TableHop Blog

Mechanics & Theories

Board Game Mechanics: Common Mechanisms Explained

By Michał Gryń

A practical guide to the systems that shape board games, with concise explanations of common mechanics and links to deeper articles on how each one works.

7 min

Board Game Types

What Are Deck-Building Games? How Every Card Changes Your Strategy

By Michał Gryń

A practical guide to deck-building games: how the core loop works, why building a deck feels rewarding, how it differs from related systems, and what designers should watch for.

5 min

Case Studies & Inspiration

Catan Case Study: How a Simple Trading Game Changed Modern Board Games

By Michał Gryń

Catan did not invent its mechanics. It combined familiar systems into an accessible, social game that changed what millions expected from board games.

7 min

Board Game Types

What Are Party Games? How Simple Rules Create Memorable Moments

By Michał Gryń

A practical look at what defines party games, why simple rules and social interaction matter, how players shape the experience, and what designers can learn from the genre.

7 min

Design Basics

How to Design a Board Game: What Every Beginner Should Know

By Michał Gryń

A practical overview of the board game design journey: from the first idea and player experience to prototyping, playtesting, iteration, refinement, and preparing for what comes next.

8 min

Case Studies & Inspiration

Why Is Monopoly So Popular? How One Game Introduced Generations to Board Games

By Michał Gryń

Why is Monopoly still so popular despite its flaws? Explore its history, social appeal, gateway role, and lessons for board game designers.

9 min

Publishing & Marketing

Inside a Publisher's Inbox: Why Most Board Game Prototypes Never Get Published

By Mariusz "Rasta" Rosik

Most board game prototypes never make it past a publisher's inbox and it's rarely because the idea is bad. Discover the most common reasons games get rejected and what you can do to give your prototype a better chance.

5 min

Publishing & Marketing

How to Use Video to Market Your Board Game at Every Stage of Development

By Wojciech "Beti" Woźniak

Discover how to use video to market your board game from the first prototype to launch. Learn what videos to create, when to publish them, and how to build trust, excitement, and a community around your game.

6 min

Mechanics & Theories

Question Your Solutions, Not Just Your Numbers

By Andrejus Avchimovičius

When a prototype doesn't work, most designers adjust the numbers. Great designers question the entire solution. Learn why rethinking mechanics, themes, and assumptions leads to stronger board game designs.

3 min

Mechanics & Theories

Components: The Hidden Heroes of Board Game Design

By Andrejus Avchimovičius

Components do more than hold your mechanics. Learn how card orientation, board shape, and other physical design choices influence gameplay, player decisions, and the overall experience of your board game.

4 min