FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are some questions we hear often.  Use the links below to jump to a particular section. 
Do you have a question for us?  We are more than happy to answer any questions, please get in touch!

GENERAL

​Who are the BGBTB team?
BGBTB is run by Jason & Juliet, keen board gamers from Hamilton - aided by some amazing volunteers.
Why is there no BGBTB where I live?
We need to run the events where we can be sure of getting enough ticket sales to cover our costs.  If you think there is enough interest in your town or city, get in touch with us.
What type of games do you play?
There are hundreds of different games played at a BGBTB event.  There is something for everybody, even if you have never played any of these 'modern' games before.  There are games for just about every subject you could think of!  You can read more here.
Why would I pay to go to BGBTB, when I could just game with my friends?
We try to add a lot more to a BGBTB event.  You get:
  • a Games Library with over 150 games to choose from
  • friendly staff on hand to teach games
  • amazing prizes to be won thanks to our sponsors
  • special events like tournaments or math trades
  • food and drink available for purchase
What if I have never played 'modern' boardgames?
Don't worry!  We have a whole section in our Library for 'beginner/intro' games, and super friendly helpers to teach them to you.  We guarantee we have something you'll love!
What if I have no-one to go with?
Don't worry!  We have friendly staff who will help you find some people to play with.  And if we can't do that, you can play a game with us!  People at these events are super friendly and inclusive.
Are children welcome?
Yes!  BGBTB is a family-friendly event.  Children aged 12 and under are free, with an accompanying adult.  We typically have around 20 children per event.
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SPONSORS AND PRIZES

​Who sponsors BGBTB?
We have a wide range of sponsors, including distributors, publishers, online and brick-and-mortar game stores, and escape rooms!  You can read more here.
Can I become a sponsor?
Yes!  Please get in touch with us by email.
How do I win prizes?
Our generous sponsors donate a huge number of prizes (games and vouchers) for each event.  There are lots of ways to win:
  • Everyone who attends gets a random raffle number, with prizes drawn throughout the day.
  • Some lucky people will find a Golden Ticket inside the info we give you at the door.
  • Some games are labeled 'Play To Win' - meaning that the only way to win that game is to play it on the day.
  • There are daily puzzle competitions to win a special prize.
  • We often run special tournaments with special prizes.
Can I have a retail spot at an event?
We typically have just one of our retail sponsors per event on site and able to sell games.  We try to give everyone who is interested a chance, so please reach out to us at by email if you are interested.
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GAME DESIGNERS

Can I come and demo my game?
We love supporting local game designers, so we will always do our best to find you a space to promote your game.  Please fill out the 'Designer Info' form.  You will still need to pay the entry fee, so think about pre-registering to the event.
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SPECIAL EVENTS

Will there be a Math Trade or Silent Auction at the next event?
We don't run these at every event, so if you want one, let us know!
What is a Math Trade?
A math trade is a great, no-risk way to swap games with other people, and consists of three stages:
  1. Everyone adds games they are thinking about trading to a list here.  You can do that ahead of the event, and will also be able to see a list of what has been added so far.  Adding a game to the list does not mean you are definitely trading it - you will still be able to decide not to trade.  All games must be added by noon.
  2. At the event, everyone who is trading games looks at what is available, and decides what they would be happy to receive in exchange for their game.  This is called a "want list".  For example, "for my game #23, I would be happy to receive any of #13, #2, #6, #14 or #25".  Your want list could be just one game, or many.   You could also submit an empty want list, meaning that there is nothing that you want in exchange for your game, so your game will not trade.  Want Lists must be in by 4pm.
  3. We put all of the entries into a computer program, which figures out the optimal way for as many people to trade games as possible.  For example, I give my game #23 to Bob, who gives #18 to Charlie, who gives #2 to Diana, who gives #13 to me.  All trades will be calculated by 5:30pm.
What is a Silent auction?
You bring in the games you are interested in selling, and choose a reserve price and a closing time.  A form is placed with your game.  During the day, attendees can come and add a bid by writing on the form.  At your specified closing time, if the bid is above the reserve, the games sells to the highest bidder.  It is up to the buyer and seller to arrange payment.
Can you run a tournament for my favourite game?
We are always looking for tournament ideas.  If you have something you would be interested in, please get in touch with us!
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GAMES LIBRARY

How does the Games Library work?
 We have a massive library of games (often between 150 - 200 different titles) that you can grab from the table and play.  A lot of these belong to BGBTB, but many are also loaned by our attendees.  You can check out a list of what we have so far for the next event here.  There is also a link on that page to add your own games to the Library.
Will (my favourite game) be in the Library?
While we have a large selection, we can't have everything!  If there is something you particularly want to play, let us know and we will see what we can do.  If you own a game that you would like to share with others for the event, think about adding it to the library. 
Are my games safe in the Library?
At the end of the day, you are loaning your games at your own risk.  The BGBTB team will aim to ensure they are looked after, but we can't offer any guarantees.  In saying that, with the many times our own games have been in the Library, we have never had any problems.  Any games you loan need to be clearly labeled as yours.  We will check them off when you arrive and again when you leave, so we know you have everything.
Can I bring my own games and keep them OUT of the Library?
Absolutely!  We just ask that you think about how many items you are bringing, as we don't want to clutter up the venue with your entire collection, if you are only going to play 5 games!
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TICKETS AND PRE-REGISTRATION

How much does it cost?
The door price is $15 per day (children 12 and under are free).  You can pre-register (up to a week before the event) to get cheaper tickets.
Do I need to pre-register?
No you don't, there will be door sales.  However, pre-registration is cheaper, and helps us know how many people to expect.
Can I get tickets at the door?
Yes!  There is a small chance we may need to suspend door sales if the venue fills up.
Can I come and go?  Or do I need to pay again?
Your ticket gets you all day access - you can come and go as you like.  When you come back, just let our registration staff know you are already checked in.
What if I need to make changes to my booking?
If you need to make changes (say you decide to come on Saturday instead of Sunday, or want to change from a Day Pass to a Weekend Pass, just let us know and we can sort it out, no problems.
I can't make it anymore!  Can my friend use my ticket?
Absolutely!  Just let us know.
What if the event is cancelled?
If the event is cancelled, any Day or Weekend Passes will be refunded.  Annual Passes will not automatically be refunded, as they are designed to be good value for 3 or more events.
What if I am sick on the day?
If you are unable to attend due to illness, just let us know ASAP and your Day or Weekend pass will be refunded.
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COVID-19

Is the event safe?
As board gaming is a very social activity, with people sitting close to each other and passing things back and forth, we will not hold the events unless we are at COVID Alert Level 1.  At this level, we believe the events can be safely held.  We will have contact tracing, and encourage proper hygiene procedures.  Masks are not compulsory, but welcome.
What are your COVID-19 policies?
Please see this page.
What do you do with my contact tracing details?
We only hold on to them for two months, and then they are disposed.  They will only ever be used for tracing purposes.
What if I am sick on the day?
If you are unable to attend due to illness, just let us know ASAP and your Day or Weekend pass will be refunded.
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Copyright: Board Games By The Bay Limited, 2020