In Tabletop games H is for…
Hand Limit
This is the maximum number of cards you can hold at any time. Some games are strict about this, making you discard immediately if you exceed it. Others allow temporary overflows, letting you choose which cards to keep at the end of your turn. Knowing how to manage a hand limit is often a key part of a game’s strategy—deciding what to keep and what to let go can make all the difference.
Hand Management
Some games aren’t just about what cards you have but when and how you play them. Hand management mechanics reward careful planning—setting up combos, timing powerful actions, or minimising bad draws. Whether it’s Gloomhaven’s tactical card play or Love Letter’s bluffing and deduction, games with strong hand management elements make every decision count.
Hardcore Gamer
A hardcore gamer isn’t just someone who plays a lot—they tend to seek out deep, complex, or highly strategic games. They might favour Twilight Imperium over Ticket to Ride, or prefer long campaign-based experiences. Hardcore doesn’t necessarily mean competitive—it can just mean a dedication to the hobby beyond casual play.
Hate Drafting
Ever taken a card just to stop someone else from getting it? That’s hate drafting. It’s common in games like 7 Wonders or Terraforming Mars, where denying an opponent a key card can be just as important as building your own strategy. It’s a valid tactic but can sometimes lead to inefficient play—so it’s a balancing act between hurting your opponents and advancing your own position.
Heavy Games
The term ‘heavy’ in board gaming usually refers to complexity, not just playtime. These games have deep strategic layers, often requiring long-term planning, resource management, and multiple interlocking mechanics. Think Brass: Birmingham or Lacerda titles. They often come with chunky rulebooks and high setup times, but for those who enjoy them, the depth and reward make them worth the effort.
Hidden Movement Games
In these games, at least one player moves in secret, tracked on a separate sheet or hidden behind a screen. The rest of the players usually have to hunt them down. Classics like Scotland Yard and Fury of Dracula create tension by keeping everyone guessing where the hidden player is. It’s a blend of deduction, bluffing, and strategic movement that can make for some of the most intense moments in board gaming.
HP / Hit Points / Health Points
HP represents a character’s health. Lose too much, and you’re out—sometimes permanently, sometimes just until revived. Some games use it as a countdown (Boss Monster), while others give ways to mitigate damage (Dungeons & Dragons). Managing HP is often crucial to survival, especially in combat-heavy games.
Hybrid Games
Hybrid games blend elements of different styles, particularly between European-style mechanics (efficiency, economy) and American-style storytelling and theme. Games like Eclipse and Scythe merge deep strategy with engaging narratives, offering the best of both worlds. Whether you like crunch or fluff, hybrids aim to appeal to both camps.
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