Button Shy Contest Entry
I want to share a game that I entered into a contest hosted by Button Shy. The challenge was to design a game that used exactly 18 cards, but only half of them could be used in any given play. (You can read about the contest here.)
My submission is called Dot Allot, and it grew out of a simple question: what if you had to share in order to get ahead?
In Dot Allot, every turn forces you to place at least one dot into your opponent’s area. The game is a tug-of-war: you’re trying to build the biggest groups of dots for yourself, while also keeping your rival from completing theirs. Every move matters, because placing a dot can help you, hurt them, or sometimes do both at once.
How to Play
Score the most points by creating the largest groups of coloured dots (red, blue, and yellow) in your scoring area.
On Your Turn
Play a card onto the scoring track. The card must:
- Line up with the grid, and
- Place at least one dot in your opponent’s area.
This is the heart of the game: every card affects both players. You’re constantly balancing your own growth with how much you give your opponent.
Pitch Video
Printable Cards
Here are the cards you can print and play with:
Give It a Try
If this sounds like a challenge you’d enjoy, I encourage you to try Dot Allot. Print the cards, grab a friend, and see how well you can balance building your own groups while disrupting your opponent’s plans. Every move is a tug-of-war — will you grow, block, or do a little of both?
I’d love to hear how your games go and what strategies you discover!