What to Do When Board Game Cards Get Damaged

Quick answer

For a torn or bent card, first assess the damage. Light creases often flatten under weight; tears under 1 inch can be mended with archival tape. For severe damage or missing cards, contact the publisher or check for replacement decks.

Diagnose and fix your damaged game card

• Symptom: A crease, bent corner, small tear, or worn surface on one or more cards.
• Likely cause: Normal handling, accidental bending, moisture, or repeated shuffling. Cards in frequently played games like Asino naturally wear over time.
• Corrective action: For a light crease, place the card under a heavy book for 24 hours. For a torn edge, apply a thin strip of archival (acid-free) tape to the back side only. For a bent corner, gently press it flat with a warm (not hot) iron through a cloth. For worn surfaces, consider using card sleeves to protect the entire deck. If the card is missing or the damage affects gameplay (e.g., a player can identify it by feel), stop repairing and seek a replacement.
• When to stop or choose another option: If the card is torn in half, heavily soiled, or the artwork is obscured, repair is impractical. Contact Clementoni customer support or check online for a replacement deck. For popular games like Asino, a new deck is often inexpensive (around $3–$6) and ensures consistent quality. For a quick fix, card sleeves can hide minor wear and protect the rest of the deck from future damage.

Product facts

• Asino: Asino is a classic matching card game where players discard pairs and draw from each other's hands. Because the game relies on identical pairs, a marked or torn card can break the gameplay. Repairing or replacing the damaged card keeps the game fair and fun.