Button Men
- Designer James Ernest
- Publisher Cheapass Games , Atlas Games , Five Rings Publishing Group , Guardians of Order , Looney Labs
- Illustration Pete Abrams , Gerald Brom , Larry Elmore , Phil Foglio , Adam Hughes , Ryan Kinnaird
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Button Men, two players face off using unique characters represented by sets of polyhedral dice. Players roll dice and use push your luck tactics to capture their opponent's dice sides. Though simple to learn, the game offers surprising strategic depth in quick duels.
Who Is This Game For?
Button Men is aimed at players aged 10 and up who enjoy fast, tactical two-player games. It is an accessible game with a playtime of about 5 minutes, perfect for quick gaming sessions. No prior experience is required due to straightforward rules.
How It Works
Each player selects a character with a unique set of polyhedral dice. Players roll their dice and decide whether to continue rolling or stop, using Push Your Luck mechanics. The goal is to capture the opponent’s dice sides by winning dice rolls. The game ends when one player captures all opponent dice or the round finishes.
What Makes It Special
Button Men won the 1999 Origins Awards for Best Abstract Board Game and Best Graphic Presentation. Designer James Ernest created an innovative blend of Dice Rolling and Push Your Luck mechanics in a two-player fighting game featuring polyhedral dice.
Awards
- 1999 Origins Awards Best Abstract Board Game — Winner
- 1999 Origins Awards Best Graphic Presentation of a Board Game — Winner
Pro
- Fast game duration of about 5 minutes
- Innovative mix of Dice Rolling and Push Your Luck
- Winner of two 1999 Origins Awards
- Perfect for two-player duels
Contra
- Only for two players
- Limited thematic depth
- Recommended for ages 10 and up, not a typical family game
Setting & Atmosphäre
Button Men has no specific thematic setting, focusing instead on abstract combat between characters represented by dice.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Play several rounds to familiarize yourself with the different dice sets and the Push Your Luck mechanic.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Button Men is designed exclusively for two players.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 5 minutes, ideal for quick duels.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is easy to learn; prior experience with dice games helps but is not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
Button Men uniquely combines Dice Rolling with Push Your Luck in a fast-paced two-player fight.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 10 and up, more suited for enthusiasts than casual family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Dice Rolling and Push Your Luck creates engaging and tactical dice battles.
Fazit
Button Men is a recommended quick dice game for two players, especially for fans of tactical dice duels. Its short playtime suits fast matches.






























