Board Game Arena

If I host a game and initially set the the number of players I want to 6 (for example), is there a way to start the game before it gets to 6 people waiting?
Sometimes I can get to 5 people waiting and it doesn't look like anyone else will join so I would like to start the game with just 5 players before people get bored waiting. But if I try to adjust anything it says 'you can't change the game settings at this time'
(I am a premium member)

Yes just click "Start Game"

Works as long as you have at least the minimum number needed for the game (eg 3 for 7 Wonders) or the button will be greyed out.

You can in a real-time game. Then all players will get a start screen where they can accept or decline the game start.

If you say you can't change the settings, it's probably because you have set a turn-based table. There's no start screen and no chance to decline in a turn-based table, so it makes sense that you can't change the settings or number of players. After all, the other players joined believing it would be a 6 player game.

It doesnt seem to work for me, I dont get the option to start game even if there is enough players. If it is still waiting for the amount that I initially set the button stays red with only the option to Cancel (like it would if there was not enough players)
Where does the 'start game' option appear for you?

Use the "old lobby" ("play now" link on top), and then "view" the table of interest. The restrictions above still apply.