Design & Mechanics
📋 What it is
A game "mechanic" is a repeatable action rule (draw, discard, trade, capture) — mechanics combine into a game.
🗣️ Coach says
Zoom in and every game is built from small MECHANICS: draw a card, play to a pile, capture, trade. Designers mix and match these like LEGO. Understanding mechanics lets you tweak a game you know or blend two into something new.
🧠 Memory hook
Mechanics are the LEGO bricks of games. Name the bricks (draw/discard/capture) and you can rebuild any game.
😂 Giggle
Why is a deck of cards the worst secret keeper?
Because it always shows its hand!
😲 Whoa!
The "trick-taking" mechanic is over 500 years old and still powers dozens of modern games — good mechanics never expire.
✅ Quick check: What is a game "mechanic"?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
A repeatable action rule, like draw, discard, or capture, that the game is built from.
Mechanics are the reusable building blocks designers combine.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Pick a game you know and list its 3 core mechanics. Then swap ONE and imagine how play changes.