Rochester Gamers Community

One of my greatest joys is acquiring new games to add to my ridiculously large and seldom played collection of bits and pieces of cardboard and plastic. There is something magical and exciting about opening a box and exploring the components. In fact, it is very much like Christmas, only with no fat man in a suite or Aunt Whats-her-face in the kitchen singing Christmas carols, badly.

Let there be no doubt that it is easy to buy new games. It is a slippery slop, to be honest. You buy one, then another, and before you know it you are looking to acquire more floor space for your overflowing collection. This, in itself, is not a bad thing. Oh, goodness no. I happily endorse and fully support anyone who has a hobby that makes them happy and fulfilled.

Here are a few things to think about to help you start your own game collection.

Know What You Like

There are numerous types of games available on the market today. From abstract strategy to party games, and everything in-between. The trick is to find out what type of games you like. The goal is to never buy anything that you yourself would not like to play. That would be like a militant vegetarian knowing how to cook the perfect steak. In short, it doesn't makes sense.

The following Web sites have great explanations about different games. Read the information and you are instantly a "well informed gamer".

• Choosing a Good Game - by Daysowonder.com
• Different game mechanics - compiled by Boardgamegeek.com
• Different game categories - compiled by Boardgamegeek.com

Deals, Deals, Deals!

Great! You have done the research and decided what types of games you like and want to purchase. Now is the time to buy, but from where?

It simply cannot be argued that the best prices for games can be found online. There are numerous board game sellers available at your finger tips and they are all competing for your attention and money. Some online retailers have better deals than others and never forget to factor in the shipping and handling fee. By and large, however, you'll find a retailer you like and will most likely stick with them because of their service and game selection. One online store I highly recommend is Covenant Games. The owner and proprietor of this online boutique is an RGC member who offers other RGC members a great discount. Check it out.

Traditional brick and mortar game stores (commonly refereed to as "Friendly Local Game Stores" or FLGS for short) are also a great place to buy games. Understand that you will be paying more than what you would if you purchased the game online, but it's hard to put a price tag on the personal relationship you can obtain by frequenting a game store and visiting the owners. For example, a few folks at the Source: Comics and Games know me by first name. While this might be more of a statement to how often I frequent the store, it is also an excellent example of that "personal touch" you simply will never get from a Web page.

Lastly, don't forget auction sites. You can get some great used games for cheap if you are lucky enough to win a low bid. Both eBay.com and Boardgamegeek.com auction games. However, like all auctions, be certain you know what you are buying. Determine the condition of the game and if it has all of its pieces before making a bid.

Long story short, you already know what your budget is and you already know your preferred style of purchasing games. Go forth and find deals!

Try Something New

You've done your researched and purchased your first couple of games. You are on your way, but we aren't done yet! Oh, no. Not by a long shot.

Being a part of RGC opens the floodgates of opportunity for you to try new and exciting games. RGC hosts quarterly game days and sponsors Rochester's own 3-day gaming convention, Gamer's Reunion. In addition, several members host weekly game nights with a wide variety of games hitting the table. These are all wonderful opportunities for you to try new games and visit with others who enjoy the same hobby as you. Get out there and chuck the dice, flip the cards, and learn a new game mechanic or two. Each experience, be it enjoyable or "blah", will serve you well. The more experience you have, the richer your enjoyment and game knowledge overall.

And that's it! Not very hard, was it? No, no, not at all.

Have your own tips and tricks? Have a personal story to share? Feel free to add to this article by leaving a comment!

Until next time, friends...

ROLL HIGH AND DUCK LOW!