How to Build Games

Plan your board game. Once you have a concept for your game, you will probably want to sketch a rough "practice board" on scrap paper as well as make any other required pieces in "practice" paper versions in order to test play the game with others. This way, you can work out any kinks or problems in game play before you create the final, professional-looking version of the game.

Print or paint your board design on paper. If you prefer hand drawing and painting to making your design on a computer image editor, you may want to consider scanning and saving an image file of your board game design. Not only will this allow you to print the design on glossy paper, but you'll be able to reproduce the game board quickly and easily if you ever decide to create additional copies of your game or self-publish.

While you can make your game board any size you like, typical game boards are much larger than standard printer paper size. To print a large game board, you can either print the image on two sheets or use a poster-sized printer or professional print shop.

Cut your card or tag board into two pieces of equal size and shape using your self-healing mat and craft knife. This will allow you to fold your game board down when it is not in use.

Attach the printed board design to your card or tag board. To avoid any wrinkles or warping, it's best to use the thinnest layer of paper glue possible. The best tool for this is a glue stick, but if you don't have one, simply apply white glue or wheat paste as sparingly as you can while still covering the entire sheet of paper.

Tape and paint the reverse side of the game board. Use a single strip of gaff tape to secure the two pieces of the board in a hinge, then paint the entire side in a single, uniform color (traditionally black). You may decide to use a pattern or a logo for your game on this side, but make sure it clearly appears to be the "outside" of the game board.

Assemble or build any additional pieces you will need for your game, including counters, dice and cards. Like the game board, cards can be printed and cut out of thick, glossy computer printer paper, while dice can be recycled from old games or purchased at hobby and game stores. For player game pieces, you can purchase generic counters at game stores or make your own, personalized figurines using your preferred sculpting materials: try air-dry clay, oven-bake polymer clay, or moldable plastic (such as "Friendly Plastic").