Card games have been a staple of entertainment for centuries, with a seemingly endless array of variations to choose from. But what makes a card game tick? What are the fundamental building blocks that give rise to such a diverse array of gameplay experiences? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be exploring the basics of game mechanics, and how they apply to the world of card games. From shuffling the deck to drawing cards, we’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of what makes these games so captivating, and how you can use these mechanics to create your own unique card game experience. So whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, join us as we uncover the secrets behind the most beloved card games of all time.
Card Game Basics
Definition of Card Games
Card games have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. At its core, a card game is a game that uses playing cards as its primary device. The earliest known playing cards were hand-painted wooden cards from China dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907). These cards were used for various games and were later adapted by European traders, who introduced them to Europe during the Middle Ages.
There are countless different types of card games, each with its own unique set of rules and gameplay mechanics. Some popular examples of card games include Poker, Bridge, and Solitaire. In these games, players use a standard deck of 52 playing cards, which consists of four suits: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades.
In addition to standard playing cards, there are also specialized decks used in certain games, such as Tarot cards and card games designed for children. No matter what type of card game is being played, the goal is usually to achieve a specific objective or to accumulate points by performing certain actions with the cards.
Overall, card games offer a fun and engaging way to pass the time and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding the basics of card games is essential for success and enjoyment.
Components of Card Games
In order to understand the basic mechanics of card games, it is important to familiarize oneself with the components that make up these games. This section will delve into the various components of card games, including cards, decks, dealing, and playing fields.
Cards
The most fundamental component of any card game is, of course, the cards themselves. These small rectangles of paper or plastic come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, but all serve the same purpose: to provide a means of play for the game’s participants.
In most card games, cards are divided into sets or “suits,” each with its own unique symbol or design. These suits may include clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades, or other symbols such as stars, moons, or shields. Each card in a suit is typically assigned a numerical value, with the number of cards in each suit varying depending on the game.
Deck
A deck is a collection of cards that are used in a particular card game. In most games, the deck consists of a specific number of cards, and the cards are shuffled before each game. Some games may require multiple decks to be used, and the cards may be shuffled together or kept separate.
The composition of a deck varies depending on the game being played. For example, in a standard deck of 52 cards, there are 13 cards of each suit, with the values of the cards ranging from 2 to 10, plus the four face cards (jack, queen, king, and ace). In some games, additional cards or “wild” cards may be added to the deck, which can be used as any suit or value.
Dealing
Dealing is the process of distributing cards to the players in a card game. The method of dealing varies depending on the game, but typically involves shuffling the deck and distributing a certain number of cards to each player. In some games, the dealer may be chosen randomly, while in others, the dealer is assigned a specific role.
Once the cards have been dealt, the players must use the cards in their hand to play the game. The specific rules for playing the game will vary depending on the game being played, but generally involve using the cards to form sets or sequences of cards, or to beat the other players’ cards.
Playing Field
The playing field is the area where the cards are played during a card game. This may be a physical table or surface, or it may be a virtual playing field on a computer screen. The playing field is usually divided into specific areas or “lanes” where the cards are placed, and the rules for playing cards to the playing field will vary depending on the game being played.
Understanding the components of a card game is crucial to understanding the basic mechanics of the game. By familiarizing oneself with the cards, deck, dealing, and playing field, one can begin to understand how these components work together to create a game of strategy and skill.
Turn Structure
A turn is the basic unit of play in a card game, and it is important to understand the structure of a turn to grasp how the game functions. The structure of a turn can vary depending on the game, but most card games follow a similar basic structure.
- The basic structure of a turn includes several phases:
- Draw: The player draws a certain number of cards from the deck or the top of the deck.
- Stand: The player must discard a certain number of cards from their hand.
- Action: The player may take various actions such as playing cards, using special abilities, or using resources.
- Discard: The player must discard a certain number of cards from their hand.
- The phases of a turn can be referred to as the “Draw-Stand-Action-Discard” cycle.
- There may be exceptions and variations to the basic turn structure, such as games that have multiple turns per round or games that allow players to skip certain phases.
It is important to understand the turn structure of a game to make informed decisions and play the game effectively. For example, if a player knows that they will be drawing more cards in the next turn, they may choose to hold onto certain cards in their hand to use in the future. Understanding the turn structure can also help players anticipate what their opponents may do and plan their own actions accordingly.
