5 Mistakes You’re Probably Making When Playing Board Games (And How to Fix Them)

We’ve all been there! Halfway through a board game, realising we’ve misunderstood a rule, made a blunder we can’t undo, or just completely sabotaged our own strategy. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! After countless game nights and watching friends and family play everything from Catan to Cascadia, I’ve spotted a few classic mistakes that pop up time and time again.

The good news? They’re all easy to fix, and once you do, your next game night might just go a whole lot better.

1. Not Reading the Rules Properly

I’ll admit it, I’ve done this more times than I’d like to admit! You’re excited to dive into your new game, you skim the rulebook, and suddenly halfway through the game someone goes, “Wait… we’ve been doing this wrong the whole time!” Take a few extra minutes at the start to read or even watch a quick “how to play” video (we always email you links to great ones when you borrow from Love Board Games). A clear understanding makes the game flow so much better, and saves everyone the mid-game confusion!

2. Not Paying Attention to the Endgame

A lot of players focus so much on what’s happening right now, collecting resources, placing tiles, building cards, that they forget how the game actually ends. Suddenly, someone triggers the last round and you realise you’re miles away from completing your plan. How to fix it? Always check the endgame condition and scoring before you start. Does the game end when a deck runs out? When a certain structure is built? When someone hits a target score? Knowing what triggers the finale helps you plan your turns far more effectively.

3. Rushing Through Turns

It’s tempting to speed things up, especially with newer players, but the beauty of many games lies in taking your time, planning, strategising, and immersing yourself in the moment. Games like Everdell or Flamecraft reward those little pauses to think and enjoy. Slow down, chat, and savour the experience, that’s where the real fun lives. And if all else fails… snacks. Everyone’s more patient when there are sweets involved.

4. Ignoring What Other Players Are Doing

It’s easy to get tunnel vision, focusing only on your own board, hand, or plan. But in most games, especially ones with shared resources, area control, or limited actions, watching others can give you a massive strategic advantage. So keep an eye on your opponents’ moves. What are they collecting? Which strategy are they leaning towards? Are they about to end the game early? Sometimes, the best move you can make isn’t the one that helps you most, but the one that stops someone else from running away with the victory.

5. Forgetting That Fun Comes First

This might sound obvious, but it’s the most common mistake of all. We get caught up in winning, in perfecting our strategies, in the “should-have-played-that-card” moments, and we forget why we sat down to play in the first place. Remember that every game is a shared experience. Laugh at the chaos, celebrate clever plays (even if they weren’t yours), and enjoy the story the game creates. Because win or lose, that’s what keeps us coming back to the table.

A Bonus one. Always Playing the Same Games

It’s easy to fall back on favourites like Catan or Ticket to Ride, but the world of board games is vast and exciting! Trying something new keeps things fresh and gives everyone a fairer playing field. That’s exactly why Love Board Games exists, you can borrow and try new games each month without spending a fortune. You might just discover your next favourite!

The Fix? Play More, Stress Less

Every mistake you make while playing board games is really just part of the learning curve, and honestly, part of the fun.

At Love Board Games, you can try a variety of titles without worrying about cost or storage. You’ll learn new strategies, avoid those little mistakes, and most importantly, you’ll keep the fun alive week after week.

So next time you gather around the table, remember: don’t stress about getting everything perfect. Read the rules, pick the right game, invite your favourite people, and just play. That’s what board games are all about.