When you create a game in Boardssey, the Mechanics field offers a predefined list of common board game mechanics. This article is a quick-reference for what each one means, in plain language. Use it when you're picking mechanics for your game and want to make sure you're labelling things consistently with the rest of the industry.
This is a living list. As mechanics names evolve in the community, this glossary follows.
Action selection
Action drafting / point selection: players pick from a shared set of actions; once chosen, that action is taken or restricted.
Action queue: players plan a sequence of actions in advance and reveal them in turn.
Programmed movement: like an action queue, specifically for movement (e.g. RoboRally).
Drafting and deck
Card drafting: players pick cards from a shared pool, often passing the rest.
Deck building: players add cards to a personal deck over the course of the game (Dominion-style).
Bag building: same as deck building but with tokens or chips.
Worker placement
Worker placement: players place limited tokens onto action spaces; spaces are typically blocked once chosen.
Variable worker types: different worker tokens have different abilities or restrictions.
Areas and territories
Area control / influence: players compete for dominance in geographic regions.
Area movement: pieces move between defined regions.
Hex / square grid: movement on a grid, often combat-related.
Resources and engines
Resource management: collect, convert, spend resources to take actions.
Engine building: players construct interlocking systems that produce more outputs over time.
Set collection: collect specific combinations for points or effects.
Tableau building: players build a personal display of cards or components that interact with each other.
Auctions
Auction / bidding: players bid for items, often with a single highest-bid winner.
Sealed bid auction: bids are submitted simultaneously without revealing.
Dutch auction: price descends until someone accepts.
Cooperation and conflict
Cooperative: all players win or lose together.
Semi-cooperative: partial cooperation with a wrinkle (traitor, individual goals).
Asymmetric: players have different starting positions, rules, or goals.
Hidden movement: one player moves secretly; others try to intercept.
Take that: direct interaction (attacks, blocks, etc.).
Information
Hidden information: players have private information (cards in hand, etc.).
Hidden role: some players' identities or allegiances are secret.
Trick taking: card play with a follow-suit, take-the-trick pattern.
Trick avoidance: same but you want to avoid taking certain tricks.
Risk and randomness
Push your luck: players can risk losing what they've gained for more reward.
Dice rolling: outcomes determined by dice.
Modular board: board configuration changes per game.
Pacing
Real time: no turn structure, all players act simultaneously.
Time track: actions cost time; the player furthest behind on the time track acts next.
Variable phase order: phases happen in different orders each round based on player choice.
Theme and narrative
Legacy: game changes permanently across multiple sessions.
Campaign / scenario: linked sessions with persistent state.
Storytelling / narrative: players construct or follow a story.
How to use this glossary
When creating a game in Boardssey:
Open the game's Mechanics field.
Pick the mechanics that match your design. Use the names from this glossary so other designers and publishers recognize them.
If a mechanic in your game isn't listed, pick the closest match and note the unique twist in the game's description.
Tips & common questions
My game has 10 mechanics, should I list all of them? Pick the 3–5 that most define the game. Listing too many makes it hard for publishers to grasp what the game is.
A mechanic isn't in the glossary. The list is updated periodically based on community usage. If you think one should be added, mention it via the in-app chat bubble.
Is BGG's mechanic list the same? Mostly. Boardssey's list aligns closely with BoardGameGeek's, with a few additions and combinations.
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