Action Points

Understanding Action Points in Board Games

Action Points (AP) are a core mechanic found in many board games, designed to manage a player's options and actions during their turn. This mechanic grants players a set of points that can be spent on various actions, allowing for strategic decision-making.

How Action Points Work

The concept is simple: at the beginning of a turn, a player receives a set number of APs. Each action that a player can take—a move, an attack, using an item, etc.—costs a certain amount of these points. Once a player depletes their APs, their turn ends.

Variations of Action Points

Different games implement APs in various ways. Some grant a fixed number per turn, while others vary the amount based on in-game events or player decisions. This mechanic can be flexible, offering different strategies to players based on how they allocate their points.

Examples of Games with Action Points

1. Pandemic: Players use APs to travel, treat diseases, and complete objectives.
2. Twilight Struggle: APs are spent on influencing countries, coup attempts, and space race advancement.

Strategy and Action Points

The strategic aspect of APs lies in prioritizing actions. Players must decide the best way to use their limited APs to achieve objectives while anticipating opponents' moves.