Open Mat: A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Card Game

Open Mat is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu themed card game that's simple, fun, and easy to learn. It was created by Sabine Deviche and Vara Poorisrisak as a limited edition item (only 285 decks printed). Open Mat was successfully funded through a 30-day Kickstarter (crowdfunding) campaign in 2022, which surpassed it's funding goal by 295%. The game was available to pre-order through the Kickstarter campaign, then available for sale for a short time after while supplies lasted.

Sabine Deviche's Contributions

Game development: Tested and revised game mechanics. Created the design and layout for all aspects of the game: box, 2-sided accordion-style instruction manual, and cards. Produced digital files to meet the printer's specifications.
Project management: developed a detailed budget and timeline for production, and ensured milestones were met.
Crowdfunding content development and management: Created the design and layout of all graphics on the Kickstarter page. Wrote engaging and clear content for the Kickstarter page. Interacted with backers as needed to answer questions, and posted regular updates on the Kickstarter page keeping backers informed about project development.
Social media outreach, promotion and advertisement: Published posts regularly on social media groups to generate interest before and during the crowdfunding campaign. Wrote content and created the design and layout of graphics used to promote the game on Instagram @openmat_cardgame, and on other social media sites.
Packaging, shipping and distribution: Organized packaging, shipping and distribution of the finished product to customers in over 21 USA states, and over 13 different countries.

How to Play

Open Mat was created with people of the Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) community in mind, but anyone can enjoy playing it (even with little or no knowledge of the sport!). Names of real BJJ techniques are featured on certain cards, but Open Mat can easily be played even if the players aren't familiar with these techniques. Players take turns using cards, and the first player to get rid of all their cards wins. The game can continue until all players have gotten rid of all their cards. Using a card follows BJJ-inspired rules: a defense must follow an attack, and higher belt ranks are needed to win against lower belt ranks in some situations. Special cards (mat bullies, benchwarmers, mat enforcers, and red belts) have extra actions that impact the flow of the game or cause certain players to draw more cards.