SMOOSH JUICE
Ask Ms. Meeple: Spills, Chills, and Game-Replacement Bills | BoardGameGeek News
by Greyfax
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Here is the discussion for this week, which I’ve edited with the author’s permission:
Both groups are pretty informal with no established rules or guidelines, and I’ve often wondered what would happen if someone spills a coffee and damages a game. I haven’t seen it happen because most people are pretty careful, but some tables are wobbly, and I did hear about a situation in which someone spilled a glass of water and the owner expected them to replace the game.
Considering that a “no food or drink” rule would be difficult to implement at these establishments, what do you think should be the expectation if a game is damaged? Does the owner of the game accept all risk, or does the person bringing a drink to the table have some responsibility? What if the coffee drinker is really careful, but another person clumsily knocks the table?
I play games in restaurants where naturally people want to eat and play. What should happen if a game is damaged by a food product or drink?
The first rule in this situation: Do not bring games that can’t be easily replaced to a food environment. You don’t know what’s going to happen, and food+drink+board games is not the greatest combination.
In the best scenario, the player damaging the game should offer to replace it. However, that won’t always happen. Then what? I wouldn’t say anything in the moment, but if I came to another event and that same person wanted to play my game, I’d make it clear to them privately that they are expected to replace games they’ve damaged and that I was disappointed that this didn’t happen. I’d see what they say, then go from there.
Now, let’s say that person doesn’t have a lot of money and offers to replace the game if only they had the money. Accept that as there’s nothing else you can do; do not try to call them out on the statement or doubt that they don’t have the money as that path leads to a lot of bad feelings all around.
In the end, you must accept that bringing board games to a food environment is a risk, then decide whether you want to take that risk.
Best,
Ms. Meeple (Jennifer Schlickbernd)
P.S. If there’s a situation in your board game group or at a meetup that you would like advice on, please send me a Geekmail with “Ms. Meeple” in the title.