So this summer I got a little bored, and taught myself some particle physics. While learning about quarks and hadrons, I had an idea for a board game in which the players built their own atoms by acquiring quarks and electrons. And then I remembered that I was a graphic designer as well, so I just sat down and did it.
On a fundamental level, quarks are nothing more than vibrations. Three quarks compose each baryon; the proton and neutron are the two most famous baryons. Quarks come in different colors and flavors, and protons and neutrons are made up of very specific colors and flavors. For a more complete overview of the science, look at the instructions below the pictures.
Basically, you move around the board, picking up electrons on Electron Squares (green), Quark Cards on Quark Card Squares (purple), and drawing Uncertainty Cards (like Chance cards in Monopoly) on Uncertainty Squares (orange).
You then build protons and neutrons using the correct (and scientifically accurate) combination(s) of Quark Cards. You then receive a proton or neutron chip, which you place on your Atomic Diagram Mat. The players decide which element to play to, and continue until one player has the minimum number of protons, neutrons, and electrons needed to compose it.
From a graphics standpoint, I designed the game myself, and even painted all of the watercolor backgrounds for the board and cards.
Instructions:
link to tumblr here.
