When you start playing board games, you quickly learn which type of games speak to you, and finding your “perfect fit games” is so rewarding.
Here are my ten favorite board game mechanisms, keeping in mind that many games have an overlap of several mechanics.
Engine-building
Engine builders are games in which each turn (should) build on previous turns, strengthening the cards in your play area and having them work off one another to earn more points as the game goes on. Engine-builders require a great deal of thought and planning for maximum points, making them incredibly fun and satisfying when you craft a powerful engine.
On our Shelf: San Juan, Oh My Goods!, Everdell
I can’t wait to play: Imperial Settlers, Wingspan, Century Golem Edition
Worker placement
Players select actions, usually represented by locations on a game board, and send out their “workers” to complete a task. Generally, once a player has taken a spot, this spot is no longer available to other players’ workers. Each worker’s tasks are important to game goals.
On Our Shelf: Rajas of the Ganges, Viticulture
I can’t wait to play: The Pursuit of Happiness, Raiders of Scythia
Tableau building
In tableau games, players are using cards to play into their individual player areas, usually using cards that work together to create a sort of scene and complete goals to earn points.
On Our Shelf: Santa Monica, Everdell
Tile laying/placement
In tile-laying games, players draft tiles to lay in the play area to score points or trigger events in the game.
On our Shelf: Cacao, Kingdomino
Drafting
Drafting is a mechanism of selecting and then passing cards or other game components to players as a means of completing tasks or scoring points (“pick and pass”). Sometimes the cards and components remain hidden as they are passed, and sometimes the cards or components are laid out for all to see and choose from.
On Our Shelf: Sushi Go, Draftosaurus, Fantasy Realms, 7 Wonders Duel, Point Salad
Deck / Bag / Pool Building
In deckbuilding games, players start with their own small deck of cards, playing them on their turns to acquire new cards and grow their deck in size and strength.
On our Shelf: Star Realms, Friday, Orleans
I can’t wait to play: Clank!, Marvel Legendary
Contracts
Contracts in games are goals that players must fulfill to earn points or other rewards. These goals, or contracts, can either be private or public goals that all players can view and attempt to complete.
On our Shelf: Funfair, Welcome to Your Perfect Neighborhood, Ticket to Ride
Dice rolling
Anyone that has played a board game is familiar with dice rolling, most likely a mechanic used to move in standard mass market games. (Yawn.) I love dice, and I love games that have dice with ways to mitigate the rolls.
On our Shelf: Pioneer Days, Quixx, King of Tokyo
I can’t wait to play: Champions of Midgard
Push-your-luck
In push-your-luck games, players do exactly that…taking a next turn and possibly losing all progress or continuing on and edging out the opponents. It’s the standard dilemma of risk versus reward, board game style, and so much fun.
On our Shelf: Push, Dragon’s Cave, Can’t Stop (I play this one on Board Game Arena.)
Set collection
The value of items is determined by collecting a set, usually in card games.
Board games often have several mechanics in action, and our favorite games use our favorite mechanics. (Makes sense, right?)
What is your favorite game mechanic? Join the group on Instagram for #mechanismsmonday to post your game photos based on the week’s theme!
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