Common Card Game Mechanics
Drawing and Discarding
Drawing cards
Drawing cards is a fundamental mechanic in most card games. In this mechanic, each player is dealt a certain number of cards at the beginning of the game. These cards are then used to play the game, with each player attempting to form sets or sequences of cards to score points. The number of cards dealt to each player can vary depending on the game, but typically ranges from five to seven cards. Some games may also include a “draw pile” from which players can draw cards during the game.
Discarding cards
Discarding cards is the opposite of drawing cards. In this mechanic, players are allowed to discard cards from their hand, usually back into a central pile of cards called the “discard pile.” This mechanic allows players to get rid of cards that are not useful to them, or that they do not want to keep in their hand. Discarding cards can also be used as an offensive strategy, as players may choose to discard cards that they think their opponents need for a particular set or sequence.
Mulligan
A mulligan is a variation of the drawing and discarding mechanic. In a mulligan, players are allowed to discard their entire hand and draw a new set of cards. This mechanic is typically used at the beginning of the game, and is often used to give players a fresh start or to adjust the balance of the game. The rules for mulligans can vary depending on the game, but typically players are only allowed to mulligan once per game.
Playing Cards
When it comes to playing cards in card games, there are several mechanics that are essential to understand. These mechanics involve playing cards from your hand, playing cards on the field, and card interactions.
Playing Cards from Hand
One of the most basic mechanics in card games is playing cards from your hand. This involves drawing cards from your deck and playing them onto the field of play. The rules for playing cards from your hand will vary depending on the specific game you are playing, but generally, you will need to follow these steps:
- Draw a card from your deck by either drawing from the top of the deck or by drawing from the deck during your turn.
- Check the card’s rules and any restrictions on playing it. Some cards may have specific requirements or limitations on when and how they can be played.
- Play the card onto the field of play, following any specific rules for placement.
Playing Cards on the Field
Another important card game mechanic is playing cards on the field. This involves placing cards onto the field of play, which can affect the game in various ways. The rules for playing cards on the field will also vary depending on the specific game you are playing, but generally, you will need to follow these steps:
- Choose a card from your hand or deck to play onto the field.
- Follow any specific rules for placement, such as placing the card in a specific location or following a certain order.
- Play the card onto the field, following any specific rules for playing cards.
Card Interactions
Finally, card interactions are an important mechanic in card games. This involves the interaction between different cards on the field, which can affect the game in various ways. The rules for card interactions will also vary depending on the specific game you are playing, but generally, you will need to follow these steps:
- Identify the cards that are interacting with each other.
- Follow any specific rules for the interaction, such as how the interaction affects the game or what happens when the interaction occurs.
- Resolve the interaction, following any specific rules for resolution.
Understanding these basic mechanics is essential for playing card games effectively. By mastering these mechanics, you can improve your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.
Card Effects
Card effects are a crucial component of card games, as they determine the actions that players can take and the outcomes that can occur. These effects can be found on the cards themselves, usually in the form of text or symbols. It is important to understand the different types of card effects and how they work in order to effectively play and design card games.
Types of Card Effects
There are several types of card effects that can be found in card games. Some of the most common include:
- Activation: This type of effect requires the player to pay a cost or meet a certain condition in order to activate the effect.
- Triggers: These effects occur when a specific event happens, such as when a player plays a certain type of card or reaches a certain point threshold.
- Ongoing: These effects continue to take place until a specific condition is met, such as a player losing the game or a certain number of turns passing.
- One-time: These effects occur only once and then end, such as when a player destroys an opponent’s card.
Card Text
The card text is the main source of information about a card’s effects. It is important to carefully read and understand the text before playing a card, as it will explain what actions the card allows the player to take and what the card’s limitations are.
Abilities
Card abilities are the actions that a card allows the player to take. These can include things like drawing additional cards, playing extra cards, or damaging an opponent’s cards. Understanding the abilities of a card is crucial to making effective decisions during gameplay.
Costs
Many card effects require the player to pay a cost in order to activate them. These costs can be in the form of mana, which is a resource that players use to play cards, or in the form of other resources, such as life points or cards from the player’s hand. Understanding the costs of a card’s effects is important for budgeting and planning during gameplay.
