Introducing 5 types of board games - part 1

1. Abstract games

However, abstract games are typically in the same category as strategy games, except they do not have a theme, or at least have a minimal theme.

Abstract games usually display all the cards out on the table, quite literally. This means information about current game play is out in the open. Finally, abstract games do not involve a lot of luck or chance. An example of an abstract game is Sequence.

2. Campaign games

A campaign is most often referred to as a story in role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.

In this type of game, a dungeon master will lead the players through sessions that can be played out over months, where each session will pick up where it left off.

3. Card games

A card game can be any game that deals with playing cards, often instead of game pieces. Sometimes with a board, sometimes without a board.

A card game can refer to a standard deck of cards, but it also extends into specialized decks that have all kinds of art and special rules.

Sometimes a card game will involve collecting cards, which may be considered a trading card game.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and Sushi Go are examples of card games.

4. Cooperative games

A co-op game simply means that everyone is playing on the same team. Essentially, everyone wins or loses together.

Occasionally, a game may be partially co-op. Most players may be on the same team while one player works as a “traitor” against them.

In many cooperative games, there will be a numbered chart in the rulebook that will tell you how well or how poorly your team played. In these games, you are playing to beat your previous high score. So Clover and Just One are examples of cooperative games.

5. Deck building games

Usually, players will begin with a “starter deck” and purchase or draft cards that will be re-shuffled into the existing deck, which will eventually increase in abilities and power.

A player’s deck will help them gain victory points over the course of the game, depending on the win condition. Dominion is an example of a deck-building game.