Frequently Asked Questions

A math trade is a multi-party trading event where participants list items they want to trade and create want lists indicating which items they'd accept in return. An algorithm then analyzes all participants' preferences to find the optimal set of trades that maximizes satisfaction. That's the nerdy way of saying, "Trying to make sure everyone gets something they want."

For example, if Alice wants Bob's game, Bob wants Carol's game, and Carol wants Alice's game, the algorithm will identify this three-way trade and facilitate it automatically. This is far more efficient than trying to find direct one-to-one swaps.

You can learn more about math trades on BoardGameGeek's Math Trades Wiki.

TableTop Trades is currently in limited beta to ensure a smooth launch and quality experience for our users. During this phase, we're asking users to apply to become trade organizers, which allows us to work closely with them and gather feedback to improve the platform.

What you can do during beta:

• Anyone can sign up, browse trades, and participate in existing trades
• Trade organizers can create and manage new trades for their communities
• All users can submit items, build want lists, and receive trade results

How to become a trade organizer:

If you're interested in organizing trades for your gaming group, local community, or region, please contact us with details about your community and experience organizing trades. We're looking for enthusiastic organizers who can help build and support their local trading communities.

We'll be expanding access as the platform stabilizes, so stay tuned for updates!

Yes! While the core focus of math trades is on trading physical items, we understand that communities may want to include money or gift cards as part of their trades. TableTop Trades supports this flexibility.

When creating your trade list, you can add a cash value that you would accept for your game. This is not a public value, however, you may list what you would accept in the description. You can still specify games you want, and the priority of games versus the cash.

Gift cards are added simarily to board games and you can specify the type and value of the gift card. Other users can make offers just like other games and prioritize just like money or game offers. It's the ultimate flexibility for your trades!

Participating in a math trade is simple and follows three main steps:

1. Find a trade - Browse open trades and join one in your region or area of interest.
2. Add your items - List the games or items you're willing to trade away.
3. Build your want list - Review other participants' items and mark which ones you'd be willing to accept for each of your items.

You can organize your want list by priority, indicating which trades you'd prefer. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of getting a match. But remember, this is a binding action. If you offer up your priceless copy of Battlestar Galatica for Uno, that's on you.

Once the trade deadline passes, the algorithm runs and you'll be notified of your matches. Then simply arrange the exchange with your trading partners!

Not every participant receives a trade in every event, and that's completely normal. The algorithm only creates trades when there's a mutually beneficial match based on everyone's want lists.

To increase your chances of getting trades:

• Add more items to your trade list
• Be more flexible in your want list selections
• Participate in larger trades with more participants
• Ensure your item descriptions are accurate and appealing

Remember, if you don't receive a match, you keep all your items and can try again in the next trade!

While we are bringing the site from beta to the full official release, there is no cost to use it — however, the ability to run math trades will remain limited during this phase. As our costs grow, we will find the best way to sustain the platform without sacrificing the quality experience you expect.

We'd love to hear from you! The best place to connect with us is our Discord server. Whether you want to share feedback, ask questions, report a bug, or just say hi — we genuinely love when people come by and get involved.

The community is a big part of what makes this project special, and we're always excited to meet enthusiastic board gamers who want to help shape where TableTop Trades goes next. Come say hi!