Card Types
In the world of card games, understanding the different types of cards is essential to building a strong deck and strategy. Here are some of the most common card types found in card games:
Creature Cards
Creature cards are one of the most fundamental types of cards in card games. These cards represent characters or creatures that players can control and use to attack opponents or defend against attacks. Creature cards have a power and toughness value, which determines how strong they are and how much damage they can take. Some creature cards also have special abilities or traits that can give them an advantage in battle.
Spell Cards
Spell cards are another essential type of card in card games. These cards represent magical abilities or powers that players can use to disrupt their opponents’ plans or enhance their own. Spell cards can have a wide range of effects, such as damaging opponents, blocking their attacks, or manipulating the game board. Many spell cards require mana to cast, which is a resource that players must manage carefully to maximize their effectiveness.
Enchantment Cards
Enchantment cards are cards that have a lasting effect on the game or a specific player. These cards can modify the properties of other cards, such as increasing their power or giving them new abilities. Enchantment cards can also affect players directly, such as by reducing their mana or increasing their attack strength. Enchantment cards can be powerful tools for players who know how to use them effectively.
Artifact Cards
Artifact cards are cards that represent items or objects that players can use to gain an advantage in the game. These cards can have a wide range of effects, such as increasing mana production, protecting cards from destruction, or providing a steady stream of resources. Artifact cards can be expensive to play, but they can also provide a significant boost to a player’s strategy.
Understanding the different types of cards and how they interact with each other is a crucial part of building a successful deck and developing a winning strategy in card games. Whether you prefer creatures, spells, enchantments, or artifacts, there is a wide range of options available to players who want to build a deck that suits their playstyle.
Card Synergy
In card games, synergy refers to the interaction between different cards that work together to create a more powerful effect. There are three main types of card synergy: combos, interactions, and card advantage.
Combos
Combos refer to a combination of cards that work together to create a powerful effect. For example, in the game Magic: The Gathering, a player might play a card that allows them to draw extra cards, and then follow it up with a card that lets them discard their hand and draw new cards. This combination allows the player to essentially “reset” their hand and draw a new set of cards, giving them a significant advantage over their opponent.
Interactions
Interactions refer to the way in which different cards interact with each other. For example, in the game Yu-Gi-Oh!, some monster cards have effects that activate when they are destroyed, while other cards have effects that prevent monsters from being destroyed. When these cards are played together, they create a situation where one card’s effect is countered by the other, leading to a stalemate.
Card Advantage
Card advantage refers to the difference in the number of cards a player has in their hand, on the battlefield, or in their deck compared to their opponent. For example, if a player has more cards in their hand than their opponent, they have a card advantage. Some cards, such as mulligans or card draw spells, can help a player gain card advantage by allowing them to draw more cards or discard unwanted cards. Other cards, such as deck destruction spells, can help a player gain card advantage by removing their opponent’s cards from the game.
Card Evaluation
When it comes to card games, evaluation is a crucial aspect that helps players understand the value of each card in their deck. There are several different methods of card evaluation, each of which can impact the way that players approach the game. Here are three common methods of card evaluation:
Point System
In point systems, each card is assigned a numerical value based on its strength or utility. For example, in a game like Magic: The Gathering, creatures are often assigned a power and toughness value, with higher power and toughness values indicating a more powerful creature. Players can then add up the total value of their creatures to determine the overall strength of their deck.
Power/Toughness Ratio
Another way to evaluate cards is by looking at their power and toughness ratio. This is particularly important for creatures, as it helps players understand the relative strength of each creature in their deck. For example, a creature with a high power value but low toughness may be more vulnerable to damage, while a creature with a high toughness value but low power may be more difficult to kill.
Mana Cost
Finally, the mana cost of a card is another important factor in card evaluation. Each card in a deck requires a certain amount of mana to play, and players must carefully manage their mana resources to ensure that they can play the cards they need when they need them. Cards with a lower mana cost may be more accessible early in the game, while cards with a higher mana cost may be more powerful but more difficult to play.
Overall, card evaluation is a crucial aspect of card games that can impact the way that players approach the game. By understanding the different methods of card evaluation, players can make more informed decisions about which cards to include in their deck and how to use them to their advantage.
