phase
FEYZ
/feɪz/
A distinct stage or step within a sequence of events, particularly within a single round of a board game.
Games are often structured into rounds, and each round is subdivided into specific phases (e.g., 'Upkeep Phase', 'Action Phase', 'Scoring Phase') to keep play organized.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Greek 'phasis', meaning 'appearance' or 'aspect of a star', which comes from 'phainein' (to show). It originally described the changing appearances of the moon (the phases of the moon) as it moved through its cycle, which perfectly mirrors how a game round changes its 'face' as it moves from setup to action to cleanup.
Word relationships
- stage: Stage is a general term for a step in a process, while phase in gaming is a highly structured, rule-defined part of a turn.
- step: A step is usually a smaller, minor action within a larger phase.
Commonly confused with
- round: A round is a complete cycle of play where every player takes a turn; a phase is a specific step within that turn or round.
Word family
- phases (noun): Plural form referring to multiple stages of play.
- phased (adjective): Carried out in stages.
Collocations
- combat phase
- drafting phase
- cleanup phase
Example sentences
- "During the cleanup phase, players must discard down to their hand limit of seven cards." A rulebook explaining the structure of a turn.
Memory hook
Think of the 'phases' of the moon. Just as the moon changes its appearance in steps, a game round changes its steps from the 'draw phase' to the 'action phase'. A step in the cycle of a round.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'faze' (to disturb or disconcert).
Fun facts
- Some complex wargames have rounds divided into over a dozen distinct phases, requiring a physical checklist on the board just to keep track of what players are allowed to do.
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