Closed Drafting: Popular Board Games

This iconic card drafting game has players building ancient civilizations by drafting cards that represent resources, scientific advancements, military strength, and more. Closed drafting creates a fascinating web of decisions as you pass cards to your neighbors, balancing your own goals with the need to block their strategies. The fast-paced rounds and endless variety have made 7 Wonders a staple in board gaming.

In this epic engine-building game, players use closed drafting to select project cards that help them transform the red planet into a habitable world. Each draft is a tug-of-war between acquiring cards that align with your strategy and preventing opponents from gaining powerful tools. The mechanic adds layers of interaction to an already rich and thematic experience, cementing its status as a modern classic.

This Viking-themed area control game uses closed drafting in its preparation phase, where players choose cards to guide their strategies for the upcoming round. The cards offer diverse abilities, from combat bonuses to special powers, ensuring every draft feels impactful. This mechanic enhances the game’s competitive edge and encourages adaptability, making Blood Rage a fan favorite.

Everdell combines tableau building with a charming woodland theme. Closed drafting occurs when players draw cards for their hand from the Meadow, a shared pool of face-up cards. This semi-hidden drafting mechanic adds tension as you consider which cards might be taken by others and which are crucial for your engine. Its blend of strategy and beauty has captivated players worldwide.

In this streamlined engine-building game, players use closed drafting to select cards that they’ll recycle for resources or construct for scoring. The mechanic is essential to the game’s flow, requiring players to think ahead and carefully plan their production chains. Its fast-paced gameplay and elegant design make it a hit with drafting enthusiasts.

Draft cards to claim territories, build structures, and score points in a whimsical land filled with adorable rabbits. The closed drafting mechanic forces players to juggle multiple objectives, such as collecting resources and setting up future scoring opportunities. The mix of strategic depth and cute theme has made Bunny Kingdom a standout in the drafting genre.

In this polyomino-placement game, players draft cards to rescue and arrange cats on their boats. The closed drafting phase introduces key decisions about which scoring opportunities to pursue while limiting what other players can achieve. Its combination of family-friendly theme and strategic gameplay has made it a favorite among hobbyists.

This lighthearted game lets players draft colorful dinosaur meeples to place in enclosures for points. The closed drafting ensures constant interaction as players decide how to maximize their score while denying opponents valuable choices. Its quick turns and charming components have made it a popular choice for casual and seasoned gamers alike.

While primarily a dungeon-crawling adventure, Gloomhaven incorporates a form of closed drafting through its initiative card system. Players secretly choose action cards that determine their moves and timing in combat. This mechanic adds depth to cooperative planning, making it a key part of the game’s success as one of the highest-rated board games ever.

This award-winning engine-building game about birds uses closed drafting in its card acquisition phase. Players must carefully select bird cards that align with their habitats and scoring goals while anticipating what their opponents might take. The mechanic adds interaction and strategy, enhancing the game’s immersive and relaxing appeal.