Deckbuilding

Deckbuilding is a game mechanic in which a player constructs a deck of cards from a larger pool in order to perform actions, generate resources, and achieve victory. It is a central mechanic in many tabletop card games known as deck-building games and also a core feature of many trading card games, where players progressively refine their decks over the course of play.

Most deck-building games begin players with a small, identical starting deck. On a turn, players play cards from their hand to generate currency or other effects, then draw a new hand from their discard pile. Acquiring new cards typically occurs from a central market or row of available cards; once purchased, new cards are added to the discard pile and later drawn into the hand. Over time a deck may become more powerful and more efficient, but it may also accumulate less useful cards, creating “dead draws.” Many games include mechanics such as trashing or exiling unwanted cards to improve the overall quality of the deck, a process known as engine-building.

Strategic considerations include managing the card economy (how much resource generation is needed), choosing cards that synergize, and deciding when to prioritize drawing more cards versus playing stronger effects. Thinning the deck, increasing draw rate, and managing the balance between offense and defense are common concerns. The competitive aspect varies by game, ranging from direct interaction with opponents to independent, solo play, and many titles support different formats such as constructed or limited play in the context of trading card games.

Prominent examples include Dominion, Star Realms, Ascension, and Marvel Legendary. In trading card games, deck building is ongoing between matches as new cards are added to the available pool. The mechanic shapes pacing, strategy, and game length.