Let It All Hang Out: The naked truth of Our Bare Bones Nights

Clothes are tactical armor. They hide your shivering knees when you bluff, cover your racing heartbeat, and keep your biggest gaming tells a secret. But what happens when you strip that armor away? Moreover, where do you hide the cheese in Cheese Thief?! At our monthly Bare Bones events, we find out the hard way. What really happens when house rules mean leaving your pants at the door? Read on for the most common questions I get about our events at Free Willie. I'll give you the practicalities and the naked truth. 

Why combine board games and being nude? 
The first time I heard about these events, I thought, ‘That’s fun! …and a bit of a funny combination.’ Little did I expect that my first time going to a Bare Bones event would also be with me hosting. I remember looking around at some point and realizing how funny it was to be explaining board games to a naked audience while being naked. I smiled and thought, “I guess this is what I do now.” It felt wholesome in a way, and I think that stems from the comfort I saw around me. People simply enjoy sharing their hobbies, whether it is being naked or playing games.

How does it work? 
From 17:00 onwards, you can enter Free Willie. You’ll be asked to show your ticket (which includes the entry fee for the place). Once the little bit of admin is done, you can strip down and leave your stuff at the coat check. You’ll get a wristband to order drinks with. Adrian or I (or, usually, both of us) will be ready to welcome you and give you a nametag. There is enough time to meet the others and grab some liquid courage if you need it. Once enough people are in, the games start. 

Do people actually play games, or do they only play with each other? 
Yes, and yes. Concentrating might be a bit more difficult, but Games-wise it’s a pretty normal event. We bring a variety of games with us, and they get played. We do focus on shorter party games, so people can switch games or activities faster. Flirting or anything like that is not expected at all, but it is possible if you want it. So do you want to nail down your game strategy, or strategize your next suave move? The choice is yours. 

Who goes to these events? Will I see my friends? 
When I asked Adrian for whom he started these events, he said, ‘I was thinking we were creating a naked event for our board gamers community, but we have actually created a board game event for people who like to be naked.’ This echoes with what I see: some people from the other events come to Free Willie, but mostly it’s a new and rapidly growing group. Will you see your friends? Ask them! Or better yet, invite them! 

Isn’t it weird? 
It might feel that way if you’ve never tried it, but social nudity is actually becoming more and more popular. Younger demographics are actually reshaping the practice by tying social nudity to self-acceptance, mental health, and breaking away from unrealistic online beauty standards. Because most people who ask me this question have never experienced social nudity, I find it sometimes hard to explain the feeling of comfort that I mentioned earlier. I believe the combination of good house rules (i.e., no phones, Consent!, etc) and the general positive laid-back atmosphere makes it feel natural. The relaxed music and cozy temperature also help you feel comfortable in the space. If you're nervous about being naked, just think that you are not the only one, and that the games pull focus. And, as always, come to us if there’s any issue. 

Where to hide the cheese?
Without sleeves to put your hidden aces up, you have to get creative. Thieves in Cheese Thief have had to come up with some creative solutions. I’ve seen the cheese clutched between a hand and a glass of beer. Every sip made the cheese more visible. Luckily, they got away with it. While some gameplay becomes more challenging, the nakedness adds to the fun. I’m looking at you, Twister. 

What happens after eight?
Our event runs til 20:00. We pack up the games and name tags, and the space is available for all that happens. The lights dim, and the music is turned up. Usually, some stay to hang out and chat. Others are not done playing and make up their own rules and games to play in the shadows. 

How do I join? 
Ready to strip away the armor and find out where the cheese is hidden? Joining is easy. Secure your spot directly through our event page, grab your ticket, and we’ll see you at the next Bare Bones night! Because you leave everything at the door, all you have to bring is your A-game. 

Author - Jim van den Bos