Accessories and equipment for the perfect gaming experience
The board game accessories and equipment category is designed for anyone who wants to organise their gaming space, protect components from wear and tear, or simply add a touch of aesthetic and practical enjoyment to their gaming evenings. Unlike content expansions, these accessories do not alter the rules or content of the game, but rather improve the ergonomics, organisation and longevity of your collection.
Users choose to purchase specialised equipment primarily for two reasons: to reduce clutter on the games table and to provide long-term protection for valuable or rare editions of board games.
Which board game accessories best suit your needs?
Each gaming accessory addresses a specific challenge that arises during gameplay. The choice depends on the types of games you play most often and how you handle them.
Card sleeves (Sleeves)
Cards are among the most exposed game components. Frequent shuffling, handling and accidental spills can quickly damage the paper or print.
Thinner sleeves (Standard/Budget): Suitable for protecting large card collections that aren’t subject to constant, intensive shuffling.
Thicker premium sleeves: Offer a high level of protection, a better grip and a longer lifespan. They are ideal for games involving the collection of card sets or collectible card games.
Towers, trays and dice
In games based on rolling dice, uncontrolled rolls across the table are a common occurrence.
Dice towers: These ensure an even and random roll of the dice within an enclosed space, from which the dice land safely in a catch tray.
Dice Trays: Foldable or neoprene trays soften the sound of the dice landing.
Additional and themed dice: Replacement or specially designed dice made from resin, metal or wood for role-playing games (RPGs) and classic board games.
Organisers and token trays
Spending a long time setting up the game and searching for small cardboard or wooden tokens can delay the start of play. Silicone or plastic token holders and specialised box inserts ensure that every component stays in its place during the game and is accessible to all players.
How to choose the right accessories?
When choosing game accessories, bear the following practical considerations in mind:
Dimensions of the equipment: When buying card sleeves, always measure the cards or check the exact size specifications (in mm). For table mats, check the dimensions of your table.
Materials: For greater durability, choose premium materials such as anti-glare matte sleeves, neoprene with stitched edges or wooden organisers.
Portability: If you often play away from home, choose foldable dice trays and protective tubes for storing game mats.
Frequently asked questions
What types of accessories and equipment are available for board games?
Board game equipment and accessories include items that enhance the gaming experience. These include card sleeves, neoprene or felt game mats, dice towers and trays, themed dice, and containers for organising tokens.
Why are tower blocks and dice trays a useful addition to the game?
The towers and dice trays prevent the dice from falling off the table whilst being rolled and knocking over the game pieces. Furthermore, the towers ensure completely random rolls, as the dice bounce several times inside the structure before landing at the bottom.
What is the difference between using a playmat and playing directly on the table?
Neoprene mats provide a soft, non-slip surface. The main advantages of the mat are that it makes it easier to pick up cards from the table, protects the cards and the table from scratches, and ensures greater stability for the game components whilst playing.
How do I know what size of card sleeves my game needs?
You should choose the size of the sleeves based on the dimensions of the cards in millimetres. The most common sizes are Standard Card Game (63.5 x 88 mm) and Standard European (59 x 92 mm). The exact dimensions are usually specified in the description of the individual game or on the sleeve packaging, and the dimensions of the sleeves must correspond exactly to those of the cards.
What sort of dice should you choose for role-playing games (RPGs) and board games?
Standard 6-sided dice (D6) are most commonly used for classic board games. For role-playing games (such as Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder), however, you will need a set of polyhedral dice comprising 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12- and 20-sided dice (D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20).
