Playmats for Every Adventure

Think of a playmat as a little home for your cards and dice while you're playing. It gives you a soft, comfortable surface to play on, helps protect your cards from scratches and rough tabletops, and makes picking up cards a little easier.

If you're new to trading card games like Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon, you'll often see players rolling out their favorite playmats before a game begins. Some choose artwork featuring their favorite characters, while others simply enjoy having a dedicated space to play.

And playmats aren't just for card games. They're also handy for rolling dice during Dungeons & Dragons, keeping gaming accessories organized, or even using as an oversized mouse pad.

You certainly don't need a playmat to enjoy your games, but it's one of those little extras that can make game night a bit more enjoyable.

Both standard and stitched-edge playmats give you a soft, comfortable surface for your cards and dice, so you really can't go wrong with either one.

The main difference is around the edges. Standard playmats have a simple, smooth-cut edge, while stitched-edge playmats have a border of stitching that helps keep the fabric from fraying over time.

If you're just getting started with trading card games, a standard playmat is a perfectly good choice. But if you play regularly, travel to game nights, or find yourself rolling up your playmat quite often, you might appreciate the extra durability of stitched edges.

Our advice? Choose a playmat with artwork you love. Both styles will serve you well, and having a favorite character or a beautiful fantasy scene on your gaming table is part of the fun.

Taking care of your playmat is pretty simple, and a little attention can help keep it looking great for years of game nights.

When you're finished playing, gently roll up your playmat with the artwork facing outward. This helps prevent the edges from curling upward when you lay it flat again.

If you regularly bring your playmat to a friend's house or your local game store, you might want to consider a playmat storage tube. These handy containers are designed to hold a rolled-up playmat, helping protect it from dust, dirt, and getting squished in your gaming bag. They're especially useful if you like taking your favorite playmat along on your adventures.

Accidents happen, especially when snacks and drinks are part of game night. If your playmat gets a little dirty, try gently cleaning the affected area with a soft, damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap if needed. Avoid harsh cleaners, and let the playmat air dry completely before rolling it up or putting it away. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions first.

And one last tip: try not to leave your playmat in a hot car or sitting in direct sunlight for long periods. A little care goes a long way toward keeping your favorite artwork looking its best.

After all, your playmat should be ready for plenty of adventures to come.