How to Care for and Store Your Garphill Games Cards and Tiles

Quick Answer

To keep your Garphill Games cards and tiles in great condition, sleeve cards that see frequent shuffling, store tiles in compartmentalized trays or bags, and keep everything in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use play mats to reduce surface wear during gameplay.

Garphill Games titles like Architects of the West Kingdom, Secret Societies, and Spirited come with many cards and tiles that see heavy use. Without proper care, edges can fray, corners can bend, and components can get lost or damaged.

This guide walks you through practical steps to protect your investment, from immediate sleeving to long-term storage. You'll learn what to do, what to avoid, and how to keep your games looking and playing like new.

Sleeve Cards That Get Shuffled or Handled Often

The most common source of wear on cards is shuffling and repeated handling. Cards in games like Architects of the West Kingdom and Spirited are drawn, played, and shuffled every session. Sleeving these cards with standard board game card sleeves prevents scuffs, edge damage, and sticky fingerprints from accumulating.

Not every card needs a sleeve. Cards that stay in a fixed layout, like some scoring or reference cards, might be fine unsleeved. Focus on the decks that are regularly shuffled or held in hand. A good rule is: if you touch it every turn, sleeve it.

• Choose sleeves that fit the card size: standard 63.5 x 88 mm for most Garphill Games cards, but always check the card dimensions.
• Test one sleeve on a card you don't use often to ensure a snug fit without bending.

Store Tiles in Compartmentalized Trays or Bags

Tiles, like those in Secret Societies or the Altar Cards from Ezra and Nehemiah, can easily get scratched or bent if they rattle around loose in the box. Use compartmentalized storage trays or small resealable bags to keep each type of tile separate and secure.

This also speeds up setup and teardown. Instead of sorting through a pile, you can grab the exact tray or bag you need. For tiles that are used less frequently, like promo cards, consider storing them separately to avoid mixing with the base game components.

• Label your bags or trays with the tile type or card name for quick identification.
• Avoid overfilling trays—this can cause pressure that bends tiles over time.

Use Play Mats to Protect Surfaces

Playing directly on a table can cause cards and tiles to slide, scratch, or pick up debris. A play mat provides a smooth, cushioned surface that reduces friction and keeps components clean. The Architects Play Mat from Garphill Games is designed to support Architects of the West Kingdom, Age of Artisans, Works of Wonder, and all promo content, making it a versatile addition to your gaming setup.

Even if you don't use a mat, a clean tablecloth or a large mouse pad can offer similar protection. The key is to avoid hard, rough surfaces that can scuff card edges and tile faces.

• Roll and store your play mat carefully to avoid creases that can transfer to cards.
• Clean your mat occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and oils.

Control Humidity and Temperature

Cards and tiles are made of paper and cardboard, which are sensitive to moisture and extreme temperatures. High humidity can cause warping and a musty smell, while very dry conditions can make cards brittle. Store your games in a cool, dry place, away from radiators, windows, or damp basements.

If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a silica gel packet to each game box to absorb excess moisture. Avoid storing games in attics or garages where temperature swings are common.

• Check your game boxes periodically for any signs of warping or mold.
• If you notice humidity issues, move your games to a more stable environment.

Keep Boxes Organized and Secure

A well-organized box not only protects components but also makes setup faster. Use the original inserts when possible, or create your own with foam core or plastic organizers. For collector's editions, consider using box sleeves to protect the outer box from shelf wear.

The Set of 4 Box Sleeves from Garphill Games is designed to slip over the outside of earlier Collector's Boxes (Raiders, Architects, Paladins, and Viscounts) to make spines look uniform and protect them from scuffs. This is a simple way to keep your collection looking pristine.

• Always lift boxes from the bottom to avoid stressing the corners.
• If you store games vertically, make sure components are packed tightly so they don't shift and damage the box interior.

Step-by-Step Care Routine

1. Sleeve high-use cards: Identify cards that are shuffled or held frequently and sleeve them with standard card sleeves. Check the card size first—most Garphill Games cards are standard, but always verify. Checkpoint: After a few plays, inspect card edges for any signs of wear; if you see fraying, add sleeves to more cards.
2. Organize tiles and cards in trays or bags: Separate tile types and card decks into compartmentalized trays or small resealable bags. Label them for quick setup and to prevent components from rubbing against each other. Checkpoint: When you open the box, every component should have a designated spot—no loose pieces.
3. Play on a mat or clean surface: Use a play mat like the Architects Play Mat to provide a smooth, protective surface. If you don't have a mat, use a clean tablecloth or large mouse pad. Checkpoint: After each session, check the mat for debris and wipe it down to keep it clean.
4. Control the storage environment: Keep games in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Add silica gel packets if needed. Checkpoint: Periodically feel the cards—if they feel damp or brittle, adjust the storage location.
5. Protect the box with sleeves if needed: For collector's boxes, use the Set of 4 Box Sleeves to prevent shelf wear and keep spines uniform. Checkpoint: When you put games on the shelf, ensure they fit snugly without being forced into a tight space.

Products That Help You Care for Your Games

• Architects Play Mat: Supports Architects, Age of Artisans, Works of Wonder and all promo content. A play mat gives you a clean, cushioned surface that reduces wear on cards and tiles during play, and it works with multiple Garphill Games titles.
• Set of 4 Box Sleeves: This set includes 4 box sleeves designer to slip over the outside of each of our earlier Collector’s Boxes (Raiders, Architects, Paladins, and Viscounts). The purpose of these is to make all the spines of our Medieval Trilogy games look uniform when viewed on the shelf. Protects the outer box from shelf wear and scuffs, keeping your collection looking uniform and well-maintained.

Caring for your Garphill Games cards and tiles doesn't take much time, but it pays off in the long run. By sleeving high-use cards, organizing components, using a play mat, and controlling your storage environment, you'll keep your games in great shape for years of play.