Hot Potato Mechanic in Board Games
The Hot Potato mechanic is akin to the children's game where players pass an item around, seeking to not be the one holding it when a timer expires.
Key Features
- Turn-Based or Real-Time: The mechanic can function in either a turn-based setting or in real-time, often adding urgency to gameplay.
- Player Interaction: Encourages direct interaction as players pass the 'potato', a metaphor for an object or a condition players seek to avoid.
- Player Elimination: Often leads to the elimination of a player holding the 'potato' when a specific condition is met.
- Strategy and Bluffing: Players may use strategy or bluffing to influence who ends up with the 'potato'.
- End-Game Trigger: The 'potato' can be a game-ending condition, determining the winner by who avoids it.
Utilization in Games
Games that use this mechanic typically involve:
- The 'Potato': An object or condition symbolizing the 'hot potato'.
- Passing Mechanism: A rule dictating how and when the 'potato' is passed.
- Consequence: A penalty, often elimination, for the player with the 'potato' under specific conditions.
Impact on Gameplay
- Tension: Takes the familiar tension of timing and uncertainty from the children's game and brings it to the gaming table.
- Pacing: Dictates the game's pace, often creating dynamic and fast-paced rounds.
- Engagement: Keeps players engaged, as the 'potato' can shift unexpectedly, requiring constant attention.
Economic themed games with Hot Potato

Believe in Your FutureThere are six companies that will change the world as we know it! You can be part of their success and be an investor. Try to become rich by making the right decisions!Only the one biggest investor can get money out of each company...
Startups
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$15.00

Mega Civilization, a huge version of the legendary development game Civilization, is a game of skill for 5 to 18 players covering the historical development of ancient civilizations from just after the last Ice Age to the dawn of the new era at the ...
Mega Civilization
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$1.00
Hot Potato games published by Asmodee

Spot It! Is a game of observation and quick reflexes for all! There is always only 1 matching symbol between 2 cards! Spot it first and you win! Spot It! Has 5 different ways to play, and this version of spot it features classic icons, items, and characters...
Spot It! Disney Princess
$14.95
$5.00

New rules. New Kittens. New mayhem. This version of Exploding Kittens features new cards and gameplay based on the Netflix animated series Exploding Kittens, premiering near the end of 2023. It's still the highly strategic kitty powered version of Russian...
Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil
$21.99