Advanced Card Game Mechanics
Card Interactions
Card interactions are a fundamental aspect of card games that dictate how cards interact with one another. In this section, we will delve into the three primary types of card interactions: stack, chain, and prevent/prohibit.
Stack
The stack is a critical component of card game mechanics. It represents the order in which cards are played and affects the outcome of the game. In most card games, cards are played in a linear sequence, with each card added to the top of the previous card. This means that the cards played first are typically resolved first, while the cards played later are resolved in order.
However, some card games introduce cards that can change the order of the stack. These cards are called “reset cards” and allow players to shuffle the stack, making it harder for opponents to predict what cards will be played next. Reset cards can be powerful tools in the right hands, but they can also be risky, as they can disrupt a player’s carefully laid plans.
Chain
Chaining is another essential card interaction in card games. It refers to the ability of a card to modify or cancel out the effects of another card. For example, a card might allow a player to draw an extra card, while another card might prevent the player from drawing any cards at all. In this case, the second card would “chain” to the first card, effectively negating its effect.
Chaining can be used in a variety of ways in card games, from creating complex strategies to disrupting an opponent’s plans. It is often used in conjunction with other card interactions, such as “counter” cards, which specifically target and negate the effects of certain cards.
Prevent/Prohibit
Finally, some card games include mechanics that allow players to prevent or prohibit certain actions or card effects. These mechanics are often used to counter powerful cards or strategies, or to limit the abilities of specific types of cards.
For example, a card might include the text “cannot be targeted by card effects,” which would prevent opponents from using certain cards or abilities to affect that card. Similarly, a card might include the text “prohibit any player from playing card X,” which would prevent any player from playing a specific card during their turn.
Understanding these basic card interactions is essential for mastering more complex card games. By learning how to use these mechanics effectively, players can develop powerful strategies and outmaneuver their opponents.
Card Replacement
Card replacement mechanics involve the process of removing cards from play or modifying the available card pool during the game. This section will explore three different types of card replacement mechanics: counterspells, evoke, and hydra.
Counterspells
Counterspells are a common type of card replacement mechanic. These cards are designed to prevent a player from playing a specific card or spell, either by destroying it or returning it to the player’s hand. Counterspells often have a cost and may only be played under specific conditions, such as during the opponent’s turn or when a certain event occurs. Examples of cards with counterspell abilities include “Mana Leak” in Magic: The Gathering and “Disrupt” in the Star Wars: Destiny game.
Evoke
Evoke is a unique card replacement mechanic that was introduced in the Dominion expansion for the game of the same name. It allows players to pay a certain cost to “evok
Card Phasing
Card phasing is a game mechanic that affects the order in which creatures and spells are resolved during a game of cards. There are several different types of card phasing, each with its own unique rules and effects.
First Strike
First strike is a card phasing ability that allows a creature to deal damage before any other creatures with first strike have the opportunity to attack. This means that if there are multiple creatures with first strike on the battlefield, the one with the highest power will be able to deal damage first.
For example, if there are two creatures on the battlefield with first strike, and one has a power of 3 and the other has a power of 2, the creature with the power of 3 will be able to deal damage first. The creature with the power of 2 will then have the opportunity to deal damage, and if there is still damage left over, the first creature will then be able to deal any remaining damage.
Double Strike
Double strike is a card phasing ability that allows a creature to attack twice in a single turn. This means that the creature can deal damage twice, rather than just once, and can potentially eliminate multiple creatures or players in a single turn.
For example, if a creature with double strike has a power of 4, it will be able to deal a total of 8 damage to a single target. If there are multiple creatures on the battlefield, the creature with double strike can potentially eliminate all of them in a single turn.
Deathtouch
Deathtouch is a card phasing ability that allows a creature to destroy any creature that attacks it. This means that if a creature with deathtouch is attacked by another creature, it will be able to destroy that creature and eliminate it from the game.
For example, if a creature with deathtouch has a power of 3 and is attacked by a creature with a power of 2, the creature with deathtouch will be able to destroy the attacking creature and eliminate it from the game. If the attacking creature has any additional abilities or effects, those will not be triggered by the destruction.
