Where to play board games in Louisville

Whether you’re a chess grand master or a strategy game collector, we’re here to help you raise your score.

We’ve rounded up a handful of clubs + events for new and experienced board gamers of all kinds, plus some local game shops where you can roll the dice on a favorite or get a turn ahead on your holiday shopping. Your move, LOU.

Where to play

American Mahjong | Developed in the 1920s, this game uses the same tiles as the Chinese classic. The Gilda Club on Grinstead Drive hosts an American Mahjong club on the third Monday of every month at 12:30 p.m. New or experienced players are welcome, with all supplies provided.

Chess | All skill levels are welcome at Highland Chess’s weekly meetings — despite the name, they meet in Southern Indiana. The club meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at The Alcove in Jeffersonville.

Dungeons & Dragons | Embark on a fantastical adventure with other Louisvillians at a weekly game night at Awry Brewing hosted by experienced game masters. This event is completely beginner friendly — though you can bring your own dice.

Bonus: Did you know one of the most prolific D&D artists of the 1980s is from Kentucky?

Photo via Miso’s

Where to buy

Golden Keep | This locally owned shop in the Lyndon neighborhood has a large selection of board games. If you’re looking for a new favorite, swing by on Monday nights for a learn-to-play event featuring new game each week.

Miso’s Game Room and Collectibles | This J-Town shop has tables upon tables where you can play your new game right after opening it.

Bonus: The Louisville Free Public Library has over 600 board games in its collection ready to be checked out. Several branches also host board game nights for adults or teens — just one more lesser-known service LFPL provides.