Still got questions?
Eighteen of the things people ask us most, answered as plainly as we can. If yours isn't here, send it along and we'll add it.
Cost, age and who comes
Does it cost anything to play?
No. There's no fee to join, no table charge and no hat passed round at the end. Everything is run by volunteers and borrowed from the shelf.
How old do I need to be?
Eighteen or over. We check your age when you sign up, and the club room is only open to adults.
What sort of people come?
All sorts. Carers, tradies, teachers, retirees, students and people between jobs. The only thing we have in common is an unreasonable fondness for cardboard.
Do I have to come every week?
Not at all. Plenty of members turn up twice a month, and a few appear only for the long-game Saturdays. The shelf will wait.
Can I bring a friend who isn't a member?
Of course, as long as they're 18 or over. They'll be asked the same easy questions as you were, and they can join in the evening's games straight away.
Is it all strangers, or do people know each other?
Both. Some of us have played together for years, and others met last week. The room is built so that a table always has a free seat and somebody who's happy to say hello.
Getting started with games
Who teaches the rules?
A volunteer, usually on Tuesday. They read the rule book beforehand so you don't have to, and they explain it in plain English with the pieces in front of you.
What if a game is too hard?
We stop and change. Nobody minds, and there's always something lighter on the shelf. The red stickers are there for a reason.
Can I try before I decide?
Yes. Borrow a box for the evening, play a round, and put it back if it isn't for you. Nothing is lost except twenty minutes.
What about video games?
They show up about once a month as a console afternoon. If that's your thing, say so on the form and we'll tell you the next date.
Can I learn a game at home first?
If you like, yes. Borrow a box, read the rules and bring it back, or ask a teacher for the one-page cheat sheet. It's never required, and plenty of people prefer to learn by playing.
What if I don't like the game I'm taught?
Say so, and we'll swap. Nobody's feelings are tied up in a particular box, and a teacher is always happy to find something that fits your mood better.
Getting there and getting home
Where is the club room?
At 34 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. It's an old shopfront with a large front window, so look for the lamps and the row of heads bent over boards.
Is there parking?
On the street in front and the side streets nearby. Weeknight spaces are plentiful, and weekend afternoons can be busier, so allow a few extra minutes.
How late does it run?
Weeknights finish at ten, and the weekend sessions end at seven, so you'll be home before it gets cold. In winter we pack up a little early.
How do I reach a volunteer?
Email hello@meeplemob.com or ring the number on the contact page. Natalie reads the inbox, and replies usually come the same day.
Can I get in with a walker or a wheelchair?
Yes. The front door is at street level, the main room is on one level, and the volunteers will happily rearrange a table to give you room. Tell us beforehand if you'd like someone waiting at the door.
What do I do if I'm running late?
Just come in. Nobody counts arrivals, and a table will usually have a gap. A quick message helps the teacher plan, but it isn't required.