How to Start a Game Club

Select a game club president. Each game club needs a president. Since you’re the starter of the club, that role falls into your lap. After a year, you can elect a new president or continue on with your role.

Decide on a game theme. It may be tempting to offer a bunch of games, but you need to stick to a specific theme if you want to gain (and keep) members. Adults who like Axis and Allies, for instance, may not like Dungeons and Dragons. If you’re interested in World War II, your game could be any of the games that center around that era.

Purchase games. Based upon your theme, purchase starter sets of each game. Club members can then add to the game by purchasing playing pieces and bringing them to each meeting.

Select a meeting place. Your meeting place should be big enough to host every member of your game club comfortably. That means that it should offer plenty of space to lay out the games. It should also allow for leg room, proper ventilation and a refreshment table.

Select a game time. Decide the best day and time to host the game club. Since you are the head person in charge of the game, it’s vital that you’re able to attend every meeting. Pick a day and time that won’t interfere with work or family responsibilities.

Select gaming hours. Think about the length of the game you’ll be playing. Select a time span that can accommodate that game. Most game clubs need a minimum of four hours per event to really benefit from the club or to finish a game.

Create a postcard. Your postcard should include a nice photo of the game or games you plan to play, the day and time your club will meet, and a way to contact you. For safety reasons, do not include your home address.

Locate gamers. The first place to look for people to join your game club is at a local game store. Ask the manager if you can place a postcard on the bulletin board or near the register. Ask for your friends to spread the word. Word of mouth works wonders in the gaming community.

Write gaming bylaws. Your gaming bylaws should spell out what you expect from each member of the game club: dues, responsibilities, etiquette, accountability, and gaming rules.

Create a refreshment sign-up sheet. Just because you’ve put the club together doesn’t mean that you should get stuck with the bill for refreshments. Have each member pick a club date. Divide the cost and responsibility amongst all members.

Create a set-up and clean-up sign-up sheet. Again, have members share the load.

Keep accurate records. Depending on the size of your gaming club, you may need to keep track of attendance, game winners, dues paid, and where each player left off if a game is carried over. You, as the host, don’t have to be in charge of the record keeping. You can delegate it to another member of the club.

Set up a club account. If your club will be accepting dues, you will either need a club checking account or a locking cash box. When selecting a checking account, find a bank that offers free checking so that your club doesn’t incur any more costs than necessary.

Host your first meeting. Your first meeting shouldn’t be about playing the games. It should be about getting to know one another and establishing a connection with your fellow members.