★ FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions,
Questions,
answered.
The ones people actually ask, before they show up. no wrong ones.
- 01 Is it really free?
- The monthly Thursday night always is. No hat, nothing to buy, just show up. The odd special night costs a bit to cover a venue or food, and its event page says so before you book.
- 02 Do I need to know how to play board games?
- No. The hosts bring games and teach them. If you can follow simple rules, you’re overqualified.
- 03 What kind of games do you play?
- Flophouse Rules (monthly, 2nd Thursday) runs light-to-medium weight strategy and co-ops. Think Catan, Ticket to Ride, Splendor, Spirit Island. Single games should clock in under 90 minutes—we want multiple rounds or different games in one night, not a four-hour commit to one ruleset. We skip 12-hour rail empires, hardcore war sims, and eurogames that require an economics degree. Games where you're laughing as much as you're thinking, wrapping up around midnight. If you're not sure whether something fits, bring it—worst case we slot it in next month.
- 04 What if I WANT to play a heavier game?
- Pre-arrange it. If you're keen to run a meatier game—something that needs proper table time and headspace—email us and round up your players beforehand. You can absolutely play it on the night while others are rotating through lighter stuff. We also run heavier-game events alongside Flophouse Rules, so you'll get your complex ruleset fix without tying up the main table.
- 05 Is it just for gay bears?
- The name leans bear, but the door is wide open. Cubs, otters, twinks, partners, mates, mates of mates. If you’re a friend of a friend of a friend who heard about it from someone at a bar and you're part of the community, you’re invited.
- 06 Are straight people welcome?
- If you're coming because a mate from the community brought you and you genuinely want to hang with their crew, sure. This is a space for the queer gaming community—not a showcase, not a puzzle to solve. If you're after a mixed, broader board-game group instead, the League of Extraordinary Gamers does it brilliantly and deserves your time.
- 07 Is this an orgy?
- No. It’s a board game night. Bears are just really into Catan.
- 08 Do I need to be a certain age?
- You’ll need to be 18+. This is an adults-only queer space.
- 09 What should I bring?
- Yourself. Maybe a friend. We’ve got the boards, the rules, the snacks and the vibe. If you want to bring a game you love, go right ahead.
- 10 What about food and drink to keep my frail corpse functional?
- BYO drinks, and you're welcome to use our kitchen to finish prepping food. If you're not a DIY kinda guy, there's ample venues nearby, either a short drive or a slightly more expensive Uber Eats delivery away.
- 11 How many people usually show up?
- Around 20, give or take. Enough to guarantee games, small enough to actually chat with people.
- 12 What if it’s my first time?
- Mention it when you RSVP. Someone will look out for you on the night.
- 13 How do I RSVP?
- Hit the RSVP button on the next event. You’ll get an email with the address. That’s it.
- 14 Where is it held?
- Moorooka, Brisbane. The exact address goes out by email when you RSVP. It moves occasionally — always check your confirmation email.
- 15 What time does it start?
- 6pm, but we're not strict about it. Games usually kick off when there's enough to play 'em.
- 16 What time does it wrap?
- Things usually wind down around midnight, but there's no hard cutoff—stay as long as you're having fun.
- 17 How do I get there?
- Ample street parking if you drive. Several key bus routes run nearby. We can also arrange pickup from Yeronga or Park Road train stations—just let us know when you RSVP.
- 18 What if I can’t make it?
- Let us know earlier rather than later so we can plan numbers. No judgment, life happens.
- 19 Is there a code of conduct?
- Yes. Short version: be decent. Long version lives here.
- 20 What about wheelchair access and accessibility?
- Support workers are absolutely welcome. Heads up: 3 stairs and a right-angle to the door, and the bathroom’s a bit snug. But we’ll work with you. Let us know what you need when you email and we’ll figure it out.
- 21 Can I bring a game to sell or trade?
- This isn’t a market. Come for the games and the people, not the commerce.
still wondering.
Just ask a host.
If your question isn’t up there, it’s not a stupid one — it’s a missing one. Email us and we’ll answer it, and probably add it to the list.