Buying second-hand board games: what to check

Board games are expensive, and the second-hand market is a great way to discover games without breaking the bank. Many games are only played a few times before being resold. You just need to avoid the incomplete game, the wrong language or the box that smells of basement.

Where to look

• Specialist second-hand board game marketplaces, with a wide choice and experienced sellers.
• Classified ad sites, for local bargains and in-person pickup.
• Bring-and-buy sales at conventions and clubs: you can see and handle the game before buying.
• Game libraries, which sometimes renew their stock.

1. Check the game is complete

This is the number one risk. The good news: most rulebooks list every component, with quantities, often on the first or last page.

• Ask for photos of the contents laid out, not just the closed box.
• In person, count the cards first (an incomplete deck can make a game unplayable) and the unique pieces (board, miniatures, special tokens).
• Ask whether tokens have been punched: a “new, never played” game still has its punchboards intact.

2. Check the condition

• Cards: warped, stained or marked on the back? A card you can recognise from its back ruins games.
• Smell: damp and smoke soak into cardboard and are hard to get rid of.
• The box: crushed corners are no big deal; a warped bottom signals humidity.
• Card sleeves, if included, are a bonus and often a sign of care (see how to protect your games).

3. Check the edition

• Language: a game with lots of text on its cards has to be in a language the whole table reads.
• Edition: some reprints change the rules or components. Check that any expansions you want are compatible.
• Included expansions: a “game + expansions” bundle is often a good deal, as long as you check everything.

4. Questions to ask the seller

1. Is the game complete? Did you check against the component list?
2. How many times has it been played?
3. Was it stored somewhere dry, with no pets or smoke?
4. Which edition, which language?

A seller who answers precisely is usually a reliable one.

5. What if a piece is missing?

Not necessarily a disaster, if the price reflects it: many publishers offer a replacement parts service, and generic tokens, dice or cubes are easy to replace.

Before buying: check what you already own

The classic second-hand mistake: buying a game you already own, or a duplicate expansion. With MeepleThèque, your collection and wishlist fit in your pocket: one glance before buying is enough. And to make room before new purchases, see the games gathering dust on your shelf.