Code of Conduct Recommended Table Etiquette Guide

This guide is a supporting resource and does not replace our Code of Conduct. Please review the Code of Conduct HERE.

This guide is written for guests who experience difficulty with social integration and may benefit from a clear, literal list of expectations to help navigate busy public spaces, games, and events.

This is not a list of rules that everyone must follow. Different playgroups have different norms, and some tables may be comfortable with behavior that other tables are not. This guide exists to reduce misunderstandings and help you interact successfully across many different groups.

Your intent may be friendly, but the impact can still be uncomfortable or disruptive (see Spirit of the Code). At Gamers Guild, staff respond to impact so everyone can feel safe and enjoy the game.

If someone is uncomfortable, the expectation is that the behavior stops, even if you did not mean harm.

Purpose

• Help more people feel included and welcome
• Reduce complaints and misunderstandings
• Keep games and events running smoothly for everyone

Important Expectations About Enforcement

• You are not responsible for enforcing this guide
• Do NOT correct, confront, or instruct other guests based on this guide
• Seeing others ignore a guideline does not mean you should, and it does not mean something is “unfair”
• Staff will use situational context and training to inform their judgment, referring to this guide when managing all conversations regarding enforcement.
• If something is disruptive or unsafe, quietly tell staff rather than addressing it yourself

If A Staff Member Corrects You

If a staff member asks you to stop or change a behavior, comply first. If you are confused, you can ask for clarification after you comply with the request. Staff focus on impact and keeping the space comfortable and fun, not judging your intent.

If Somebody Crosses Your Boundaries

If someone is making you uncomfortable, keep your response brief and calm.

• Use one short boundary statement
• If it continues or they argue, stop engaging and contact staff
• Do not escalate, retaliate, or try to teach them a lesson
• Do not speculate about diagnoses or motivations
• Staff will handle enforcement and context

Example boundary statements:

• “Please give me more personal space.”
• “Please let me figure this out without feedback.”
• “I’m trying to focus on the game. Please stop.”

Speaking During Active Games

• Some tables welcome questions and chat during games, others do not
• If you are not a player, ask first: “Is now a good time to ask a quick question?”
• If the answer is "no, not right now," or they seem focused, stop and do not ask again
• Keep it brief and do not speak over players
• During tournaments or timed rounds, do not speak to players unless a player or staff asks you

Joining Games

You may only approach a table about joining a game if:

• You are friends with the players and they are not currently playing
• The table is using a store placard that says they are looking for players

 

If neither applies, ask staff to use one of our "Looking for Game" placards.

Conversations

• Do not interrupt
• Wait until the current speaker has completely finished before speaking

Topics & Personal/Sensitive Observations

While non gaming conversation is common, if you’re using these guidelines, we recommend only discussing the game until and unless others introduce non gaming topics. When they do, we recommend avoiding personal or sensitive topics without explicit consent.

Some topics create complaints even when the intent is friendly or “just an observation.” During games and in public areas, avoid comments or jokes about:

• Religion
• Race or ethnicity
• Nationality
• Gender identity or sexuality
• Disabilities or medical conditions
• Bodies, attractiveness, or relationships

If you are not sure whether a comment could be interpreted as prejudice, stereotyping, or harassment, do not say it. Keep conversation on the game, hobbies, and neutral topics.

Trading

• Trading cards for other cards is welcome
• Do not trade cards for food, drinks, money, rides, discounts, or favors
• If someone declines a trade you have offered, respect their decision and move on

Asking Questions

• Ask once
• If the answer is “no, not right now,” or there is no response, do not ask again
• Do not repeat, justify, or negotiate
• Respect the answer and move on

Physical Space

• Stay at least one arm’s length away from others
• Do not stand behind players or watch games without permission
• If you need to pass behind someone, give extra space and move quickly

Staff Instructions

• Follow staff instructions immediately
• Questions or clarification can be asked after complying

Allowed Activities

• Only engage in activities that staff have clearly approved
• If it has not been approved or posted as allowed, assume it is not allowed
• Ask staff rather than guessing

New Activities

• Seek approval from staff prior to trying a new activity
• Do not ask other customers for permission instead of staff

Correcting Others, Coaching, and Unsolicited Advice

• Do not correct anyone’s play, deck choices, strategy, or rules understanding unless they ask you to, or have signaled they’re comfortable with it.
• If you think a rule is being played incorrectly, you may quietly ask staff, not the table
• “Helping” without being asked often feels like criticism or control

Recognizing Discomfort and Disengaging

If someone shows any of the following, end the interaction politely and give space

• Short answers
• No eye contact
• Turning away
• Silence
• Moving seats or physically backing up
• Any statement like “I’m trying to focus,” “not right now,” “please stop,” or “leave me alone”

A safe default is to stop talking, step back, and return to your seat.

Following, Hovering, and Repeated Contact

• Do not follow someone through the store
• Do not wait near someone’s table repeatedly
• Do not repeatedly return to the same table or person after they disengage or set a boundary

If you want to talk later, ask once: “Is now a good time?” If the answer is no, stop.

Compliments and Personal Questions

• Do not comment on someone’s body, appearance, dating life, or personal life
• Do not ask anyone personal questions (age, where they live, relationship status, religion, politics, medical issues) unless you are confident/sure that it’s welcome
• Keep compliments brief and non personal (example: “Nice sleeves,” “Good game,” “Cool deck”)

If You Make a Mistake

Everyone makes mistakes. The best repair is short and direct.

• Say: “I understand. Sorry about that. I’ll stop.”
• Then actually stop

Do not argue intent, explain at length, or ask the other person to reassure you.

Remember

Staff use judgment and context. Repeated issues may require follow up, but our goal is support and prevention, not "gotcha" discipline. If you want help understanding expectations for a specific event or table, feel free to ask a staff member. 

We are glad you are here, and we want you to succeed in our space.