I spend a lot of time writing up different articles and reviews, and a lot of those views come from people who don’t even play board games. While I try to keep my writing accessible for those that haven’t fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole, I realize there is some board game jargon that is inescapable and a couple of articles describing some of it would be helpful.
So part one of the series will be focusing on game mechanics, or basically the processes in place that help categorize a game based on the way it is played. I will use examples of each type of mechanic in both modern and, if there is one available, classic board games for reference. Without further ado, let’s learn some jargon!
So part one of the series will be focusing on game mechanics, or basically the processes in place that help categorize a game based on the way it is played. I will use examples of each type of mechanic in both modern and, if there is one available, classic board games for reference. Without further ado, let’s learn some jargon!
Mechanism #1: Roll and Move
Definition: Using a randomized method to determine how far a player will move on the board
This is probably the most obvious and familiar mechanic to anyone who has played a board game in their life. The name can be a bit misleading, as it doesn’t necessarily have to be rolling with dice, spinners work in the same way, as do cards. This is typically looked down upon if it is a major mechanic in modern board gaming because it removes all control over a large portion of the game for players, leading to randomness and chaos; but it can be used in moderation.
Classic Board Games: Monopoly, Life, Clue
Modern Board Games: Formula D, Camel Up, Talisman
This is probably the most obvious and familiar mechanic to anyone who has played a board game in their life. The name can be a bit misleading, as it doesn’t necessarily have to be rolling with dice, spinners work in the same way, as do cards. This is typically looked down upon if it is a major mechanic in modern board gaming because it removes all control over a large portion of the game for players, leading to randomness and chaos; but it can be used in moderation.
Classic Board Games: Monopoly, Life, Clue
Modern Board Games: Formula D, Camel Up, Talisman
Mechanism #2: Set Collection
Definition: Obtaining a number of items (cards, pieces, etc) that are either the same or all different
Another familiar mechanic that takes on many different forms in modern times, set collection is usually used as a small piece or mini-game in much larger games. This is especially popular in card games, as it lends itself to sets of one number or one suit or various other combinations. This is also the primary mechanic of one of the worst games of all time: Phase 10.
Classic Board Games: Rummy, Phase 10, Poker
Modern Board Games: 7 Wonders, Five Tribes, Splendor, Ticket to Ride
Another familiar mechanic that takes on many different forms in modern times, set collection is usually used as a small piece or mini-game in much larger games. This is especially popular in card games, as it lends itself to sets of one number or one suit or various other combinations. This is also the primary mechanic of one of the worst games of all time: Phase 10.
Classic Board Games: Rummy, Phase 10, Poker
Modern Board Games: 7 Wonders, Five Tribes, Splendor, Ticket to Ride
Mechanism #3: Variable Player Powers
Definition: Players are given roles with variable powers and/or win conditions
This is an element that is very well-loved in thematic games, or games that focus on story and theme rather than fair mechanics. Usually, a player is given a role at the beginning of the game that guides them on how to play this particular version of the game to obtain the most points or whatever the end goal is. This is done to both keep the game fresh and variable, as well as offering asymmetrical gameplay.
Classic Board Games: Cosmic Encounter
Modern Board Games: Dead of Winter, Pandemic, Terra Mystica
This is an element that is very well-loved in thematic games, or games that focus on story and theme rather than fair mechanics. Usually, a player is given a role at the beginning of the game that guides them on how to play this particular version of the game to obtain the most points or whatever the end goal is. This is done to both keep the game fresh and variable, as well as offering asymmetrical gameplay.
Classic Board Games: Cosmic Encounter
Modern Board Games: Dead of Winter, Pandemic, Terra Mystica
Mechanism #4: Worker Placement
Definition: A form of action selection, players will take one or more pieces and place them onto spaces that represent actions they can take or resources that they gather. Typically, only one worker may occupy a space at a time, limiting a player’s choices until the next round.
Worker placement is an interesting mechanic in that it both promotes scarcity of resources, as well as some indirect player interaction. For example, you might have to give up some things to go first to make sure you get what you need and another player may go somewhere just to stop you from getting what you need. This is a mechanic that is being reinvented constantly and is very popular in the industry right now.
Classic Board Games: None
Modern Board Games: Lords of Waterdeep, Stone Age, Agricola, Keyflower
Worker placement is an interesting mechanic in that it both promotes scarcity of resources, as well as some indirect player interaction. For example, you might have to give up some things to go first to make sure you get what you need and another player may go somewhere just to stop you from getting what you need. This is a mechanic that is being reinvented constantly and is very popular in the industry right now.
Classic Board Games: None
Modern Board Games: Lords of Waterdeep, Stone Age, Agricola, Keyflower
Mechanism #5: Simultaneous Action Selection
Definition: Players will secretly choose an action to take at the same time, then take the actions according to the game’s instructions
Some of these terms are a mouthful, especially to convey something so simple. This mechanic is interesting because it adds a layer of guesswork into the players’ minds by removing a layer of information: What the player before you did on their turn. This can increase the tension and is also integral in games of our next mechanic: Card Drafting.
Classic Board Games: Diplomacy
Modern Board Games: Race for the Galaxy, 7 Wonders, The Resistance
Some of these terms are a mouthful, especially to convey something so simple. This mechanic is interesting because it adds a layer of guesswork into the players’ minds by removing a layer of information: What the player before you did on their turn. This can increase the tension and is also integral in games of our next mechanic: Card Drafting.
Classic Board Games: Diplomacy
Modern Board Games: Race for the Galaxy, 7 Wonders, The Resistance
Mechanism #6: Card Drafting
Definition: Choosing one or more cards (based on the rules) out of a larger pool of cards. This does not include drawing a card from the top of the pile, it implies that players have choice.
Like set collection, drafting is usually used as a smaller subset of a game rather than the entire game, but that’s not always the case. Drafting often refers to the idea of players choosing one card out of a collection, then passing the rest to another player, choosing another card, and passing, until they have a full set. This allows players to customize the cards that they have as well as introducing a press-your-luck element by hoping a card you want will come back around.
Classic Board Games: Sorry (adult variation), Life
Modern Board Games: 7 Wonders, Seasons, Magic: The Gathering, Ticket to Ride
Like set collection, drafting is usually used as a smaller subset of a game rather than the entire game, but that’s not always the case. Drafting often refers to the idea of players choosing one card out of a collection, then passing the rest to another player, choosing another card, and passing, until they have a full set. This allows players to customize the cards that they have as well as introducing a press-your-luck element by hoping a card you want will come back around.
Classic Board Games: Sorry (adult variation), Life
Modern Board Games: 7 Wonders, Seasons, Magic: The Gathering, Ticket to Ride