Board games have been a popular pastime for centuries, and with the rise of tabletop gaming, their popularity has only continued to grow. One important aspect of board games that often goes overlooked is the size of the cards used in the game. In this article, we???ll take a closer look at board game card sizes and why they matter.
Standard Card Sizes
The most common card size used in board games is the standard poker size, which measures 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. This size is used in many popular games, such as Magic: The Gathering, Settlers of Catan, and Dominion.
Another common card size is the mini size, which measures 1.75 inches by 2.5 inches. This size is often used in games with limited table space, such as Love Letter and The Resistance.
Larger cards, such as the tarot size (2.75 inches by 4.75 inches) and the jumbo size (3.5 inches by 5.75 inches), are less common but still used in some games. Tarot-sized cards are often used in storytelling games, while jumbo-sized cards are used in games that require a lot of information to be displayed on each card.
Why Card Size Matters
While it may seem like the size of a card is irrelevant, it can actually have a big impact on gameplay. One of the biggest factors is shuffling. Larger cards can be more difficult to shuffle, while smaller cards can be easier to shuffle but may be more difficult to handle during gameplay.
The size of the cards can also affect the design and layout of the game. Games with a lot of information on each card may require larger cards to display all the necessary information, while games with simpler designs can use smaller cards.
Custom Card Sizes
While standard card sizes are the most common, some games use custom sizes to fit their unique gameplay. For example, the game Gloom features transparent cards that are larger than standard cards to allow for the stacking of multiple cards on top of each other.
Custom card sizes can add an extra level of creativity and uniqueness to a game, but can also make it more difficult to find sleeves and storage solutions to fit the cards.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Game
When choosing the size of cards for your board game, there are several factors to consider. The first is the amount of information that needs to be displayed on each card. If your game requires a lot of information, larger cards may be necessary.
The second factor is the size of the playing area. If your game has limited table space, smaller cards may be a better option.
Finally, consider the ease of shuffling and handling the cards. If your game requires a lot of shuffling, smaller cards may be easier to handle, while larger cards may be more difficult to shuffle but easier to read during gameplay.
Conclusion
Board game card sizes may seem like a minor detail, but they can have a big impact on gameplay and the overall design of a game. By considering the amount of information on each card, the size of the playing area, and ease of shuffling, you can choose the right card size for your game and enhance the player experience.
