10 Tips for Finding Rare Board Games

Board games have been a staple of entertainment for centuries, evolving from simple pastimes to complex, immersive experiences. Whether you're an avid collector or just someone who enjoys discovering unique games, finding rare board games can be a thrilling pursuit. These games, often out of print or produced in limited quantities, can hold sentimental value or become prized possessions. However, hunting for rare board games is not always straightforward. It requires patience, knowledge, and an understanding of where to look.

This article will provide you with 10 tips to help you find those rare gems that other collectors might overlook, whether they're classics, obscure games, or limited edition releases. From online marketplaces to local shops, there are numerous ways to track down these elusive treasures.

Know Your Game

Before diving into the search for rare board games, it's essential to understand what you're looking for. Rare games often fall into specific categories: limited editions, out-of-print titles, or games with historical significance. Here's what to focus on:

Understand What Makes a Game Rare

• Out-of-Print Games: Games that were once commercially available but are no longer printed are considered rare. As time passes, their scarcity drives up their value.
• Limited Editions: Some games are produced in limited runs, which makes them highly sought after by collectors. Look for games with numbered editions or special packaging.
• Special Variants: Some games come in alternative versions, such as foreign-language editions or promotional copies, that are rarer than the standard edition.
• Historical Significance: Certain games may have historical or cultural value that makes them rare, such as older editions of popular games that have since been re-released.

The more you know about a game's history, print runs, and variations, the easier it will be to recognize its rarity when you encounter it.

Utilize Online Marketplaces

The internet has revolutionized the way people buy and sell board games, particularly rare ones. Online marketplaces are often the go-to places for discovering rare games. Here's where you can look:

eBay

eBay is one of the largest online auction platforms, and it is an excellent place for buying rare and vintage board games. Sellers often list games that are out of print or hard to find, and you can even participate in auctions to potentially grab a rare game at a competitive price.

Tips for Using eBay:

• Set Alerts: You can set alerts for specific games you're looking for so that you're notified when they appear.
• Check Seller Ratings: Always buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit or misrepresented games.
• Bid Strategically: Don't jump in immediately---wait until the auction is closer to ending to place your bid. This strategy can sometimes save you money.

BoardGameGeek Marketplace

BoardGameGeek (BGG) is the ultimate resource for board gamers, offering game reviews, discussions, and a marketplace where users can buy, sell, or trade games. It's an excellent platform for finding rare games and connecting with other collectors.

Tips for Using BGG:

• Filter Your Search: You can search for rare or out-of-print games using various filters, such as price, condition, and year of release.
• Join the Community: BoardGameGeek has an active community where users discuss rare games, trade, and share tips. This can help you learn about lesser-known rare games.

Visit Local Game Stores

Though many board game collectors focus on online shopping, local brick-and-mortar game stores can be surprisingly good places to find rare games. Here's how to make the most of these visits:

Specialized Game Stores

Some stores specialize in vintage, collectible, or out-of-print board games. These stores may carry rare titles that aren't found in the more mainstream game shops. You might have to do a bit of research to find them, but they're well worth the visit.

Tips for Visiting Local Stores:

• Frequent Visits: Game inventory changes constantly. The more often you visit, the more likely you are to stumble upon a rare game.
• Build Relationships with Staff: Store owners and staff can be valuable sources of information about rare game availability. They might even keep an eye out for specific games you're looking for.
• Ask About Unlisted Stock: Some stores have rare games in the back or under the counter. Don't be afraid to ask.

Join Collector Forums and Groups

Being part of online communities and collector groups can provide you with valuable insights into where to find rare games. Many of these communities are passionate and full of knowledgeable people who have tips on tracking down hard-to-find titles.

Facebook Groups and Reddit Communities

Platforms like Facebook and Reddit have specialized groups dedicated to board game collecting. These groups often have buy/sell/trade posts where members list rare games they're willing to sell or trade.

