By: Blaze Aldrich | July 29th, 2025

(Dogpatch Games)

10 Ways to Level Up Your Board Gaming Experience

Board gaming is more than just rolling dice and moving meeples, it’s about creating memorable moments with friends and family. Whether you’re a casual player or a tabletop enthusiast, small tweaks and smart accessories can transform your game nights. Here are 10 practical ways to enhance your board gaming experience, from clever organization hacks to immersive upgrades.

1. Harness the Power of BoardGameGeek

BoardGameGeek (BGG) is the ultimate hub for board game enthusiasts. This website is a treasure trove of reviews, forums, and game details, helping you discover new titles, learn rules, and connect with the community. Use BGG to:

• Research games: Check rankings, player counts, and playtime to find the perfect game for your group.

• Track your collection: Log your games and get personalized recommendations.

• Access resources: Download rule clarifications, player aids, or even cooperative variants for games like Carcassonne. Pro tip: Add reviewers as “GeekBuddies” to see their ratings in your feed and use the “Stats” page to track a game’s ranking over time.

2. Use the Board Game Geek App for Scorekeeping and More

(J.Pacheco, 2020)

The BGG app (available on iOS and Android) brings the website’s power to your fingertips. It’s perfect for:

• Scorekeeping: Some games, like Splendor or Azul, have companion apps or fan-made tools on BGG for tracking scores, saving you from pen-and-paper math.

• Game lookups: Quickly check rules, FAQs, or errata during a session.

• Collection management: Sync your BGG account to log plays and stats. The app’s portability makes it a must-have for game nights on the go.

3. Organize Tokens with Silicone Baking Cups

Games like Wingspan or Quacks of Quedlinburg come with piles of tokens that can clutter the table. Silicone baking cups (or mini tart molds) are an affordable, durable solution:

• Why they work: They’re cheap (often under $10 for a set), reusable, and come in various sizes and colors to match your game’s theme.

• How to use: Assign cups for resources like gems in Splendor or food in Wingspan. Their flexibility makes them easy to pass around and store.

4. Streamline Storage with Extra Plastic Baggies

Plastic baggies are a board gamer’s best friend for keeping components organized, especially if you store games vertically. Here’s how to make them work:

• Choose the right size: Get assorted sizes (like those on Amazon) to fit cards, tokens, or dice. Clear baggies let you see contents instantly.

• Label them: Use a marker to note contents (e.g., “Wood Resources – 30 pieces”) for quick setup.

• Game-specific tip: For deck-building games like Dominion, separate decks by type and count to speed up prep. Baggies are inexpensive and prevent pieces from spilling, making cleanup a breeze.

5. Upgrade to Tackle Boxes for Heavy Component Games

(Stone_Bearer, 2020)

For games with tons of bits (Scythe, Terraforming Mars), a tackle box or compartmentalized container is a game-changer:

• Why it’s great: Adjustable dividers let you customize compartments for tokens, dice, or miniatures. Look for clear plastic ones (like Flying Buffalo’s counter trays) to spot components easily.

• Setup hack: Pre-sort player kits (starting resources, meeples) into separate compartments to cut setup time. Tackle boxes are durable and portable, perfect for gamers who travel to game nights.

6. Secure Boxes with Board Game Rubber Bands

Warped lids and spilled components are the bane of board game storage. Elastic box bands, like GEEKON’s cross bands, keep boxes snug:

• Why they’re awesome: Unlike regular rubber bands, cross bands (or “X bands”) wrap around all four edges, ensuring a tight fit without damaging boxes.

• Pro tip: Avoid stacking games heavily or storing them on their side to prevent warping, and use bands for extra security. Available in various sizes and colors, they’re both functional and stylish.

7. Buy a Laminator!

Perfect for roll and writes. You'll never have to to buy paper scoring sheets again! You'll be able to use the same one over and over again.

• Lamination: For custom player aids or reference sheets, laminating adds durability. You can also laminate homemade dividers for deck-building games. For sensitive games where card condition matters.

8. Invest in a Card Shuffler

I love shuffling cards but shuffling large decks (Dominion, Clank!) can be tedious and hard on cards. A card shuffler saves time and effort:

• Why it’s worth it: Automatic shufflers (available for $15–$30 on Amazon) handle standard card sizes and ensure a thorough mix, especially for games with frequent reshuffling.

• Considerations: Check compatibility with your game’s card sizes. Manual shufflers are quieter but slower. This is a lifesaver for kids or players with dexterity issues.

9. Elevate Game Night with a Dining Board Game Table

Aren't those EXPENSIVE?! Yes, but no... hear me out. I've bought several board game tables on Facebook for 25-50% OFF the original price. All you have to do is look & eventually you'll find one. Once you find one, its a game changer!

• Features: Built-in mats, cup holders, and storage compartments keep games organized and drinks safe. Some double as dining tables, blending seamlessly into your home.

• Why it’s great: A stable surface prevents pieces from sliding, and hidden compartments store components mid-game for multi-session epics like Twilight Imperium. Yes, they’re pricey, but they transform game nights into immersive events. If budget’s tight, a large neoprene playmat (3’x3’ or 3’x4’) is a budget-friendly alternative.

10. Replace Coins and Money with Poker Chips

Paper money or flimsy coins in games like Power Grid, or Scythe can feel lackluster. Swap them for poker chips to add weight and flair:

• Why they’re great: Poker chips (available in sets for $10–$20) come in various colors and denominations, making transactions tactile and immersive. Their satisfying heft elevates games like Brass: Birmingham.

• How to use: Assign denominations to chips (e.g., red = 1, blue = 5) and store them in a chip tray for easy access. Check BGG for game-specific chip recommendations to match currency needs.

• Pro tip: Look for chips with printed values to avoid confusion, and pair them with silicone baking cups for organized storage during play.

Bonus. Shop Smart at Elevated Board Games

Finding deals and newly released games that can enhance your collection without breaking the bank. Elevated Board Games offer curated selections:

• Great Deals: Save 20–50% on top titles like Cascadia & Catan.

• Rare Finds: Grab out-of-print gems, Kickstarters, and Promos

• Holiday Sales: Score 40–60% off during Black Friday, Christmas, and more.

• 10% Off Discount: Enjoy ongoing savings, stackable with other promotions.

Final Thoughts

These 11 tips can transform your board gaming experience. They save time, reduce frustration, and make every session more immersive. Try a few that fit your budget and watch your game nights level up! What’s your favorite way to enhance game night? Share your tips below or check out Elevated Board Games for more inspiration. Happy gaming!