk, Settlers of Catan, and Gloomhaven.
Thematic Games: These games immerse players in a specific theme or narrative, often based on popular books, movies, or historical events. The theme is integrated into the gameplay mechanics and components, creating a rich and engaging experience. Examples include Arkham Horror, Game of Thrones: The Board Game, and Star Wars: Rebellion.
War Games: War games simulate military conflicts, ranging from historical battles to fictional wars. They often involve complex rules, detailed maps, and miniature figures. Examples include Axis & Allies, Memoir ’44, and Twilight Imperium.

6.2 Where Can I Buy Board Games Near Me?

Finding a board game store near you is easier than ever, with several options available depending on your preferences and needs:

Local Hobby and Game Stores: These stores specialize in board games, card games, role-playing games, and miniature games. They often have knowledgeable staff who can provide recommendations and answer questions. Local game stores also host game nights and tournaments, creating a community for board game enthusiasts.
Big Box Retailers: Stores like Target and Walmart offer a selection of popular board games, often at competitive prices. While their selection may be more limited than specialty stores, they are a convenient option for buying family games and mass-market titles.
Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon and Miniature Market offer a vast selection of board games, with options to suit every taste and budget. Online retailers often have customer reviews and ratings, making it easier to find games that match your interests. They also offer fast shipping and convenient returns.
Bookstores: Some bookstores, like Barnes & Noble, carry a selection of board games, particularly those based on popular books or movies. Bookstores can be a good option for finding thematic games and family-friendly titles.
Thrift Stores and Flea Markets: If you’re looking for a bargain, thrift stores and flea markets can be a great place to find used board games at discounted prices. However, be sure to check that all the pieces are included before making a purchase.

6.3 What Are Some Popular Board Game Brands?

Several brands are well-known for producing high-quality, engaging, and innovative board games. Here are some of the most popular board game brands:

Asmodee: Asmodee is a leading international publisher and distributor of board games, card games, and role-playing games. They own a diverse portfolio of brands, including Days of Wonder, Fantasy Flight Games, and Z-Man Games. Asmodee is known for producing high-quality components, innovative gameplay mechanics, and engaging themes.
Days of Wonder: Days of Wonder specializes in family-friendly board games with beautiful artwork and simple rules. They are best known for titles like Ticket to Ride, Small World, and Memoir ’44. Days of Wonder games are easy to learn but offer strategic depth and replayability.
Fantasy Flight Games: Fantasy Flight Games is known for producing highly thematic board games, card games, and role-playing games based on popular licenses like Star Wars, Marvel, and Arkham Horror. Their games often feature intricate rules, detailed components, and immersive storytelling.
Ravensburger: Ravensburger is a German publisher known for producing high-quality puzzles, board games, and children’s games. They are best known for titles like Villainous, Labyrinth, and Scotland Yard. Ravensburger games are known for their durability, engaging gameplay, and educational value.
Z-Man Games: Z-Man Games specializes in strategy games and cooperative games with innovative mechanics and challenging gameplay. They are best known for titles like Pandemic, Carcassonne, and Agricola. Z-Man Games are highly regarded by hobby gamers for their depth, complexity, and replayability.

6.4 What Are The Key Factors In Choosing A Board Game Store?

Choosing the right board game store can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a board game store:

Selection: Look for a store that offers a wide variety of board games, card games, role-playing games, and miniature games. The store should carry both popular titles and niche games to cater to different interests and preferences.
Price: Compare prices at different stores to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Some stores offer discounts or loyalty programs that can save you money in the long run.
Knowledgeable Staff: Choose a store with knowledgeable staff who can provide recommendations, answer questions, and help you find games that match your interests. The staff should be passionate about board games and able to offer insights into gameplay mechanics, strategy, and theme.
Community: Look for a store that hosts game nights, tournaments, and other events to create a community for board game enthusiasts. These events provide opportunities to meet new people, try out new games, and improve your skills.
Location: Choose a store that is conveniently located and easy to access. The store should have ample parking or be accessible by public transportation.
Online Presence: Check if the store has a website or online store where you can browse their selection, read reviews, and make purchases. An online presence can be especially helpful if you don’t have time to visit the store in person.

6.5 What Are The Benefits Of Buying From A Local Board Game Store?

Buying from a local board game store offers several benefits compared to shopping online or at big box retailers:

Expert Advice: Local game stores often have knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized recommendations and answer your questions about different games. They can help you find games that match your interests, skill level, and gaming group.
Community: Local game stores often host game nights, tournaments, and other events that create a sense of community for board game enthusiasts. These events provide opportunities to meet new people, try out new games, and improve your skills.
Support Local Business: Buying from a local board game store helps support your local economy and keeps money in your community. Local businesses often reinvest in their communities and provide jobs for local residents.
Try Before You Buy: Some local game stores have demo copies of games that you can try out before making a purchase. This allows you to get a feel for the gameplay mechanics and theme before committing to buying the game.
Unique Selection: Local game stores often carry a more diverse selection of games than big box retailers, including niche games, independent titles, and imports. They may also carry accessories and supplies that you can’t find elsewhere.

7. More Great Toy Storage Solutions

Looking for more great toy storage solutions? Here are just a few of our tried-and-true favorites:

8. How Can polarservicecenter.net Help With My Gaming Lifestyle?

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9. Conclusion

Taking the time to figure out the right board game storage solutions can make a significant difference. Thinking about how games need to be stored in order to be played, and finding inexpensive products that ultimately provide the order you need, is the best approach. Polarservicecenter.net is here to support your gaming lifestyle by providing essential product support and service solutions.

10. FAQ

Where can I find a comprehensive board game store?

Comprehensive board game stores can be found both locally and online. Local hobby shops often offer a wide selection and knowledgeable staff. Online retailers like Amazon and specialized board game websites provide extensive catalogs with customer reviews.
What factors should I consider when choosing a board game store?

Consider factors such as game selection, pricing, staff expertise, community events, store location, and online presence. Stores with knowledgeable staff and community events can enhance your overall experience.
Why is it beneficial to buy from a local board game store?

Buying from a local store supports the local economy, provides expert advice, fosters community engagement, allows for trying games before buying, and often offers a unique selection of games.
How can I organize my board game collection effectively?

Organize your collection by assessing and purging unwanted games, preparing games for vertical storage using plastic bags and rubber bands, and placing games on shelves like books, sorted by category, color, or size.
What are some popular types of board games available?

Popular types of board games include strategy games, cooperative games, family games, party games, and thematic games, each catering to different preferences and group sizes.
Where can I find the latest updates for my Polar fitness device?

Visit polarservicecenter.net for the latest software updates, firmware upgrades, and product announcements to keep your device performing optimally.
How do I troubleshoot common issues with my Polar device?

Polarservicecenter.net offers detailed troubleshooting guides and FAQs to help you resolve common issues such as syncing problems, battery drain, and connectivity issues with your Polar device.
What are the warranty details for Polar products purchased in the USA?

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Can polarservicecenter.net help me find authorized repair centers for my Polar device?

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