A bi-fold board consists of two large sections that fold in half. This straightforward design is easy to use and provides a sturdy playing surface. Catan is a classic example, using a bi-fold board for its modular hex tile layout.
Pros:
Ease of Setup: Quick and simple to unfold and lay flat.
Durability: Fewer fold lines reduce wear and tear.
Storage: Compact and straightforward for storage.
Cons:
Size Limitation: Limited to smaller game boards unless they are very large when unfolded.
Flexibility: Less flexibility in terms of complex game layouts.
A tri-fold board consists of three sections that fold in two places, allowing for a larger playing surface while still being relatively compact for storage. Ticket to Ride uses a tri-fold board to accommodate its expansive map of train routes.
Pros:
Larger Play Area: Offers a larger play surface compared to bi-fold boards without requiring a massive box.
Compact Storage: Folds down to a manageable size for storage.
Cons:
More Fold Lines: Increased fold lines can lead to more wear and potential durability issues.
Setup: Slightly more complex to unfold and set up compared to bi-fold.
A quad-fold board consists of four sections that fold in three places, offering a substantial playing area while fitting into a standard game box. Risk utilizes a quad-fold board to spread out its world map, providing plenty of room for strategic gameplay.
Pros:
Even Larger Play Area: Ideal for games that require a large playing surface.
Compact Storage: Folds down to a size that fits standard game boxes.
Cons:
Durability: More fold lines can mean more stress points and potential for wear.
Setup Complexity: More effort needed to unfold and lay flat.
