A Beginner's Guide to Joto's Game Library

Walking into a board game cafe for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. You look at a shelf full of games, each box more intriguing (or more confusing) than the last, and suddenly you're not sure where to start. Sound familiar? You're not alone. That's exactly why we built a system to help.

At Joto's Board Game Cafe in Eindhoven, every game in our library comes with a set of icons and a coloured sticker. Once you know what they mean, picking your next game takes about thirty seconds. Here's your quick guide.

The Sticker on the Spine: Language First

Before anything else, check the small sticker on the side of the box. It tells you what language the game uses, which matters more than you'd think.

An orange sticker means the game is in Dutch. A blue sticker means it's in English. And a black sticker? That means the game is language-free. No reading required, so anyone can play regardless of their native language.

The Icons: Finding the Right Game for Your Group

Each game also has one icons that tell you what kind of experience to expect. Here's what they all mean:

• Kids. Big fun for little gamers. If you're bringing the family, look for this one first.
• Two player. Games designed specifically for two people. Great for a date night in Eindhoven or catching up with a friend one-on-one.
• Family. Friendly themes, easy to learn, and works for groups of three or more. A solid starting point if you're not sure where to begin.
• Party & Large groups. These are built for six or more players. The chaos is the point.
• Cooperative. Everyone works together to beat the game instead of each other. If your group isn't feeling competitive, this is the vibe.
• Card & Small. Quick-to-play games, usually compact. Perfect if you want something light between rounds of a bigger game.
• Mid-weight. Somewhere between a quick filler and a full-on strategy game. Not too simple, not too heavy. A great middle ground.
• Expert. For the heavy challenge seekers. These games have depth, complexity, and a steeper learning curve. Worth it when you're ready.
• Dexterity. Think flicking, stacking, building. Physical and fun.
• Nostalgia. Timeless classics. The games you might remember from childhood, or the ones that have been around long enough to earn legendary status.
• Murder & Mystery. Solve a fictional murder or mystery together. Great for groups who love a story.
• Outdoor. Games you can play on our terrace. When the Eindhoven sun actually shows up, these are worth knowing about.
• Adult only (18+). These games contain content that's NSFW.

Browse the Library Before You Even Walk In

Here's something not everyone knows: you can browse our full game library online before your visit at jotosboardgamecafe.nl/games. Every game has its own card showing the title, how many players it supports, and its shelf location. That way you can walk in knowing exactly where to go and where to find the game you want to play!

Not Sure Where to Start? Just Ask.

The icons are there to help you browse on your own, but our staff are always around to help you find something. Tell us how many people you are, roughly how much time you have, and whether you want something relaxed or a bit more engaging. We'll point you in the right direction. And if you need help explaining some games? We can also help with that!