This question popped up on a Facebook game. What can you say when you don’t like a board game on your first play. And I didn’t dive too much into the answers. But I knew, which I couldn’t do in the moment, that I wanted to address it. Because, I think it is a tricky situation with a lot of factors to consider. So let’s talk about what do do when you don’t like a board game.

The Factors

Let’s start out with one factor that won’t be a factor for this list. It might just be the group. A board game experience is easily tainted by playing it with the wrong group. And some games are more dependent upon groups than others.

But let’s talk specifically about a new to you board game and what to consider. Firstly, how long is the game? Next, are the other people enjoying the game? Finally, where in the game are you?

How Long is the Board Game?

Let’s start out with how long the game is. This does matter, because a longer board game it might be worth saying more. If you are thirty minutes into a first play of a 90 to 120 minute game it is more worth saying something. Mainly because that play is probably going to take the 120 minutes or longer as people learn the game.

What do you say in that situation though?

I’d say something to talk about how the game isn’t for me. And that I know the game is going to continue for a while longer, so it would be better if I drop or they restart so that I don’t make the experience less fun.

You’ll see this as a common way I handle it. I make it about not being good for me. And I step away and let them have fun.

But what if it’s shorter? If you are ten minutes into a twenty minute game or thirty minute game. I think that you don’t say anything in the game. Unless the game is triggering to you with the content in the game, finish the game. It won’t be much longer, so try and enjoy the company and get through the game. If they ask you to shuffle up and play again, decline.

Are Other People Enjoying the Game?

Now let’s getting into the factor around other people enjoying the board game. What do you do if they are or aren’t? I kind of already talked about if they are because you don’t want to ruin it for them. So depending on the length of the game, see the section above.

But let’s say that other people aren’t enjoying the game. Or even the majority of people aren’t enjoying the game. Still be careful and considerate about how you talk about it. This is one that I need to think about as well. And consider if you are talking about it during the game or not.

What To Say During A Game?

In this spot, I’d say, something about how I’m not enjoying the game, and I feel like others aren’t as well. I won’t call out anyone specific, just that I get the feeling from the table. This helps keep my opinion from being projected upon anyone in particular. But it’s a good thing to say because if everyone is feeling that way, it might just get the game put away right then.

What To Say After the Board Game?

I ask the question if others enjoyed it. And I try and do that before I state my opinion. Generally I feel like I get a solid read on what others are feeling. But I don’t want to sway people’s impressions of a game because of what I say. And, again, I caution against just bashing the game, but if everyone didn’t like it, you can discuss what didn’t work.

Where in the Game Are You?

And you see how all three questions stack together. I’m going to touch on this one quickly. This is about the length of the game in a lot of ways. But even for a longer game, if you realize two third of the way through a game that it isn’t for you. You suck it up if other people are enjoying it. If everyone looks miserable, you make the comment that it isn’t working for you and you feel that around the table.

This is even true for a shorter board game. There is no harm if everyone seems to not being enjoying the game of asking ten minutes into a thirty minute game. But like I said in the question, if others are enjoying it, just finish out the game. Unless there is content that is actively triggering to you and makes you feel uncomfortable to continue playing.

Final Thoughts On Handling A Not For You Board Game

I think the reason I wanted to write about this is there is a desire to bash stuff. People want to say, this is a bad game and walk away in the moment. But as a game player there is a responsibility to the group you play with as well. And it’s a fine balancing act.

There is the responsibility if it’s early enough in a game to walk away so you don’t bring the group down. But there is also a responsibility that if you are near the end and other people like it to not ruin a play of the game. So know your table. You don’t need to know the people, but if you find yourself not enjoying something or really disliking a game, pause, take a pulse of the tables feeling, and make your decision from there.

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