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When people mention boardgames, images of rolling dice and moving some plastic token up the ladder and getting gobbled by a snake or passing Go! comes into mind. The fact that we have been exposed to a minority of boardgames probably marked the end to what is a classic hobby.

Frankly speaking, kids will outgrow the Monopolies and the Snake & Ladders faster these days. So, why am I still in the boardgame business? Maybe because I discovered that there is a whole new world of boardgames and it doesn’t involve the games I used to play as a kid.

So, what is so different about these games? First of all, they are all “designed” so it is like a buying a book. The designers come out with different games but usually have the same style but with a different theme. So if you like a particular designer, you can actually follow his games like a fan. That is one differentiating aspect compared to your located-in-Toys R’ Us games.

Secondly, most games try to minimise the use of dice because it is random and it is an element of luck. These games want you to think your way to win. Even the simplest of games require a lot of brain work. In this sense, most of the games are educational.

Another thing with boardgames is that they are suitable for all ages. From young to old, everyone will find that the games are challenging. Some are of course easier than the others but there is a whole range for you to choose from so you can definitely find something that a 10-year old will enjoy as much as the 60-year old in the house.

While most electronic games involve some social element these days, as we have PSN, Nintendo Friend List or XBOX Live, it cannot replace the face-to-face social element that boardgames provide for. Sitting together with friends or strangers, and making casual idle chat while thinking about your strategy, there is this other dimension of boardgames that cannot be replaced.

I guess that is why I am in the business. There is just something about boardgames that appeal to me. I may not be the world’s richest man doing this business but at least it is something I like doing.

So, here is the shameless ad plug. My shop is known as Toybox and it is located in Paramount Garden, PJ. We deal mainly with trading card games, miniatures and also designer boardgames. There is a wide range of games available at our store and you can drop by to see for yourself.

Alternatively, you can follow us on Facebook and get notified when we have roadshows and events.

The last method is if you love to learn more after reading this and you can get a few friends together, contact me (contact details found in About page) and we can see how we can arrange an introductory session for you and your friends.