How random is too random?

Most games involve some luck. At one end of the spectrum sit highly strategic games such as chess, where little or no chance is permitted. At the other end are games such as Snakes & Ladders where there is no skill involved, simply luck. Most games fall somewhere in the middle, with players having to use the luck they get.

With a cooperative game, the players can pool their luck by sharing out their cards. It’s about whether the good cards come up before the bad cards strike. But it’s still a bit random, and frankly I think it has to be a little random. If there’s no luck at all them it simply becomes a puzzle to be solved.

Still, finding that perfect balance is hard.