I am looking for ways to track scores for games where the included score tracking is not great. I would like something tactile, I already use apps but I’d prefer not to fidget with digital devices at the table.
Ideally I’d like something that’s:
- tactile, should be enjoyable to manipulate with our meat appendages
- easy to read
- robust, should resist some minor knocking about without losing the scores
- track 2-4 players
- go up to at least 100 and preferably also track 100s
- should be easy to increase or decrease scores in any increments
- shouldn’t take up too much table space
The closest thing I see is a cribbage peg board. Or possibly an abacus. Or maybe one of those click wheels but those don’t usually handle larger increments well. Any other options?
How are you up for jank solutions? How about hanging some colour combination locks on a board or something?
Another option is using poker chips, such as the Iron Clays.
What you need is a baseball umpire clicker but modded to have 4x10 wheels instead of 2x3(outs, strikes), 1x4(balls) and 1x9(innings). There are plastic ones, this metal one would be great if modded to fit your needs.
I’ve ordered the trackers from Jaces Toy Chest multiple times. The first time was to replace the cards for keeping score in Star Realms. I liked them so much, I bought a bunch for my players in a TTRPG game to keep track of health. The colors I originally ordered aren’t there, but the current ones I received are the same product.
I have a few other Spin Dial life counters from other sellers, but only bring them out when I need scores over 100. Most are 3D printed, and don’t match the feel of the Jace dials.
I’ve used coloured glass stones in the past. Use different colours for 1s 10s 100s. It’s not perfect, but t tub of these is pretty cheap iirc and great in a sack as a life counter in games like escape the dark castle!
