Open Seat Board Game Night: Joining a Table When You Come Alone

The hardest part of board games is the group chat. Someone has to pick a night, someone has to bring the game, and someone has to read the rules.

Bats roost in colonies, but nobody expects you to arrive with one. Open Seat Board Game Night skips all of it. It's a Friday night at Bat City Games & Comics for people who came without a group, and tables that have room for them. This guide covers how the night works, what to ask for and how to be good company when you sit down with strangers.

What is Open Seat Board Game Night?

It is a free board game night every Friday from 6 to 10 PM. You walk in on your own, we help you find a game and a table with an open seat, and you play. You don't need a group or experience, just a willingness to learn and a sense of adventure.

• When: Every Friday, 6 to 10 PM.
• Cost: free.
• Where: Bat City Games & Comics, 5001 Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78735, in Sunset Valley.

How does it work?

• Walk in and say so. Tell us at the counter that you are here on your own.
• Pick a game. Choose from our demo games, or let us suggest one.
• Find your table. We help you find a table with an open seat.
• Play. Learn the rules from someone at the table, or from us.

Demo games are free to play in the shop. Please treat them kindly and return them in good condition. Our house rules have the details.

What should you ask for?

Tell us what kind of night you want. Here are some places to start:

• Want to be on a team? Ask for a co-op game, where everybody wins or loses together. Browse the co-op shelf to see what that looks like.
• Like to plan ahead? Ask for a strategy game. Our strategy collection is a good place to look.
• Want something light while you meet the table? Ask for a word game.
• New to all of this? Ask for a gateway game.

What is a gateway game?

A gateway game is an easy way into the hobby. The rules take a few minutes to teach, the turns are quick, and nobody sits out for long. Our Family Game Night guide lists nine, with a drawback for each. If you want something with a little more to chew on, try a deckbuilder. Our guide to Ascension explains how those work.

How do you be a good tablemate?

• Say if you are new. Tables are happy to teach, and it saves everyone from a rules argument in turn three.
• Let us make the introduction. We know which tables have room and which games are about to start.
• Play one game. You do not have to stay all night. If you like the table, stay. If you want to try something else, ask us.
• Be gentle with the pieces. Demo games are shared.
• Tell us how it went. If you loved a game, we will help you find the next one. If you fell for it, it is on the shelf.

What else is on Friday?

Star Wars: Unlimited Night and Flesh and Blood Night run the same hours, 6 to 10 PM. The Events page has times and entry fees for every night.

Coming with friends next time?

Board Games Night is every Saturday from 6 to 10 PM, except the last Saturday of the month, when we host a Warhammer tournament. It is free, and Saturday is one of our busiest days, so come ready to share a table.

Frequently asked questions

Is Open Seat Board Game Night free?

Yes. Demo games are free to play in the shop.

Do I need to bring a game?

No. Pick from our demo games, or let us suggest one.

Do I need to know how to play?

No. Tell us you are new, and we will find a game that fits and a table that will teach you.

Do I need a group?

No. That is the whole idea of the night.

What time does it start?

6 PM, and it runs until 10 PM. You can join at any point during that time.

Where is Open Seat Board Game Night in Austin?

Bat City Games & Comics, 5001 Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78735, in Sunset Valley.

Ready to take a seat?

Come on a Friday at 6 PM. Walk in, tell us you are on your own, and we will find you a seat at Open Seat Board Game Night. Questions? Call (512) 276-2870.

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