Overall, card phasing is an important mechanic in card games that can greatly affect the outcome of a game. Whether it’s first strike, double strike, or deathtouch, understanding these mechanics can give players a significant advantage in any card game.
Card Modifiers
Card modifiers are a set of abilities that can be applied to cards in a card game. These abilities modify the basic characteristics of a card, such as its power, toughness, or mana cost, and can significantly impact the game’s dynamics. Some common card modifiers include:
- +1/+1: This modifier increases the power and toughness of a card by one. For example, a card with +1/+1 may have a power of 2 and a toughness of 2, making it a formidable opponent in combat.
- -1/-1: This modifier decreases the power and toughness of a card by one. For example, a card with -1/-1 may have a power of 3 and a toughness of 3, making it a relatively weak opponent in combat.
- Trample: This ability allows a creature to deal its damage to an opponent and then continue to deal damage to other creatures in combat. For example, a creature with trample may deal 3 damage to an opponent and then continue to deal 2 damage to another opponent.
- Flying: This ability allows a creature to avoid combat and deal damage from the air. For example, a creature with flying may be able to attack an opponent without being blocked and deal damage directly to an opponent’s life total.
Card modifiers can be applied to cards in various ways, such as through enchantments, artifacts, or sorceries. They can also be used in combination with other card modifiers to create powerful effects. For example, a card with both trample and flying abilities would be a formidable opponent in combat, able to deal damage to multiple opponents without being blocked.
Understanding the different card modifiers and how they interact with each other is crucial to building a strong deck and playing effectively in a card game. By strategically applying card modifiers to your cards, you can create powerful combinations and gain an advantage over your opponents.
Card Limitations
Card limitations refer to restrictions placed on cards in a card game, which can significantly impact gameplay. Some common card limitations include:
Tapped
A tapped card is one that has been used for its ability or mana cost. In most games, a player can only have one copy of a card in play at a time, so tapping a card prevents it from being used again until it becomes untapped. For example, in Magic: The Gathering, creatures can be tapped to attack or defend, and their abilities may also require them to be tapped.
Untapped
An untapped card is one that has not been used for its ability or mana cost. Untapped cards are available for play and can be used again once they become tapped. For example, in Magic: The Gathering, a player may have several untapped creatures in play, which can attack or defend on subsequent turns.
Unique
A unique card is one that can only be played once in a player’s deck. This limitation prevents players from including multiple copies of the same card in their decks, which can make the game more balanced and less predictable. For example, in Magic: The Gathering, some powerful cards are limited to one copy per deck, such as the legendary card, Black Lotus.
Landwalk
Landwalk refers to the value of the land on which a creature is standing. This value can impact the creature’s abilities and can also determine how much damage it takes from different sources. For example, in Magic: The Gathering, some creatures have landwalk abilities that allow them to deal damage to an opponent’s land whenever they attack. Other creatures may have abilities that prevent them from taking damage from certain types of lands.
Understanding these basic card limitations is crucial for building a strong deck and strategizing during gameplay.
Card Conditions
Card conditions refer to specific states that a card can be in during a game. These conditions can affect the way a card behaves and interacts with other cards in the game. Some common card conditions include:
A card is considered tapped if it has been played or used in some way. This means that the card cannot be used again until it is untapped. Tapped cards are usually represented by a small symbol or icon on the card itself.
An untapped card is one that has not yet been played or used in any way. Untapped cards are usually represented by a small symbol or icon on the card itself.
A unique card is one that can only be played or used once per game. This means that if a player has multiple copies of the same card, they can only play one of them. Unique cards are usually represented by a small symbol or icon on the card itself.
Landwalk is a card condition that refers to the cost of playing a card. Landwalk cards typically require the player to pay a certain amount of mana in order to play them. The cost of playing a landwalk card is typically represented by a small symbol or icon on the card itself.
Understanding these basic card conditions is essential for anyone looking to play and enjoy card games. By knowing the different conditions that cards can be in, players can make informed decisions about how to play their cards and interact with their opponents.
Card States
In card games, there are various states that a card can be in, which affects its functionality and how it interacts with other cards. Here are some of the most common card states:
Enchantment
An enchantment is a spell or ability that can be attached to a creature or an artifact. When an enchantment is attached to a creature, it remains on the card even if the creature changes zones. Enchantments can be either positive or negative, and they can affect the creature’s abilities, stats, or even its survivability.
