Board games and puzzles: how to find a game and buy at a good price
A particular game or an idea for a group
There are two kinds of requests. In the first you know the title, for example “Carcassonne”, and look for the best price. In the second you want something for an evening with friends or for children and don't know what. In that case describe the genre, number of players and age, and sellers will suggest options: party games, strategy, co-operative games, family games or classics like chess.
Language and edition
The same game has different editions: local, UK, US or other. If you need a particular language or version of the rules, say so directly, because an import edition is often cheaper but harder to play. Also tell the base game from the expansion: an expansion does not work without the base box. Write what you need: only the base game, the base game with an expansion, or several.
Completeness of a used game
The first thing to check in a used game is completeness. Ask the seller to count the components against the list in the rules: cards, tokens, dice, board. For puzzles, ask whether all the pieces are there and whether any are glued. The smell of cigarettes or damp in the box is a reason to say no.
Puzzles differ by the number of pieces and the shape of the picture. For a child choose bigger pieces, and for adults harder pictures with plain-colour areas. Ask separately about the size of the finished puzzle, so that it fits on your table or in a frame.
What to put in your request
- game title or edition;
- language — English, another;
- edition — base game, expansion or both;
- number of players;
- age of the players;
- genre — party, strategy, co-operative, family;
- condition — new, or used with all components present;
- budget and delivery city.
Example: “Looking for the game Carcassonne in English, the base game plus one expansion, for a group of 4–5 people. New or used with all components present. Courier delivery to Johannesburg, budget up to R 590.”
How to compare offers
On BlaBlaPrice you write one request and sellers reply in the chat with prices, the condition of the game and delivery terms. The platform shows first the offer that is best value in substance, and reviews are visible next to the seller. Sellers can see where they stand among the others, so they compete on better terms. Your phone number stays hidden.
Compare a game by edition and language, not just the title. Ask about the print date, because reprints sometimes change the components. For several games at once, agree on a total price and delivery in one parcel. If you are looking for a gift, give the age and the number of players. For active leisure also see racket sports and camping and hiking. How it all works is explained on the “How it works” page.