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/boardgames, r/boardgameexchange, and r/boardgamecollecting are fantastic for discussing rare games and finding potential sellers.
• Facebook: Look for private groups or marketplace listings that focus on board game trading. Some groups focus on specific niches, like vintage games or rare editions.

Attend Conventions and Fairs

Board game conventions and fairs are prime opportunities to find rare games. These events gather collectors, designers, and retailers, making them a great place to find both old and new rare games.

Board Game Conventions

Conventions like Gen Con, Essen Spiel, and PAX Unplugged are major events where rare and limited edition games are often sold or showcased. Smaller regional conventions also offer opportunities to buy rare games.

Tips for Attending Conventions:

• Check for Exclusive Releases: Many conventions offer limited-edition games exclusive to the event.
• Meet Sellers and Collectors: Conventions allow you to meet other collectors and sellers who may have leads on rare games or even offer trade opportunities.
• Pre-order Games: Some conventions allow pre-orders for rare games that you can pick up during the event.

Explore Estate Sales, Flea Markets, and Thrift Stores

While it might sound unconventional, estate sales, flea markets, and thrift stores are often hidden gold mines for rare board games. People often donate or sell old games without realizing their value.

Estate Sales and Yard Sales

Estate sales are particularly fruitful because they often involve a collection of games that someone accumulated over a lifetime. You might find older or rarer games at bargain prices.

Tips for Exploring Estate Sales:

• Know What You're Looking For: Bring a list of games or types of games you're interested in so you can spot them quickly.
• Act Fast: Rare games at estate sales go quickly, so be ready to purchase on the spot if you find something valuable.

Thrift Stores and Flea Markets

These venues can yield unexpected finds, especially if the games have been sitting on the shelf for a while.

Tips for Visiting Thrift Stores:

• Check the Condition: Always inspect the games for missing pieces or damaged boxes, as this can affect their value.
• Visit Regularly: Inventory at thrift stores changes often, so frequent visits are key to finding rare games.

Use Price Tracking Tools

With the help of technology, finding rare games can be much easier. Price tracking tools monitor game prices across multiple platforms, alerting you when a game becomes available at a good price.

CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon)

CamelCamelCamel is a price tracking website that allows you to monitor the price history of board games sold on Amazon. This is especially useful for spotting when a game's price dips.

PriceSpy

PriceSpy is another excellent tool that can track prices of rare games across various online retailers, helping you find the best deal.

Consider Foreign Editions

Rare board games are often easier to find in other countries, particularly if they were only sold in specific regions. Some games may have limited runs in one country, but international editions may still be available.

Look for Foreign Editions

Foreign-language editions of popular games can sometimes be rarer than their English counterparts. Websites like eBay or BGG often have listings for foreign editions, which might be cheaper or more accessible than their domestic counterparts.

Tips for International Finds:

• Learn Basic Language Skills: Knowing some basics of the language (or using translation tools) will help you understand listings in foreign languages.
• Use International Shipping Services: Be sure to factor in shipping costs when purchasing from foreign retailers or sellers.

Network with Other Collectors

Sometimes, the best way to find rare games is through word of mouth. Other collectors may be aware of rare games that are about to go up for sale or may be willing to trade.

Join Collector Communities

As mentioned earlier, online communities are invaluable resources. Many collectors are willing to trade or sell games from their own collections, and participating in these communities can help you make connections that lead to finding rare games.

Tips for Networking:

• Participate in Trades: Offering games for trade can increase your chances of acquiring rare titles.
• Share Your Knowledge: Being an active participant in a community will help you gain the trust of other collectors, making it more likely they'll inform you about rare games.

Patience and Persistence

Lastly, the key to finding rare board games is persistence. Rare games don't come up for sale every day, so you need to be patient, regularly check sources, and stay informed about the game market. Over time, you'll build a network of sellers and a strategy for finding the rare games you want.

Conclusion

Finding rare board games is a rewarding endeavor that requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and patience. Whether you're using online marketplaces, visiting local stores, or attending conventions, each approach has its own advantages. The most important thing is to stay informed, network with other collectors, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Happy collecting!

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