BOARD games have taken over Malaysia, tile by nerd-crafted tile, and R.AGE is getting into the heart of it.

If your impression of board games is a brain-draining sequence of dice rolling, pawn moving, groaning and/or cheering, then it’s time to get a reality check.

European board games have been making a comeback in the past few years with IT giants such as Mark Zuckerberg spearheading the fan base. Described as both “hardcore” and “strategy” games, they may not be everyone’s cup of tea in this screen-swiping generation, but we’ll leave that up to you.

Meeples

Meeples is the leading host for board game tournaments in Malaysia.

Decorated in red and white, like a modernistic card house, Meeples SS15 looks almost clinical with its white walls, neat bookshelves and solid colours – a 180° change from the stereotypical darkly-lit, cramped, and messy Dungeons and Dragons geek lair.

But don’t be fooled, Meeples is the largest distributor of European board games in Malaysia and has one of the largest collections of accessible games (over 1,500 games, with new ones coming in each month).

If the idea of sitting down at a table and playing for hours seems a bit daunting, take assurance in the fact that Meeples has three different kinds of seating arrangements – couches, standard-height tables and kotatsus (Japanese tables) – to suit your preference.

There’s an average selection of drinks on the menu, from caffeinated, to non-caffeinated, to alcoholic beverages. The prices range from RM6 to RM19. If you’re going to stay longer than an hour (you most probably will), the Nutella milkshake is a worthy brew for the travel-weary gamer.

Crowd favourites are Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne. Bring at least three friends for a well-balanced session and don’t forget to make reservations, as Meeples has been to known to have a waiting list two days long. Members pay RM4 per hour, while non-members are charged RM6 per hour. You can visit its website at www.meeples.com.my

Call for reservations:
03-5633 8033 (Subang Jaya) / 03-6145 0660 (Kota Damansara).

Border City Café and Board Games

The interior of Border City holds a quaint, dreamy feel to its decor. The owners have made Border City a more casual hangout, rather than just a place to play board games.

Border City Café (BCC) proves once and for all that it isn’t always a war between geek and chic, by achieving both with surprising sophistication. The quaint looking café plays swing music to its Korean-inspired interior and hosts plush couches for full-on comfort.

Intended for the relaxed gamer, BCC emphasises ambience and design, as well as its much broader range of food and beverage, than it does on actual board-gaming. Only one box of any game is available for public play, so be sure to reserve your favourite game if you intend to play it with friends.

But don’t let the limited game selection turn you off; BCC has a mouth-watering array of food and drinks. The smoothies are made with New Zealand natural ice-cream and you definitely can not miss out on the Chocolate Banana smoothie. Another decadent luxury is their Melting Mudcake – a hot slice of chocolate-coated sponge with more chocolate melt hidden within. (Drinks are priced between RM3.50 and RM10.50. Food is priced between RM4.50 and RM22.50)

Gaming rates are RM6 per hour, but flash your copy of R.AGE and receive a 20% discount.

Call for reservations: 03-6731 5646 / 018-209 0390

Boardgame Depot

A homey merging of books and board games come together in perfect harmony at Boardgame Depot.

To take a break from the commercial side of board games, Boardgame Depot offers a cosy nook to hang out with your friends and play the likes of Saboteur, Dixit, or 7 Wonders. The place hosts a crowd of familiars, where everyone seems to know everyone. But don’t feel daunted, in fact, Boardgame Depot feels more like your neighbourhood library than a posh café.

The place boasts an impressive maze of books, which are available for monthly rental at a mere RM5 per pop. The deposit is priced individually at the books’ separate sale prices, and will be refunded upon return. Gaming prices are also incredibly attractive at RM3 per hour, but regulars are offered a fixed rate.

Flash this copy of R.AGE and receive a fixed rate of RM5 per day, plus a free soft drink.

Call for reservations: 03-2094 1692