Commonplace

Mindbug

A MtG-like combat game without the trading-card aspect. Apparently Richard Garfield consulted.

There's a fixed set of cards, and a bunch are randomly dealt to each player at the start. All cards are creatures with power levels and abilities. Players start with only three health, so games are quick. Each player also starts with two “mindbug” tokens which let them steal a card right when the other player plays it, adding a bluff aspect.

Played on the mobile app a bit, seems like a great compact design but not my favorite core mechanics. I think there's a physical version too? This could be a fun filler game on the table.