Enchanted
When a creature is enchanted, it means that an enchantment has been attached to it. The enchantment can be either a positive or negative effect, and it can affect the creature’s abilities, stats, or even its survivability. For example, an enchantment can give a creature extra attack power or make it more difficult to kill.
Equip
Equip is a card state that allows a player to attach an equipment card to a creature. The equipment card can be either a weapon or an armor, and it can give the creature additional abilities or bonuses. For example, a weapon can give a creature extra attack power, while an armor can make it more difficult to kill.
Attached
When a card is attached to another card, it means that it is attached to the card’s power, toughness, or abilities. For example, an equipment card can be attached to a creature’s power or toughness, giving it additional abilities or bonuses. An enchantment card can be attached to a creature’s abilities, affecting its stats or even its survivability.
Card Effects with No Players
Card effects with no players refer to card abilities that are triggered or resolved without the involvement of any player. These effects can occur due to the properties of the cards themselves or the rules of the game. It is important to understand these effects as they can impact the game state and affect how players interact with the game.
State-based actions
State-based actions are card effects that trigger or resolve based on the current state of the game. These actions are often used to manage the game’s resources, such as mana or life totals, or to check for specific conditions that must be met for the effect to trigger. For example, a card may have an ability that triggers whenever a player’s life total falls below a certain threshold, or a spell that costs less to cast if the player has a certain number of cards in their hand. These actions are determined by the current state of the game and can change as the game progresses.
Stuck in a loop
Some card effects can cause the game to get stuck in a loop, where the same event keeps repeating itself indefinitely. This can occur when a card effect triggers an ability that then triggers another ability, causing the game to enter a loop. It is important to identify and resolve these loops to prevent the game from becoming unbalanced or unplayable. For example, if a card has an ability that says “Whenever this card is dealt damage, draw a card,” and another card has an ability that says “Whenever you draw a card, deal 1 damage to target player,” the game can enter a loop where the first card is dealt damage, causing the second card to be drawn, which then deals damage to the first card, causing it to be dealt damage again, and so on.
Dead cards
Dead cards are cards that have no effect on the game because they are no longer in play or have been removed from the game. These cards can still be affected by certain card effects, such as the ones that say “Destroy target card” or “Return target card from your graveyard to your hand.” However, they cannot have any effect on the game themselves. For example, if a player has a card in play that says “Whenever this card is destroyed, draw a card,” and that card is later destroyed, the player will not be able to draw a card because the card is now dead and has no effect on the game.
FAQs
1. What are basic game mechanics?
Basic game mechanics are the fundamental rules and concepts that govern the way a card game works. They encompass a wide range of elements, including gameplay mechanics, card types, scoring, player interactions, and more. Understanding these mechanics is essential for designing and playing card games effectively.
2. What are some common gameplay mechanics in card games?
Some common gameplay mechanics in card games include:
- Drawing and discarding cards
- Playing cards onto a central play area
- Using cards to perform actions or generate points
- Initiative and turn structure
- Resource management
- Card interactions and combos
3. What are some common card types in card games?
Some common card types in card games include:
- Action cards: cards that perform specific actions or effects
- Resource cards: cards that provide players with resources or benefits
- Character cards: cards that represent players or characters in the game
- Enemy or obstacle cards: cards that represent challenges or obstacles for players to overcome
- Equipment or weapon cards: cards that provide players with additional abilities or powers
4. How are points scored in card games?
Points are typically scored in card games by accumulating resources, performing actions, or achieving specific objectives. For example, players might earn points by collecting resources, defeating enemies, or completing quests. The specific scoring mechanics will vary depending on the game being played.
5. How do player interactions work in card games?
Player interactions refer to the ways in which players can affect each other’s gameplay. This can include things like stealing cards, disrupting opponents’ plans, or working together to achieve common goals. Player interactions are a key part of what makes card games engaging and strategic.
6. How do I learn the basic game mechanics of a new card game?
The best way to learn the basic game mechanics of a new card game is to read the rules and instructions carefully, and then practice playing the game with friends or family. It can also be helpful to watch online tutorials or read strategy guides to get a better understanding of how the game works.