Connections

Boardgame Mechanics: Connections

The connection mechanic allows players to create contiguous lines or routes on a game board to achieve specific objectives.

Definition

The connection mechanic involves players strategically placing pieces to form a continuous line or network. The primary goal typically revolves around linking two or more points on a board.

Usage

In gameplay, connections can serve various purposes, such as:

• Establishing trade routes like in "Ticket to Ride."
• Completing puzzles by connecting dots or lines as in "Tsuro."
• Forming property boundaries as in "Carcassonne."

Impact

This mechanic fosters strategic planning and can introduce competitive or cooperative elements, depending on the game's ruleset. It encourages spatial reasoning and foresight as players must anticipate opponents' moves and plan accordingly.

Examples:

• "Ticket to Ride" - Players build train routes between cities.
• "Carcassonne" - Players lay tiles to develop the landscape and link roads and cities.
• "Power Grid" - Connects cities through networks to supply power.

Conclusion

Connection mechanics enrich board games by adding depth and strategic layers, promoting player engagement through planning and competition.