PIVOT – A Magnetic Balancing Game

PIVOT is a tabletop balancing game where strategy, weight, and nerve decide the outcome. Players take turns placing stackable pieces of three sizes on a magnetically stabilized board. The board rests on a built-in pivot and floats above the base, creating a tense, ever-shifting challenge.

PIVOT scales effortlessly from solo play to group sessions and team matches, making it just as engaging alone as it is with friends.

All players share all colors, and pieces can be placed anywhere, including on top of other pieces. For variety, you can optionally use house rules, such as restricting certain fields to certain piece sizes. A cooperative mode is also possible: work together to place as many pieces as possible without tipping the board.

The game is easy to print, requiring just 6 different parts: three for the board and three types of stackable pieces. Hidden magnets in both base and board keep the pivot balanced; a careful initial setup ensures the best gameplay experience.

Technical Notes & Printing

Printable parts:

1. Base – includes a small recess for stable placement

2. Board – 19 fields, pivot receptacle on the underside

3. Pivot/Axis – inserts into the board; pivot height must be adjusted to match your magnets

4. