GCOM's Winter Game Fest Logo

Newbie Guide to Board Game Conventions

Draft in progress.

New to Boardgame Conventions?

You will almost certainly have a great time here. Here's how some of the things you will see at this convention are organized, and how you can join in.

Tournament games - The Winter Game Fest doesn't have any formal tournaments, with their scoring and awards, but it does have a carefully programed schedule of popular tournament games that anyone can play. You just need to be familiar with the game. Many of these games will be preceded by a demo, or will have a learning game led by a volunteer. Just check the Director's Picks schedule and go to the room at the time specified.

Other scheduled games - In addition to the Director's Picks games schedule, there are many other scheduled games led by volunteers. Most of these will welcome new players, but some may be too complex to teach and play in one sitting, or the group play may be only for advanced players. Check the schedule for times, locations, and any restrictions.

At this convention, to join any scheduled game, you just need to

  1. Show up at the game's scheduled location a few minutes before the listed start time.
  2. Anyone can play in most scheduled games, subject to available games and interest (a very few may be restricted to experienced players)
  3. There's no qualification except that you should ALREADY know how to play the game, unless it's listed as a demo or learning game
  4. Your $10 convention admission fee lets you do all convention activities, including all scheduled games.
  5. Most games will have GM (Game Master) or game leader who can answer rules questions.
Open Gaming - The Dining Room and Sun Room are the centers for play of unscheduled games. Any of the large collection of popular games may be borrowed for play by any badged attendee. A wide variety of table signage is also available to help you identify games needing players.

Party/Social Games - This convention has an area reserved for Party Games. My loose definition is: games that are easy to learn, fun to play, and during which you smile and laugh a lot. Each of these games is taught and coached during play. Just show up at the scheduled time and join the fun.

Game Design Workshop - Want to play with a game designer? This convention includes a workshop for proven and aspiring game designers. They need your participation to fine-tune their creations for publication. Just drop by the UnPub area and volunteer to join a game. The designer will usually teach and play their game with you.

Bring and Buy Auction Store - The best deals on board games are often purchases from other gamers. The B&B, located in the Lounge, opens for sales at 11am, and will have price drops at 12pm and 1pm. Drop by, look for games you'd like, and pay with cash only.

Dining Options - The snack bar in the Dining Room is open during most con hours. Pizza delivery is scheduled for lunch and dinner each day. To be sure you get the slices you like, pre-order at the snack bar.