Victory Conditions and Endgame Triggers

The condition that says STOP PLAYING — e.g. deck runs out, 8 rounds pass, a player hits 10 points, three VP stacks empty.

How the winner is determined once play stops — most points, last player standing, first to finish an objective, holder of the crown.

It tells players what to optimize, so it defines what the game is really about; change only the scoring and you change the whole game.

Pro: predictable playtime, plays well with tempo mechanics since remaining actions are known. Con: can feel arbitrary and the last round becomes a points-grab (e.g. 7 Wonders).

Game ends when a shared resource runs out (deck, tiles, bank). Emerges naturally from play but length is hard to predict and players can accelerate depletion to cut off a leader (Dominion).

First to reach N points (Catan 10 VP, Splendor 15 prestige). Dramatic and legible, but needs an 'end trigger, then finish the round' rule for turn-order fairness.

Eliminated players sit and watch — mitigate with short games, teams, spectator roles, or wound systems instead of death.

Completing secret/public goals (Pandemic's cures, destination tickets); sudden death is a cascade/tipping point (a track fills) that gives co-op games a shared ticking clock.

Scores escalate non-linearly, e.g. distinct types squared or 1/3/6/10/15, creating escalating commitment decisions.

Aim for 3–5 paths (military, culture, science...) that share scarce inputs, so choosing one path costs the others.

They reduce runaway-leader targeting and add bluffing, but weaken tactical clarity for new players.

Who controls when the game ends — and does that person benefit? In Dominion the player who triggers the end can still lose.