GLOSSARY · Hobby & Community
Kingmaking
When a player who can no longer win decides who else does, through their remaining choices late in the game.
Detailed definition
Kingmaking happens near the end of a game, once one player is mathematically out of contention but still has moves left that affect who else wins. Instead of playing for their own victory, they’re effectively handing the crown to whichever remaining player they like better — or spitefully denying it to whoever knocked them out. The result can win them nothing and still change the outcome for everyone else.
It’s a well-known design problem, not just a personality quirk, and different games handle it differently — some build in catch-up mechanics so no one falls out of contention that early, others accept it as part of the drama. If it’s bothered your group before, it’s a completely reasonable thing to ask us about — some titles are known for it and some are specifically praised for avoiding it.
Had a game end on someone else's decision?
Questions about how this applies to your situation? Ask us directly and we will give you a straight answer.