InfoGraphic

Board game craze sweeps capital

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-05 10:47

The number of board game bars in Beijing has jumped from 10 to 72 over the past six months, according to dianping.com, a popular lifestyle website in China.

Board game bars are the latest entertainment trend in Beijing and a growing number of people are spending hours in them playing cards, chess and, of course, board games.

Liu Yan, a 24-year-old paralegal at a law firm in Chaoyang district, said board games' newfound popularity among the capital's young professionals comes mostly because they are inclusive and social.

"My favorite game is UNO, a card game that involves every player from beginning to end," Liu said. "It's much more fun than going to karaoke rooms, where only a few people want to sing and everybody else just watches."

Li Dan, a 27-year-old secretary, said the low cost of board games also helps.

Li said most board game bars charge each player about 15 yuan per hour or 40 yuan for unlimited hours. Snacks and drinks are served at prices only slightly higher than those in supermarkets.

Board games are easy to learn but offer a challenge if a player want be serious and try to win, said Zhu Ran, a 22-year-old college student working as an "assistant" in a board game bar.

Usually a bar assistant will explain the rules and gives patrons tips before the game starts, Zhu said. She also recommends various types of games to different guests, based on the number in their group and their personalities.

Many people come alone and ask to join strangers as a way of meeting new people, added Zhu. "Game board bars are an ideal place for a first date," she said.