Introduction
The world of board games has its own rich vocabulary that can be intimidating to newcomers. Understanding these terms not only helps you learn games more quickly but also enables you to communicate effectively with other players, read rules accurately, and engage more deeply with the hobby. This cheatsheet serves as a comprehensive reference guide to common board game terminology, organized by category for easy reference.
Core Board Game Concepts
Game Types
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Abstract Game | Games with minimal theme that focus on mechanics (e.g., Chess, Go) |
| Ameritrash/Thematic | Theme-heavy games often featuring dice, conflict, and storytelling elements |
| Euro Game | Strategy-focused games typically with indirect player conflict and economic themes |
| Hybrid | Games that blend Euro and Ameritrash elements |
| Party Game | Social games designed for larger groups with simple rules |
| Cooperative Game | Games where players work together against the game system |
| Legacy Game | Games that change permanently as you play through a campaign |
| Roll-and-Write | Games where players roll dice and write results on sheets |
| Deck-builder | Games where improving your deck of cards is a central mechanism |
Game Complexity and Weight
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Gateway Game | Accessible games that introduce new players to the hobby |
| Filler | Short, simple games played between longer games |
| Light/Medium/Heavy | Descriptors of a game’s complexity level |
| Weight | A measure of game complexity (rules overhead, decision space) |
| AP (Analysis Paralysis) | When a player takes excessive time considering options |
Game Mechanics
Resource Management
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Engine Building | Developing systems that become more efficient over time |
| Set Collection | Gathering specific groups of items for points or effects |
| Resource Conversion | Transforming one type of game resource into another |
| Drafting | Selecting items from a limited pool, often passing options to others |
| Hand Management | Strategic use of cards or other components in hand |
| Tableau Building | Creating a display of cards/components with ongoing effects |
Movement Mechanics
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Area Control/Majority | Gaining dominance in specific regions for benefits |
| Worker Placement | Assigning limited “workers” to action spaces |
| Action Point Allowance | Spending a limited supply of actions each turn |
| Roll/Spin and Move | Advancing based on die rolls or spinner results |
| Modular Board | Game board assembled differently each game |
| Hex Grid/Square Grid | Board layout patterns that define movement |
| Point-to-Point | Movement along specific connected paths rather than spaces |
Conflict Resolution
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Dice Rolling | Using dice to determine outcomes |
| Card Driven | Using cards to determine actions or resolve conflicts |
| Combat System | Rules governing how conflicts between players are resolved |
| Take That | Mechanics that directly hinder other players |
| Auction/Bidding | Competitive offering of resources to gain benefits |
| Variable Player Powers | Each player has unique abilities or advantages |
Turn Structure and Game Flow
Turn Phases
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Setup | Initial game preparation before play begins |
| Round/Turn/Phase | Units of play sequence |
| Upkeep | Maintenance phase, often at turn beginning or end |
| Cleanup | End-of-turn activities (discarding, resetting, etc.) |
| Simultaneous Action | All players act at the same time |
| Action Queue | Sequence of planned actions to be executed in order |
Game Progression
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| First Player/Start Player | The person who takes the first turn |
| Player Order | Sequence in which players take turns |
| Game Round | A complete cycle of all players taking turns |
| Game End Trigger | Condition that causes the game to conclude |
| Scoring Round | Periodic evaluation of player standing |
| Final Scoring | Point calculation at game conclusion |
Components and Materials
Physical Elements
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Meeple | Small humanoid playing piece (originally from Carcassonne) |
| Chit | Small, flat token usually made of cardboard |
| Standee | Cardboard piece that stands upright in a plastic base |
| Miniature | Detailed, three-dimensional playing piece |
| Tile | Flat, often square or hexagonal board piece |
| Dice | Multi-sided random number generators (d6, d20, etc.) |
| Card Sleeve | Protective covering for game cards |
| Insert | Organizational tray inside the game box |
Card Types
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hand | Cards currently held by a player |
| Deck | Collection of cards used in the game |
| Discard Pile | Area for used or discarded cards |
| Draw Pile | Cards available to be drawn |
| Tableau | Display of cards laid out in front of a player |
| Card Draft | Selection of cards from a shared pool |
| Living Card Game (LCG) | Fixed content card game with regular expansions |
| Collectible Card Game (CCG) | Game with randomized card packs for collection |
Player Interaction
Competitive Elements
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Player vs. Player (PvP) | Direct competition between players |
| Direct Conflict | Mechanics that allow players to attack or hinder others |
| Indirect Conflict | Competition for limited resources without direct attacks |
