Board games are a great way to spend time with friends and family, but they can also be expensive. If you want to protect your cards and make them last longer, you might consider buying card sleeves. But with so many sizes available, how do you know which one to choose? In this article, we'll take a closer look at board game card sleeve sizes.
What Are Card Sleeves?
Card sleeves are plastic covers that fit over your board game cards. They come in different sizes, thicknesses, and materials, and they're designed to protect your cards from wear and tear, spills, and scratches. Many board game enthusiasts use card sleeves to protect their cards and keep them in pristine condition.
Why Use Card Sleeves?
There are several benefits to using card sleeves. First, they protect your cards from damage, which can extend the life of your game. Second, they can make shuffling easier and more efficient, especially if you have a large deck of cards. Third, they can help prevent cheating by making it more difficult to mark cards or identify them by touch.
What Are the Different Card Sleeve Sizes?
There are many different card sleeve sizes available, and it can be confusing to know which one to choose. Here are some of the most common sizes:
- Standard (63.5 x 88 mm)
- Mini (41 x 63 mm)
- Small (44 x 68 mm)
- Square (70 x 70 mm)
- Large (80 x 120 mm)
What Size Are Standard Cards?
Standard cards are the most common size in board games, and they measure 63.5 x 88 mm. This includes popular games like Magic: The Gathering, Settlers of Catan, and Dominion. If you're not sure what size your cards are, measure them with a ruler to determine the correct size.
What Games Use Mini Cards?
Mini cards are smaller than standard cards and measure 41 x 63 mm. They're often used in games with a large number of cards, like Love Letter, Citadels, and Bang! The downside of using mini cards is that they can be difficult to shuffle if you have large hands.
What Are Small Card Sleeves Used For?
Small card sleeves are slightly larger than mini sleeves and measure 44 x 68 mm. They're often used for games like Arkham Horror, Eldritch Horror, and Dominion: Intrigue. If you have a lot of small cards in your game, these sleeves can be a good choice to keep them protected.
What Are Square Card Sleeves Used For?
Square card sleeves are designed for games with square cards, like Dixit and Munchkin. They measure 70 x 70 mm and are a good choice if you want to keep your square cards protected from damage.
What Are Large Card Sleeves Used For?
Large card sleeves are designed for oversized cards, like those found in Boss Monster, Gloomhaven, and Arkham Horror: The Card Game. They measure 80 x 120 mm and are a good choice if you want to keep your oversized cards in good condition.
How Do You Choose the Right Size Card Sleeves?
Choosing the right size card sleeves depends on the size of your cards. Measure your cards with a ruler to determine the correct size, and then choose the corresponding size of card sleeves. It's important to choose the right size to ensure a snug fit and maximum protection for your cards.
What Are the Best Card Sleeve Brands?
There are many different card sleeve brands to choose from, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences. Some popular brands include Ultra-Pro, Dragon Shield, Mayday Games, and KMC. Look for high-quality materials and a good fit when choosing your card sleeves.
What Are Matte Card Sleeves?
Matte card sleeves are a popular choice for board game enthusiasts. They have a non-reflective finish that makes them easier to see and handle, and they're less likely to show fingerprints and smudges. They're also less slippery than glossy sleeves, which can make shuffling easier.
What Are Glossy Card Sleeves?
Glossy card sleeves have a shiny finish that makes them more reflective than matte sleeves. They can make colors and details on your cards stand out more, but they're also more likely to show fingerprints and smudges. They're also more slippery than matte sleeves, which can make shuffling more difficult.
Can You Mix Matte and Glossy Card Sleeves?
It's possible to mix matte and glossy card sleeves, but it's not recommended. The different finishes can make it difficult to shuffle and handle your cards, and it can be distracting to have some cards with a shiny finish and others with a matte finish. It's best to stick with one type of finish for all your card sleeves.
How Many Card Sleeves Do You Need?
The number of card sleeves you need will depend on the size of your game and the number of cards in it. Some games have only a few cards, while others have hundreds. It's a good idea to buy more than you think you'll need, just in case you lose or damage some sleeves.
Conclusion
Board game card sleeve sizes can be confusing, but with a little research, you can find the right size for your game. Whether you choose matte or glossy sleeves, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that fits your cards snugly. With the right sleeves, you can protect your cards and extend the life of your favorite board games.
