Quick answer
Lay the Core Connection playmat on a clean, flat table with the artwork facing you, keep cards and tokens inside the mat edges, and wipe it down after each session with a soft, dry cloth.
Why the 24 by 14 inch surface changes your layout
The Core Connection playmat measures 24 inches long and 14 inches wide. That is a compact footprint compared with wider tournament mats, so it suits a single-player setup or a two-player game where each player keeps a small board. Before you place cards, decide which short edge is your draw side and which is your discard side; committing to that orientation keeps the layout consistent from game to game.
Because the mat is narrower than a full-size playmat, avoid spreading tokens across the full width. Group them near one corner so your main card area stays clear.
What to keep off the mat
Drinks, snacks, and loose dice are the usual culprits behind sticky spots and edge wear. Keep cups on a side table and use a small tray or bag for dice and tokens. If you play on a textured or uneven surface, place a stiff board underneath the mat rather than folding the mat to compensate.
Step-by-step setup and care routine
- Clear and level the table: Wipe the table with a dry cloth and check for grit or crumbs before unrolling the mat. A single hard crumb under the mat can press a mark into the artwork over time. Run your hand across the table surface before every session.
- Unroll and orient the mat: Place the mat with the Core Connection artwork facing up and choose a short edge as your draw side. Keep the mat's edges parallel to the table edges so the play area stays square. Mark your draw side with a token or note so you set up the same way each time.
- Lay out cards inside the mat border: Keep your deck, discard pile, and active cards fully inside the mat edges. Cards that hang over the edge bend and pick up table dirt. If cards overhang, reduce the number of piles rather than letting them spill off the mat.
- Group tokens and dice in one corner: Place dice and tokens in a single corner of the mat, away from your card area. This keeps the center clear for play and makes cleanup faster. Use a small cloth bag for tokens so they never sit loose on the artwork.
- Clean after each session: Wipe the mat with a soft, dry microfiber cloth using light pressure. For a sticky spot, dampen a cloth slightly with water and wipe gently, then dry immediately. Do not use household cleaners, alcohol, or abrasive pads, because they can dull the printed surface. Clean before rolling, not after; dirt left in a rolled mat can transfer to the artwork.
- Roll and store the mat: Roll the mat with the artwork facing outward and store it in a tube or flat drawer. Avoid folding, stacking heavy objects on it, or leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car. Check the roll direction once; artwork facing inward can crease against itself.
Product facts
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Playmat - Core Connection - Setup: The playmat measures 24 inches by 14 inches and features Core Connection setup artwork. The compact size fits most small tables, so plan a tight layout rather than a wide spread.
Playmat - Core Connection - Setup