What happens when life gets in the way of board games? What happens when the stack of unplayed games is starting to topple over and you have guilt about not getting to them? In other words, what happens when board games are starting to make you feel…guilty.
In my perfect world, I wake up perfectly coiffed, grab a cup of tea after a bit of morning yoga, make a to do list that actually gets done and spend an evening around the table learning, laughing and playing board games. But that’s the perfect world. It’s not the real world. The real world has jobs and bills and appointments and all of those add up to not always having the energy to drag out a game.
So what to do?
Here’s my usual plan of attack:
1. Lists – so many lists. I keep a running list of games that we haven’t played yet. I am also using The Art of Boardgaming’s yearly challenge lists to remind me of our favorites. Nothing I like better than checking off little boxes (well except playing!) These are a way to keep me focused and remember why I do this in the first place. I made these lists with joyous expectations of fun. When I see them, I tend to remember that. It’s also a way to keep me accountable and make sure I’m not buying more than I’m playing. I am fairly guilty of adding impulse buys to my collection and that’s a bit hit or miss sometimes. And one last thing, keeping track of the games that actually make it to the table is great when it comes to looking at new games. Even though we love a big, slogging, 6 hour game (I’m looking at you TI4) it isn’t always what makes it off the shelves. Something to keep in mind when ogling the new and shiny.
2. Short games, small box games, travel games – No time for something big? That doesn’t mean there’s not time. No energy to learn something new and complex? Stick to the things you love. Drag out a classic. Pick something short and sweet. I’ve never regretted it. And do that a few days in a row and you start to feel more like your old self again.
3. Watch some gaming videos – There are so many great reviews and tutorials out there to choose from. For us? Shut Up & Sit Down will always make us want to grab a game and have a laugh.
Do you suffer from board game droughts? Busy schedules keeping the meeples away? What’s your solution?