I don't think there's a single person in the country who doesn't know what Monopoly is; it's nearly 90 years old and exists in over 100 countries across the world. But, how many of you know what Betrayal at House on the Hill, The Settlers of Catan, and Dominion are? Not so many people do. These are more obscure board games, but they are extremely popular, and closer to home than you might think.

Board Games aren't popular in Billings, are they?

Well, you'd be wrong. As someone who collects and plays board games myself, I can tell you that there are a plethora of folks in town that absolutely adore board games and play them consistently every week. To be sure, I even asked Billings residents why they like board games. This is what they said;

I've noticed the board games I like the most are ones that tell a story, an experience that I can either have alone or with friends, typically with cooperative games.

- Trenton H.

 

I don't know that there's a feeling that matches that of having a group of your friends banter over Clank! or Scythe and the difference between winning and losing is one card, one turn, or not being aware of one move your opponent can make.

- Kalen H.

 

Board games have always been a big thing for my family. It's something we all do together!

- Cassie S.

 

I love games that are strategic and competitive. I also, for some reason, enjoy the goofy randomness of some of the games.

- Justus O.

There are many different views here, but the most common one is the social aspect. Board games are designed to bring people closer together. They're designed to be competitive, strategic, and overall fun.

I'm interested now, but where do I start?

Billings has a couple of shops in town where you can exclusively buy board games. These shops are locally owned, and often sell board games for cheaper than big box stores. I spoke with one owner, Kris Brester of KAB Sports Cards and Collectibles on Broadwater. When asked how popular board games are, Brester said;

They're extremely popular with families or on holidays because it's something to do that can be done over and over. That's what my family does. It's universal entertainment.

You can also find a group of people who already have board game collections, and just get some games in. When I started, I received a copy of Forbidden Island from a friend. It was a simple, yet beautiful game, and I've built my collection from that.

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If board games interest you, and you can't find anyone who will play them with you, then you aren't looking hard enough. I will always find time to play board games with anyone. Let's roll.