Board Game Arena

There is a rule in this game that makes ties impossible. The rule states:

"If the game ends (without an H.Q. capture) and the two players have the same exact number of medals, the one who ended the game loses and the other wins"

Normally a game that never ends on a tie is a good thing, but I find this rule to be weird and unsatisfying, since a game where both players played to the best of their ability rewards one side and not the other.
Moreover, players are often inclined to empty their reserve more quickly in order to finish with more medals than their opponent, without the latter having a chance at retaliation, and because a player with an empty hand and a disadvantageous position is fresh meat. Having a rule that ultimately punishes a natural strategy that should in theory be a good move results in less enjoyment.

I do understand that the rule is official and will likely not be modified, but I really wanted to get it off my chest and spread the word. In conclusion, I really hope the rule gets overhauled and that ties will be permitted for stalemates.

I'm curious what it even means to run out of cards first. Is it simply a combination of how many XB-42's and Cap'ns were used? And why should that be the tie breaker? I agree it was an odd choice.

Makes perfect sense to me, you've used more resources without getting an advantageous position, thus losing the game.

Yeah you're right, though it still feels very odd

I found it odd when I read the rules, because the natural rule, as in many games, seemed to me "if you can't play you lose". For you, it would be even more unfair if that were the case. However, with the game rule, you have the option to win even if you run out of resources if you have more stars. I have to say that I find the rule satisfying, after all you can foresee what is going to happen and play accordingly; it isn't the case that the game ends abruptly and you didn't know who was going to win.

It feels odd due to how short and simple the game is but I believe it’s fair.

Theoretically, ending the game with equal medals means you had to use more troops to earn yours — which implies you were less good than your opponent.

Practically, when both players end with the same number of medals, it’s often because one of them had a slight advantage in medals and then started playing passively or tried to stall. If they still end up drawing, it means that strategy backfired. So this rule acts as a penalty for failed passive play. Without it, stalling would become a dominant strategy, and that would completely ruin the balance and enjoyment of every type of game (include this one)

So yes — it's fair. Perfectly fair for this game.