Do Card Games Count as Board Games?

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By Monica Bates

Card games and board games are two of the most popular forms of tabletop gaming. While board games are played on a physical board, card games are played using a deck of cards.

So, the question arises – do card games count as board games? Let’s explore this topic in detail.

What Are Board Games?

Board games are tabletop games that involve players moving pieces or tokens around a physical board according to a set of rules. They can be competitive or cooperative and can range from simple games like Snakes and Ladders to complex strategy games like Risk or Settlers of Catan.

What Are Card Games?

Card games, on the other hand, are tabletop games that use a deck of cards as the primary tool for gameplay. The deck of cards can be standard playing cards or specialized cards designed specifically for the game.

So, Do Card Games Count as Board Games?

The answer to this question is no, card games do not count as board games. While both types of tabletop gaming share some similarities, they are distinct forms of gameplay with their own unique mechanics and strategies.

The Differences Between Board Games and Card Games

One major difference between board games and card games is the physical setup. Board games involve setting up a game board with various pieces or tokens that players move around during gameplay. Card games typically do not require any sort of physical setup beyond shuffling the deck of cards.

Another difference is the level of complexity. Board games tend to be more complex with longer playtimes and often involve intricate systems that players must learn and master in order to succeed. Card games, on the other hand, can be relatively simple with shorter playtimes and more straightforward gameplay mechanics.

Examples of Popular Board Games

  • Monopoly
  • Scrabble
  • Clue
  • Settlers of Catan
  • Risk

Examples of Popular Card Games

  • Poker
  • Bridge
  • Uno
  • Magic: The Gathering
  • Exploding Kittens

The Bottom Line:

While card games and board games both fall under the larger category of tabletop gaming, they are separate entities with their own unique features. So, the next time someone asks you if card games count as board games, you can confidently say no and explain why.