Lecture Notes: Drafting in Games

Introduction to Drafting

• Definition: Drafting is a resource distribution mechanic where players select from a pool of resources to create personal collections.
• Complexity: Effective when resources are complex and unique.

Relationship to Worker Placement

• Drafting can be seen as a form of worker placement.
• In worker placement, players allocate limited resources among players.
• Example: A player drafts resources like placing a worker in a limited spot.

Card Drafting Games

• Example: Sushi Go, where players draft cards from a hand and pass the remaining cards along.
• Players build a collection (or team, sushi plate, etc.) for scoring or comparison.

Benefits of Drafting

• Player Agency: Players balance the game by choosing valuable cards first.
• Strategy: Involves opportunity costs and strategic blocking (i.e., picking cards to prevent others' strategies).

Categories of Drafts

1. Clear vs. Obscured
2. Open vs. Closed
3. Complete vs. Incomplete
4. Unrestricted vs. Restricted
5. Common vs. Private

Sports Draft Example

• Clear: Everyone is visible.
• Open: Choices are visible to others.
• Complete: All participants are picked.
• Unrestricted: Free choice among remaining participants.
• Common: Single pool for selection.

Card Drafting Example: Seven Wonders

• Obscured: Not all resources visible at all times.
• Open: Choices become visible after selection.
• Incomplete: Not all cards are drafted in a round.
• Restricted: Some cards cannot be drafted due to costs or limitations.
• Common: Shared resources among players.

Types of Drafting Mechanics

1. Pick and Pass (e.g., Sushi Go, Seven Wonders)
   • Players pick a card and pass the hand, options diminish over time.
2. Traditional Drafting
   • Players take turns picking from a common pool (e.g., NFL draft, Sagrada).
3. Replenishing Supply
   • Chosen items are replenished from a pool (e.g., Ticket to Ride).
4. Positional Drafting
   • Strategic selection based on position, revealing new options (e.g., Seven Wonders Duel).
5. I Split, You Choose
   • One player divides resources, another chooses (e.g., Kimono).
6. Auction and Negotiation
   • Players bid or negotiate for resources.
7. Pregame Draft
   • Drafting of starting resources to ensure balanced starting positions.

Conclusion

• Drafting offers extensive variation and strategic depth.
• Encourages leveraging existing successful mechanics for new game designs.
• Future lectures will cover more game mechanics.