Board game events are popular in Bergen, especially on rainy and dark nights. Since Bergen is one of Europe’s rainiest cities, it’s no surprise that people seek this type of relaxing activity. However, not all board game players enjoy these events equally. This article will explore the usual pros and cons of board game events organized in Bergen’s pubs, bars, and similar venues.
Why Board Game events in Bergen Pubs Work Well
Let’s put on our pink glasses and explore the good sides of these events.
Warm Social Atmosphere
Venues in Bergen that organize or gladly accommodate board game events are usually very welcoming, with a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. It’s a chicken-and-egg situation: to attract friendly people, your business has to be friendly.
Good Choice of Food and Drinks
There’s no denying that beer and board games go well together—especially when paired with a juicy burger, flaming hot tacos, or sweet potato fries dipped in aioli. Luckily, almost all venues in Bergen offer bites to go with their beverages.
Meeting New People
Meeting new people can be hard in Norway, especially if you weren’t born and raised here. The most common advice given to new residents of Bergen is to find hobbies where they can meet people. Board game events are perfect for that, as they allow you to connect with like-minded individuals in a casual environment.
No Hosting and No Mess in Your House
I like hosting board game events in my apartment—I enjoy cooking and always have a stash of lager in the fridge. However, I can’t deny it’s much easier to just grab a coat and head to a venue. No cleaning before or after, no kitchen accidents, and no inviting strangers to your house.
Good Choice of Games in Venues
As mentioned, board games are popular in Bergen, and gamer-friendly venues are usually well-equipped. Don’t expect to find the rarest or most expensive games, but classics like Cards Against Humanity, Catan, Exploding Kittens, and similar titles are widely available.
why Board Game Events in Bergen might not be your cup of tea
Let’s look at some reasons why people might not prefer playing board games in social venues.
Cost of Food and Beverages
When visiting a bar—whether for a board game event or not—you’re expected to order something to drink or eat. After all, these venues survive on paying customers. However, Norway is notoriously expensive for going out, and if you wash down your burger with a couple of pints, your wallet won’t be happy.
Limited Space for Playing
Since Bergen no longer has a dedicated place for casual board game players (RIP Spillhuset), we now play in pubs, bars, and restaurants. However, these venues are designed for food and drinks, not for Tigris & Euphrates sessions. As a result, the tables are often impractical for larger games.
Sticky Accidents
Food and beverages are great—until they end up as a sticky mess. As mentioned, space is limited, aioli is sticky, and tall beer glasses are a recipe for disaster. One pint of cheap beer can create an expensive mess. Even without beer spills, it’s painful to watch someone touch the cards with greasy fingers.
A Lot of Distractions
Every good bar is full of distractions—football matches on TV, loud bachelorette parties, or just regulars doing what regulars do. You can’t complain as long as they’re not breaking any laws or crossing any lines of good taste, but damn, sometimes it’s hard to concentrate on your strategy.
Time Limitations
For Bergen venues, board game events are usually a way to fill up slow weeknights or quiet Sunday afternoons. As a result, you can’t expect venues to stay open late, no matter how exciting your current game of Terraforming Mars is. The same goes for afternoons—if the bar gets crowded and seating becomes limited, it’s only fair to the venue that you wrap up your game.
How to Have a Successful Board Game events in Bergen Venues
Nobody is stopping you and your pals from playing cards in a pub corner. These tips are mostly for organized board game events, where you can expect players with different levels of board game knowledge and various backgrounds.
Choose Your Games Wisely
I once brought Ultimate Werewolf to a board game evening. Big fail. Nobody knew how to play it (myself included), and after 15-ish minutes, we just gave up and started playing Saboteur instead.
For board game events in pubs, choose games that are easy to set up, don’t take up too much space, and have simple enough rules. You should also avoid cheeky games like Cards Against Humanity, Shit Happens, and similar titles.
Reserve a Good Table or Tables
This part is usually arranged in cooperation with the venue. If you need an extra-large table for your game setup, make sure the players will actually show up to avoid wasting space. If the venue has smaller tables and you need more room, coordinate with the venue staff—don’t rearrange the furniture on your own.
Use Protection
People are clumsy, people are drunk, and people don’t give a damn. I, however, like my games in mint condition. That’s why, when I go to these events, all my games are sleeved if possible. Card sleeves are very affordable, especially when ordered from AliExpress.
Rules About Food and Drinks
Don’t eat and play. It’s impolite, and nobody wants greasy fingerprints on their board game. If you’re hungry, excuse yourself from the table while you eat. As for drinks, don’t place your glass or cup on the board game—or too close to it. One pint can ruin both the game and the entire evening.
Summa Summarum
I enjoy board game nights in Bergen. They’re a fun way to meet fellow meeples, learn a new game, and introduce your favorite games to others. It’s also a great way to expand your social circle and gives you a reason to go out on dark days. They do have some negative sides, but as long as they are note serious deal-breakers, you’ll be fine!