So You Want to Start Your Own Collection...

[Gerald]

So, you've played your first "real" boardgame and you're itching for more.  You've discovered sites like TW and BGG and come to realize that there's a whole new boardgaming world out there waiting to be explored.  You see titles like Agricola, or Power Grid, or Descent, or Pandemic, or Giganten and a hundred -- nay, a few thousand different titles!  And you think to yourself... where do I start?

Well, to those who want to start their own collection and are wondering what games to buy... and even to those who just want to play and you're wondering which games to start with... I want to share what I've learned from my short years in the hobby.  Hopefully, this'll make your transition smoother and ultimately less expensive.  Hopefully, this article will help provide you an easier time now that you've chosen to walk down the yellow brick road. 

Disclaimer:  Everything I'll be saying is my personal opinion.  It is not the end all and be all of board gaming advice or "tips".

• The most important thing you have to remember now that you're on this path is... playing board games is a SOCIAL thing.  Don't be shy, and use these forums and other resources to help you look for a group of people that you can game with.  Half the fun of playing board games is the friends/people that you play them with. 
  
  When I first started getting into heavier board games, one of the most daunting things for me was wading thru page-laden rulebooks.  One of the major advantages in playing with a group is there's almost always someone who'll help you learn the rules.  These people won't judge you if you get a rule or two wrong, because believe me, we've all been there and done that.  Plus, most people will be more than happy to teach you and help you go over games that you want to learn.  Some of the best groups I can think of, you can meet via the OGM (Open Gaming Meet) or WGM (Philboardgamers Wargame Meet) or thru the various small groups that meet regularly to play or by going to board game cafes like Hobbymania.  Don't limit yourself, explore bigger circles.  To learn more, you can always post thru these forums and I'm sure everyone will be happy to assist you.  We are always on the lookout for new blood!
  
  Also, being in a group allows you to pool your collection of games, helping you to learn what type of games you prefer.  At the beginning, almost every game you play will feel wondrous and something that you'd be remiss not to have in your collection.  But after awhile, you learn where your tastes lie, and you can focus on games that you like more.  This'll help save you money down the road, and if you're married like me, save you from the ire of your spouse when you go over the budget. 
  
  Speaking of learning the type of games you like, leads me to my second point...
• Its important to know what type of games you like.  And not just in broad strokes... be more specific.  Do you like economic games?  Do you like auction/bidding games?  Do you like card games?  Do you like abstract games?  You can always ask people for advice on what games you should get, but in the end, you have to know what you want.
  
  But, please note that while you should know what type of games you like, I advise that you shouldn't limit yourself to those type of games as well.  I'm not saying to go out and buy every board game in sight... but rather to not close yourself off from playing games that you THINK you might not like.  Play other games that come out on the table... even if they're nor your usual fare.  Everything deserves to be tried once.  You might surprise yourself and learn that your spectrum is expanding.
• Don't restrict yourself based on board game ratings.  I'm not saying the top 10 games in BGG aren't good... I'm just saying alot of games well below 200 are as good or better.  Don't let ratings choose for you.  You're the one who's investing the money, so do your research.
• If you can, trade/buy from other gamers.  This usually keeps your overall costs lower.  If you must order abroad, order from reputable sources like Brel, Mangsky, etc., so you can rest assured that your money doesn't go down the drain.
• Lastly, be sure to have fun.  Don't let gaming get so serious, that it sucks the fun out of it.  Always be ready to laugh at yourself and to accept gracious defeat.

There you have it.  I'm not the most articulate person in the world (as my friends can attest), but these are the most basic tips that I can give to ensure that your road down the path of board gaming (be it collecting or playing) will be as fun and as rewarding as mine was and is.

[Rolf]

This is an amazing article.  Awesome work!!!

[hisashi]

Great article! i fully agree with the last one, the fun should be the first aim in gaming...winning is just an added bonus how well did you fare while having fun. I got a couple of gaming buddies that takes it seriously. everytime they lost they vow to avenge their defeat. Which is a good and bad thing, good coz it means we got to game again, bad coz that next game they will only have winning the game as a goal.

[Talismanic (Mark)]

But, please note that while you should know what type of games you like, I advise that you shouldn't limit yourself to those type of games as well.  I'm not saying to go out and buy every board game in sight... but rather to not close yourself off from playing games that you THINK you might not like.  Play other games that come out on the table... even if they're nor your usual fare.  Everything deserves to be tried once.  You might surprise yourself and learn that your spectrum is expanding.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. When I got back into board-gaming in October 09, I was only familiar primarily with Ameritrash, and while I still prefer games with more theme, I definitely enjoy playing Euros from time to time thanks to my exposure at HM with Settlers of Catan, Le Havre, Chinatown, Agricola, etc. In fact, I've even bough quite a few of the ones I liked. Also, I learned that I enjoy co-op games like Pandemic, Arkham,  and Space Alert as well. So definitely as you go along in your journey, you must try to play a bit of everything as it may lead you to discover and enjoy new facets and genres of the gaming experience.   

[faust]

Good Job!

[Sexy Bro]

Another thing you might want to add/consider: How much time do you want to devote to a specific game whenever gaming.

Our schedules as gamers can be tight due to work, school or one' social life. Its not only a matter of getting your group together to play but whether you are able to schedule sessions long enough for certain games. For instance, some groups like playing multiple short games that range from 30 minutes to an hour and are adverse to longer games. Game boxes have estimate playing times but these don't always hold true, and estimated game lengths can be longer, like for Arkham Horror & Game of Thrones. Play one of the mentioned games and your whole night can already be shot in one or two plays. Play a shorter game like Bang! and you'll have time to play other games too.

[Adrian (the other one)]

Just wanted to chime in with my two thumbs up for this review! Must read for all members of TTW.

[ChineezPnoy]

...
Also, being in a group allows you to pool your collection of games, helping you to learn what type of games you prefer.  At the beginning, almost every game you play will feel wondrous and something that you'd be remiss not to have in your collection.  But after awhile, you learn where your tastes lie, and you can focus on games that you like more.  This'll help save you money down the road, ...

I can vouch for that.

Unless u don't mind having this much @ home
>_<

[hisashi]

Who don't want that colossal collection?
I'm not picky with my games...since almost all of them are from other members of the site...i just grab whatever is up for sale that is reasonable...of course i do some research din, to atleast know what's inside the box

[Mark Humphries]

Very nice 

[aerolb]

My collection plan is simple. If it has samurai/ninja/Japan in it and it looks like I'll enjoy it - I buy it. Other than that, if it looks fun, then I buy it. lol

[Talismanic (Mark)]

I generally prefer AT games, though I've learned to appreciate Euros with theme, coop games and even party games. Consequently, I like the opportunity to play a bit of everything.   

[Caestus Dei]

Good article. I've always had the mindset of having fun with hobbies, not ratings or the latest stuff, though I might, on occasion, look them up. Personally, it's tabletop role-playing games like D&D, GURPS and Top Secret/SI, and related simulations like Heroscape and Munchkin. I guess I'm more into the imaginative type of games, and I tend to limit my collection, if one can call it that, to those.