Button Men: Strategy, Rules, Instructions

Introduction

Button Men is a dice-based game that’s easy to learn but has enough depth to keep me coming back to play it on occassion. The game was created by James Ernest and first released in 1999. It’s all about two players going head-to-head using characters represented by buttons, each with their own set of dice.

The game has a cool history, starting as promotional items for other games and comic book characters, but it quickly became popular on its own. Over the years, there have been many versions and expansions, adding new characters and dice with special abilities. The goal is to capture your opponent’s dice while protecting your own, and the player with the most points at the end wins. It’s a mix of luck and strategy, and I’ve found that the more you play, the better you get at making smart moves.

If you’re looking for a similar, but slightly more modern game, I recommend checking out Quarriors! which I’ve also written a guide on.

Rules for playing Button Men

Understanding the rules is key to enjoying Button Men. Each player chooses a character button, which shows the dice they’ll use. These dice have different sizes, like d4, d6, d8, and so on, up to d20. Bigger dice can capture smaller ones, but they’re also easier targets. Some dice have special abilities that can turn the tide of the game. Here’s how a typical game goes:

1. Players roll their dice to start the round.
2. On your turn, you can attack by using one of your dice to capture one of your opponent’s. You can do a Power Attack by using one die to capture a smaller one, or a Skill Attack by adding up dice to match the exact number on an opponent’s die.
3. When you capture a die, you score points based on its size, and it’s removed from the round.
4. After attacking, you reroll the dice you used.
5. The round ends when one player can’t make a legal move. Then, players score points for their captured and remaining dice.
6. The game can be played in a single round or multiple rounds, with the player having the most points at the end winning.

There are more rules for different abilities and situations, but these are the basics that will get you started.

Equipment and Setup for Button Men

To play Button Men, you need character buttons and a bunch of dice. Each character button shows which dice you’ll use. For example, one might have 1x d4, 2x d6, 1x d8, and 1x d20. You’ll also need a flat surface to roll on and a way to keep track of points.

To set up, each player picks a character and gathers the dice shown on their button. Then, you roll all your dice, and the player with the lowest total goes first. It’s that simple!

How to Play Button Men

Playing Button Men is all about choosing the right attacks and defending your dice. Here’s a breakdown of the game phases:

1. Roll Dice: Start by rolling all your dice. This determines your initial options for attacking.
2. Choose Attack: Decide whether to do a Power Attack or a Skill Attack, or pass if you can’t attack.
3. Capture Dice: If you attack, capture the opponent’s die or dice and score points.
4. Reroll: Reroll any dice you used in the attack.
5. Pass Turn: If you attacked, it’s now your opponent’s turn. If you passed, your opponent can choose to end the round.
6. End of Round: When no more attacks can be made, the round ends. Score points for captured and remaining dice.
7. Start New Round: If you’re playing multiple rounds, start again with a new roll.

Remember, the key is to think ahead and try to leave your opponent with no good moves.

How to Win at Button Men

Winning at Button Men takes a mix of luck and strategy. Beginners should focus on learning the different attacks and when to use them. As you get more comfortable, start paying attention to your opponent’s options and try to limit them. Intermediate players should work on predicting what the opponent will do next and setting up their dice for future turns. Advanced players will want to master the special abilities and use them to create powerful combos or unexpected moves. No matter your level, always stay flexible and be ready to change your plan based on the dice rolls.

Best Strategies for playing Button Men game

There are a few main strategies that I can recommend that really help you win at Button Men. First, try to control the center of the play area. This gives you more options for attacks. Second, use your small dice to make Skill Attacks and save your big dice for defense or big Power Attacks. Third, watch your opponent’s moves and try to force them into bad positions. And don’t forget about sneaky tactics like using special abilities to change the game or sacrificing a die to set up a better move next turn. The best players are always thinking a few steps ahead.

Digging a bit deeper, good strategy in Button Men involves careful dice selection and management. Since each character has a unique set of dice, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your character’s dice, as well as those of your opponent, is crucial. A player should aim to capture high-value dice from their opponent while protecting their own key dice.

Positioning is also important; players should use their lower-value dice to set up captures or force the opponent into unfavorable rolls. Skillful use of special abilities and dice, such as Shadow, Speed, and Poison, can turn the tide of a match if used at the right moment.

Additionally, learning to anticipate an opponent’s moves and countering them effectively by considering the probable outcomes of the dice rolls can give a strategic edge.

Variations

Button Men has lots of variations. You can play with different characters, each with unique abilities. There are also different themes, like pirates or vampires, which can add fun twists to the game. Some players like to create their own characters or even play with teams. There’s a lot of room to mix things up and keep the game fresh.

Scenarios

In any game, you’ll face good and bad scenarios. Maybe you roll perfectly and can make a big attack right away. Or maybe your rolls are bad, and you’re on the defensive. The key is to stay calm and look for the best move in any situation. Sometimes, that might mean sacrificing a die to get a better position next turn. Other times, it might mean playing it safe and waiting for your opponent to make a mistake. Always try to turn the situation to your advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Button Men game

1. Q: Can I reroll a die that I didn’t use in an attack? A: No, you only reroll dice that you used in your attack.
2. Q: What happens if I can’t make a legal move? A: If you can’t attack, you pass your turn. If your opponent also passes, the round ends.
3. Q: Can I use special abilities any time? A: Special abilities have specific rules on when they can be used. Check your character’s button for details.
4. Q: How many rounds do we play? A: You can decide before the game starts. Some people play just one round, others play a set number, like best of five.
5. Q: What if we both have the same total after rolling our dice? A: In that case, reroll until someone has a lower total and goes first.

External Links

For more information on Button Men, check out the official rules and character guides. You can find them at the publisher’s website or at fan sites dedicated to the game. Just remember to always have fun and keep rolling those dice!

Cheapass Games – Official Creator Homepage