| Zero-Sum Game | Gains by one player come at the expense of others |
| Kingmaking | When a player can determine which opponent wins |
| Catch-Up Mechanism | Features that help trailing players remain competitive |
Cooperative Elements
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Fully Cooperative | All players win or lose together |
| Semi-Cooperative | Mix of team and individual goals |
| Traitor Mechanism | One or more players secretly work against the group |
| Alpha Player/Quarterbacking | Dominant player directing others’ moves in co-op games |
| AI Opponent | Game system that simulates an opponent |
| Scenario | Specific mission or setup for a play session |
Game Strategy Terms
Decision Making
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Optimal Play | Making the mathematically best move |
| Heuristic | Rule of thumb to guide decision-making |
| Game State | The current condition of all game elements |
| Decision Space | Range of meaningful choices available |
| Risk Management | Balancing potential rewards against possible losses |
| Opportunity Cost | What you give up when making a choice |
Advanced Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Meta | The current dominant strategies in a game community |
| Engine | System of components that generate resources/actions |
| Combo | Combination of effects that work together effectively |
| Efficiency | Maximizing output from limited resources/actions |
| Tempo | Pace of progress relative to opponents |
| Economy | System of resource generation and spending |
Publishing and Design
Industry Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Designer | Person who created the game |
| Publisher | Company that produces and distributes the game |
| FLGS | Friendly Local Game Store |
| OOP (Out of Print) | Games no longer being manufactured |
| Kickstarter | Crowdfunding platform often used for board games |
| Stretch Goal | Additional content unlocked during crowdfunding |
| Retail | Games available through traditional stores |
| MSRP | Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price |
Game Versions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Base Game | The foundational game without expansions |
| Expansion | Additional content that requires the base game |
| Standalone Expansion | Addition that can be played independently |
| Deluxe Edition | Premium version with upgraded components |
| Print and Play | Downloadable files for home printing |
| Edition | Specific version of a game (1st edition, 2nd edition, etc.) |
| Reprint | New production run of an existing game |
| Prototype | Pre-production version for testing |
Common Challenges and Solutions
Learning Games
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overwhelming rules | Start with gateway games, watch tutorial videos |
| Differing skill levels | Use handicap systems or asymmetric games |
| Rule disputes | Decide on interpretation for current game, check official FAQs later |
| Forgetting rules mid-game | Create player aids, use reference sheets |
| Teaching new players | Explain core concepts and win conditions first, details as needed |
Game Management
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Long setup times | Use organizational tools, prepare before players arrive |
| Game length | Set time limits, use shorter variants |
| Component damage | Use card sleeves, playmats, and proper storage |
| Finding players | Join local groups, use meetup apps, attend game nights |
| Storage issues | Invest in storage solutions, organize by frequency of play |
Best Practices and Tips
For New Players
- Start with gateway games before tackling complex titles
- Watch video tutorials in addition to reading rulebooks
- Focus on having fun rather than optimal strategy initially
- Don’t worry about winning your first few games
- Ask questions when rules are unclear
For Game Hosts
- Know the rules well before teaching others
- Prepare a concise teaching strategy for new games
- Consider player count recommendations seriously
- Set expectations for game length and complexity
- Be prepared to guide new players without playing for them
For Game Collectors
- Research games thoroughly before purchasing
- Consider storage space and how often you’ll play
- Try before you buy when possible
- Balance collection with variety of weight and player counts
- Track plays to identify which games hit the table most
Resources for Further Learning
Online Communities
- BoardGameGeek (BGG) – The largest board game database and forum
- Reddit r/boardgames – Active discussion community
- Board Game Atlas – Review aggregator and price comparison
- The Dice Tower – Video reviews and podcasts
- Shut Up & Sit Down – Humorous video reviews and articles
Events and Conventions
- Gen Con – The largest tabletop game convention in North America
- Essen Spiel – World’s largest board game trade fair
- UK Games Expo – Britain’s largest hobby games convention
- PAX Unplugged – Tabletop-focused PAX event
- Local game store events and meetups
Apps and Digital Tools
- BG Stats – Track your game collection and plays
- Chwazi – Random player selector
- Board Game Scoreboard – Digital scorekeeping
- Meetup – Find local gaming groups
- BoardGameGeek app – Mobile access to BGG database
This cheatsheet serves as an introduction to the rich language of board gaming. As you explore more games, you’ll encounter specialized terminology unique to specific games or genres. The board game hobby continues to evolve, with new terms emerging as innovative game mechanics are developed. Happy gaming!