Button
Trick-taking · 2-4 players · 30-40 min · ages 10+
Mechanics & Theme
A may-follow trick-taking game for 2 to 4 players. Four tricks are open at the centre of the table - players may choose freely where to play. When a trick reaches five cards, it is resolved: if one suit dominates, the strongest card wins. But if two suits are tied, the weakest card of those suits takes the trick.
This single rule completely changes how tricks are read: you calculate, bluff, take risks - and talk about it again after each hand. Before each hand, players bet with real buttons on the exact number of tricks they aim to win. There is always the ultimate elegant option: betting zero.
The cards represent items of clothing, each trick evokes a fashion show. Sometimes a trend asserts itself - sometimes originality surprises everyone.
Development
Button was born from a simple question: what if resolving a trick depended not only on values, but also on the suits played?
This is my first published game, and I own that label fully. I love the self-taught approach - learning by doing, testing, failing, adjusting, sharing. My aim is to create games that make people want to replay the hand and talk about it around the table.
The current visuals come from Canva Pro. Later, my hope is to collaborate with an artist to give future creations a stronger visual identity.
Production choices
For this first edition, I chose to produce 300 copies - a limited quantity, intentionally below the economy-of-scale threshold, to avoid excess stock and unnecessary environmental impact. If this first run sells well, I will consider a slightly larger run for the next game.
Detailed costs per copy
| Component | Unit cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Box | $0.98 |
| 52 cards (350g C2S) | $1.12 |
| 2 rule booklets | $0.65 |
| Buttons | $0.09 |
| Packing at factory | $0.12 |
| Total per copy | $2.96 |
This includes a linen matte finish on all components. Adding factory-to-Switzerland shipping ($870), the total production cost is $1,758 - or $5.86 per copy.
Converted at today's rate ($1 = CHF 0.827, 26 October 2026), this gives a base price of CHF 4.85.
Development contribution
The base price covers only material costs. Beyond that, you may add a voluntary contribution to:
- Fund future game creations
- Cover additional costs (travel, festivals, website hosting…)
- Support future artistic collaborations
Offering time, spreading the word, or sharing feedback are equally valued forms of support.
