Board Games And A Bar - "House Rules"

“Mom, I have our date all planned.” my 28 year old daughter, Charlotte, swooped into our house with the winter wind at her heels. She’d arrived from Ann Arbor! My Christmas gift from her was a Mother-Daughter date. “First we’ll go out to eat, then we’ll play board games at House Rules.” I quickly inquired, “What’s ‘House Rules?'” Charlotte’s smile revealed her dimple. “It’s a bar with a large shelf of games to play.” This kid knows what her Mom likes! For decades, board games have often dressed our kitchen table in festive competitions. Now, we’re going to spend the evening playing! Join us as we check out House Rules, a space unlike any other place I’ve been!

*House Rules is located at 404 Ionia Avenue SW Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s across the street from The Downtown Market.*

After a meal filled with laughter and maudlin moments, we entered “House Rules” ready for a scrimmage at Scrabble. The clatter of dice and excited voices buzzed around crowded tables.

Colorful boards and splays of cards were centered by people who leaned into their fully-immersed group. Witnessing the captivating enchantment from table to table sent my teacher-heart soaring! I had never seen arrays of adults focused on anything other than their electronic devices.

Charlotte had made reservations which secured a table for our match. She retrieved Scrabble, one of our favorites, and brought us drinks, too. She is stunningly speedy at creating words adding to her score exponentially. Hence, she was and usually is the winner!

*Spending time with my daughter was the BEST Christmas gift, even though she won both games!*

Next, Charlotte taught me a card game from the large selection of entertainment lining one wall, “The Game Library.”

Gaming History

It wouldn’t be a proper Restless Viking article if I didn’t add in a touch of history. The first recorded “game” had been “The Royal Game of Ur” developed 7,000 years ago during the Bronze Age. Games have traditionally entertained, as they taught survival skills and methods to understanding world scenarios. Games provide a sense of accomplishment within the constructs of a social bond. While playing, we all benefit from relieving stress, strategizing and enjoyment.

I wondered how this festive, fun gaming venue came to be here.

How Did House Rules Come To Grand Rapids?

In order to create “House Rules,” two stories merged, thanks to a mutual friend, Courtney.

The first piece of the story started with visionary, Brian Beaucher, who began a craft beer and bottle shop in this space beginning in 2016. It was successful. It’s important to note that every Wednesday a group of regulars came together at Beaucher’s establishment and played “Magic: The Gathering,” a card game while they enjoyed beverages.

The other story centers around Nathan Murray, who in 2015 visited Colorado Springs and entered, “Boardgame Republic,” a boardgame bar. Nathan returned to his hometown in northern Michigan. He excitedly shared the idea for a bar where one could play games. His friends nodded politely as he brought up this idea repeatedly, knowing it had potential. After three more years of mondane office work, Nathan Murray wrote up a formal business plan for a boardgame bar. He applied for an SBA loan, but it was met with resistance.

This is where their mutual friend, Courtney, stepped into the story. Knowing her two friends had similar visions, she introduced Nathan and Brian. The ‘boardgames in a bar’ had become the perfect business partnership! Brian’s bar already had some gamers attending regularly. They assembled a game library which quickly grew from 75 games into nearly 600.

*House Rules has an extensive collection of games and “merchanDICE” for sale.*

During the Covid pandemic, the space only sold games, but once again gaming is in full swing. They had recently expanded with 50 more seats. I couldn’t wait to return!

Samantha And Ashley – Bartenders

At one of my visits the bartenders, Samantha and Ashely, filled me in on the exciting events at House Rules. Samantha bubbled as she spoke of their Murder Mystery and Trivia nights ran by Betka-Pope. House Rules hosts monthly cribbage games, puzzle races and “Puzzle Pint Nights.” Weekly, they have “Magic: The Gathering” (Wednesdays) and Euchre (Thursdays).

Kids have special events, too. During spring break, last week, House Rules hosted, “Playcation Days,” featuring food specials and kids’ games. The Grand Rapids Chess Club regularly uses their space to play, too.

House Rules also hosts “learn-to-play” events featuring Dungeons and Dragons as well as other popular table top games.

Beginning last summer, *Mike, the chef, and his team began serving delicious offerings to nourish players!*

A Grand Rapids Gem – House Rules

“It’s an excuse to bring friends together, and it’s fun.” Brian Beaucher smiled. All ages are welcome!

In April 2021 Beaucher told reporter, Christa Ferguson, “I’ve been a board gamer for 25 years and I think Grand Rapids needs it. There are plenty of game stores in the area but there hasn’t been a boardgame lounge yet. And I’ve seen it succeed in other cities, so why not bring it to Grand Rapids?”

*Well, House Rules is a success! On a busy day, House Rules can seat 450 guests.*

Chuck and I just played a game of Battleship while enjoying beverages. He beat me, rather quickly. I don’t recommend clumping your ships together.

You can design your own FUN here! There are so many choices in games and refreshments. I encourage you to check out House Rules! This boardgame lounge is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced!

Resources:

Samantha and Ashley, Bartenders
Mike their chef
WOOD TV article April 2021 Christa Ferguson
Voyage Michigan article Nov. 2022
House Rules Facebook page
Betka-Pope Productions website