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Board game mechanic – pattern building

Board Game Mechanics – Pattern Building

The pattern building mechanic is a gameplay mechanism in which players place game pieces on a board or in a specific configuration to create a specific pattern or structure. This mechanic is often used in abstract strategy games, puzzle games, and other games that require players to think critically and plan ahead.

In pattern building games, players take turns placing pieces or cards in a specific order or pattern. The objective is usually to be the first player to complete the required pattern, or to score the most points based on the quality of the patterns they have created.

Examples of pattern building games include Tetris, Qwirkle, Ticket to Ride, and Azul. In these games, players must consider the placement of their pieces and how they will affect the available options for other players. The pattern building mechanic adds a layer of strategy and planning to the game, as players must balance their own goals with the goals of their opponents.

Here are ten top pattern building board games:

  1. Azul
  2. Carcassonne
  3. Kingdomino
  4. Patchwork
  5. Quilt Show
  6. Qwirkle
  7. Sagrada
  8. The Castles of Burgundy
  9. Ticket to Ride
  10. Tetris The Card Game

These games are widely regarded as some of the best pattern building games on the market and offer a range of challenges and experiences for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a solo puzzle experience, a fast-paced multiplayer game, or a relaxing way to spend an evening with friends, these pattern building games are sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment.

In Azul, players take turns choosing tiles from a central supply and placing them on their individual player boards to create specific patterns and designs.  The objective of Azul is to score the most points by completing specific patterns on the player board. Players must consider the placement of their tiles carefully, as they can only place tiles of the same color in a single row. If a player takes a tile that cannot be placed in their current row, they must create a new row. This creates an element of strategy, as players must balance their own goals with the goals of their opponents and try to block their opponents from completing certain patterns.

As the game progresses, players continue to take turns choosing tiles and placing them on their boards. Points are awarded for completed patterns, and the player with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner. The pattern building mechanic in “Azul” adds a layer of strategy and planning to the game, and challenges players to think critically and creatively about the placement of their tiles.

There are several variations of the pattern building mechanic, including:

Progressive Pattern Building: In this variation, players must complete a series of increasingly complex patterns in order to score points. As players complete each pattern, they move on to the next, more difficult pattern.

Block Building: In this variation, players take turns adding pieces to a shared structure, trying to score points for their own pieces and block their opponents from scoring points.

Limited Resource Pattern Building: In this variation, players have a limited number of pieces or tiles to use to complete the patterns, adding a resource management component to the game.

Multiple Pattern Building: In this variation, players can score points by completing multiple patterns, giving players more options and making the game more complex.

Asymmetrical Pattern Building: In this variation, players have different pattern goals and objectives, adding an element of diversity and replayability to the game.

Cooperative Pattern Building: In this variation, players work together to build a shared pattern, with the success of the game depending on the success of the team.

These variations add different challenges and elements of strategy to the pattern building mechanic, and can make the game more complex and engaging for players. Whether you prefer a straightforward pattern building game or one that adds additional layers of strategy and challenge, there’s a pattern building game out there for you!