At Hero Time, we understand that selecting the right playing card size is a crucial decision that impacts gameplay, aesthetics, and production costs. Through our extensive experience in board game manufacturing, we’ve found that the amount of content on a card and how frequently it is handled are key considerations. Here’s our expert breakdown of factors to consider when choosing the ideal card size for your game.
The Importance of Card Content
The first thing to evaluate is how much information each card needs to convey. If your cards contain a lot of text, intricate artwork, or detailed icons, you will need a larger size to maintain readability and visual appeal. For example, tarot-sized cards (70 x 108 mm or 70 x 120 mm) provide ample space for detailed graphics and extensive descriptions. These are commonly used for games with storytelling elements or cards that require significant visual or textual detail.
On the other hand, if your game uses simpler cards with minimal text, icons, or illustrations, a smaller size may be more appropriate. Mini cards (44 x 68 mm) are ideal for compact information, quick-reference cards, or status effect indicators. Their small size helps keep components organized and reduces table space usage.
Standard Options and Their Applications
There are several commonly used card sizes in board games, each suited for different gameplay mechanics:
- Poker Size (63 x 88 mm): The most widely used card size, poker-sized cards are a versatile choice for many board and card games. They provide enough space for moderate amounts of text and artwork while being easy to shuffle and handle.
- Bridge Size (57 x 88 mm): Slightly narrower than poker-sized cards, bridge-sized cards are often preferred when players need to hold multiple cards at once. This makes them a great choice for games that involve a lot of hand management.
- Square Cards (68 x 68 mm or 58 x 58 mm): Square cards are less common but can offer unique design opportunities. They work well for tile-based mechanics, abstract strategy games, or games where players need to arrange cards in different orientations.
Ergonomics and Usability
Beyond the content, another important factor is how the cards will be handled during gameplay. If cards are a major interactive element, such as in deck-building or drafting games, a size that is easy to shuffle and hold—like poker or bridge size—will improve the user experience.
Conversely, if cards are primarily for reference or are laid out on the table rather than held, larger or uniquely shaped cards may enhance the game’s thematic and functional design. Tarot-sized cards, for instance, work well when placed face-up as character cards, event cards, or storyline elements.
Cost Considerations
From a manufacturing perspective, choosing a standard card size is typically more cost-effective than opting for a custom size. Standard sizes allow manufacturers to use existing molds and cutting dies, reducing setup costs and production time. Custom sizes, while offering unique aesthetics, often require additional expenses for tooling and may limit your options for protective sleeves and storage solutions.
Final Thoughts
At Hero Time, we’re committed to helping board game creators make the best manufacturing decisions. Selecting the right playing card size for your board game is a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and cost. Understanding how much content your cards need to display, how players will interact with them, and the financial implications of different sizes will help guide you to the best choice for your game. Whether opting for the familiarity of poker-sized cards, the space-saving benefits of mini cards, or the grandeur of tarot-sized cards, making an informed decision will enhance your game’s playability and appeal.
