Board Gaming Habits to Rethink in 2026, According to Experts

Board gaming continues to surge in popularity, with more households investing in expansive collections, premium tables, and longer, more immersive game nights. But as the hobby evolves, many players are still holding onto habits that quietly undermine the experience.

Experts say 2026 is the year board gamers should rethink how they prepare, play, and protect their games. From poor setup choices to overly competitive mindsets, these behaviors can drain enjoyment and limit how often groups actually want to gather.

Below, gaming specialists weigh in on the board gaming habits worth leaving behind  and what to do instead.

Treating Game Setup as an Afterthought

One of the most common mistakes gamers make is rushing through setup. Missing pieces, cluttered components, and unclear table space can sour a game before it even begins.

“Setup isn’t just prep, it’s the first phase of play,” says Qianqian He, spokesperson at BoxKing Gaming. “When players take time to organize components and prepare the table, the game flows better and people stay engaged longer. Poor setup creates friction that players often mistake for a ‘bad game.’”

Experts agree that investing even ten minutes before a session can dramatically improve gameplay, especially for strategy-heavy or component-dense titles.

Playing on Unsuitable Tables

Dining tables and coffee tables remain popular gaming surfaces, but they often create problems: cards slide, boards don’t fit, and players constantly adjust their seating.

“An unstable or cramped surface forces players to focus on managing space instead of enjoying the game,” explains Marcus Lowell, tabletop game reviewer and host of a weekly board gaming podcast. “Once people experience a table designed for gaming, it’s hard to go back.”

As more players host longer sessions, choosing the right surface has become a priority — not a luxury.

Letting Clutter Control Game Night

Large collections are a badge of honor for many gamers, but clutter can make choosing what to play overwhelming.

Rather than displaying everything at once, experts recommend rotating games seasonally or by genre. This approach reduces decision fatigue and keeps game nights feeling fresh.

Replaying the Same Titles on Repeat

Comfort games are popular for a reason — they’re familiar, easy to teach, and reliable crowd-pleasers. But relying exclusively on the same titles can limit a group’s growth.

“Groups that only replay favorites tend to lose curiosity,” says Dr. Elaine Porter, a game design lecturer and social play researcher. “Introducing new mechanics challenges how people think and interact, which keeps gaming social rather than routine.”

Many groups now schedule intentional “new game nights” or rotate one unfamiliar title into each session to keep momentum high.

Making Winning the Only Goal

Competition can energize a table — but when winning overshadows everything else, it can damage group dynamics.

Overly competitive behavior often leads to rushed decisions, rule arguments, or disengaged players. Experts say reframing success around shared experience leads to more consistent game nights.

“People return to tables where they feel welcome, not pressured,” Porter explains. “Winning matters, but enjoyment determines whether the group survives long-term.”

Ignoring Physical Comfort

Long sessions expose uncomfortable habits quickly. Poor lighting, hard chairs, and awkward table heights can cause fatigue that has nothing to do with the game itself.

Comfort is now seen as essential to serious board gaming. Better lighting reduces eye strain, proper seating encourages longer sessions, and appropriate spacing prevents constant movement interruptions.

Players who prioritize comfort report fewer early game endings and more consistent attendance.

Stopping Play to Constantly Check Rules

Frequent rulebook interruptions are one of the fastest ways to kill momentum. While learning new games is unavoidable, stopping every few minutes frustrates experienced players and overwhelms newcomers.

Experts recommend designating one rules lead or reviewing gameplay basics in advance. Even a short video walkthrough can make a noticeable difference.

Treating the Game Table as Single-Purpose

Many gamers only use their table during scheduled game nights, leaving it idle the rest of the week.

In 2026, that mindset is shifting. Game tables are increasingly used for puzzles, mini painting, card games, and creative projects making them central to daily life rather than occasional use.

“When a table becomes part of everyday routines, it gets used more often and appreciated more deeply,” says Qianqian He, BoxKing Gaming. “It stops feeling like a luxury and starts feeling like a shared space.”

Neglecting Long-Term Game Care

Improper storage and careless handling shorten the lifespan of even premium games. Bent cards, missing components, and damaged boards add up over time.

Experienced gamers are now rethinking how they store and protect their collections, focusing on longevity and ease of setup. Small changes like proper inserts or labeled storage can save hours over the life of a collection.

Final Takeaway

Board gaming in 2026 is about intention. As the hobby matures, players are realizing that how they play matters just as much as what they play.

Rethinking habits around setup, comfort, competition, and organization leads to better sessions, stronger social bonds, and more frequent game nights. The most successful groups aren’t defined by their collections but by the experiences they create around the table.

For gamers willing to evolve, the payoff is simple: better games, better nights, and better memories.