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Game mechanics explained

A simple picture and a short explanation for each way games make you think.

Mechanics are the rules that shape how a game actually plays. Browse the cards below to learn what each one means, then jump straight to games that use it.

  • Illustration of meeples being placed on action spaces on a board Worker Placement Send your limited workers to claim the best actions before rivals do. Learn more
  • Illustration of a growing deck of cards with new cards being added Deck Building Start with a weak deck and shape it into a powerful engine card by card. Learn more
  • Illustration of board game dice mid-roll on a table Dice Rolling Roll dice for outcomes, then make smart choices with whatever luck gives you. Learn more
  • Illustration of a hand of board game cards held by a player Hand Management Play the right card at the right moment and make every card count. Learn more
  • Illustration of colored pieces competing for regions on a map Area Control Compete for influence across the map and hold the regions that score. Learn more
  • Illustration of board game tiles being connected to build a landscape Tile Placement Draw and lay tiles to build a board that grows differently every game. Learn more
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