When navigating the treacherous waters of a tabletop expo, safety is paramount. From dragons in dungeon related hazards, to punch board papercuts, follow this guide for the best way to survive the event unchanged. 

PRE- CONVENTION WORK OUT REGIME

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Begin your workout regime with weights (or just Gloomhaven) to build up your tolerance to carrying multiple board games in one go. Bonus points awarded for carrying a stack of games and maintaining a consistent pace without looking like you’re practicing your twinkle toes routine. 

IMMEDIATELY LOCATE THE FOOD

You’re not you (or your best RPG character) when you’re hungry. Immediately locate the available food and make your selection ahead of time. Not only will this limit the time you take away from the actual games, but will power you up for the afternoon. Just avoid taverns, as who knows what side quests might distract you from your gaming goal. 

USE A BUDDY SYSTEM

Need someone to overcome your temptation to put the game back? Buddy up! Come prepared with a friend or arrange in advance for gamers to supervise. No one wants buyers regret for not picking up that game, and you can play the role for your buddy too. Practice with me: “every time you put a game back, a flumph dies”. We wouldn’t want that, after all. 

PLEASE KEEP ALL ARMS, LEGS, AND CHILDREN INSIDE THE VEHICLE

Stick to the flow of the convention, lest ye be lost to the tides of board gaming greatness! Should you need a little extra space, merely pick up a few more board games to buy yourself some extra personal space. Whilst swinging these around like gladiator cotton buds (pugil sticks apparently, who knew?) is not advised, you can gain at least an extra meter by holding them aloft (if you’ve done your work out regime that is). 

A SHELF OF SHAME IS JUST A SHELF OF OPPORTUNITY

Be mindful. Manifest yourself your new games. Think you won’t play it? Of course you will! Future proof yourself for the glory of the board game haul. After all, without a shelf of opportunity, who knows what mutiny may occur within your gaming group. Stay safe. Treat yourself (and them!). 

Of course, the best place to try this out is at Tabletop Gaming Live! This epic gaming convention will be taking place on the 17^th & 18^th September 2022, and will host a huge range of exhibitors, gamers, workshops, and opportunities to play. Taking place at the historic Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, we can’t wait to see you there. But for now, we're taking a look at some of the games you can find at the event!

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This review came from Tabletop Gaming Magazine, which is home to all of the latest and greatest tabletop goodness. Whether you're a board gamer, card gamer, wargamer, RPG player or all of the above, find your copy here.

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If you want to read more about one of the most hotly anticipated games of the year, check out our interview with Cole Wehrle on ARCS! A new game from the designer of Root and Oath, and we've got all you need to know.

To infinity and beyond

Join us in person

We can't wait for Tabletop Gaming Live 2022! An epic weekend in Manchester full of board games, card games, roleplaying games, wargames and more, with amazing exhibitors, great games, and an opportunity to game together in person.

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Treat Yourself! 

Have you visited our game store? We have everything from mystery boxes, to games and accessories – including the above Power Rangers: Heroes of the Grid, with a great discount! Head over to find your new favourite game.

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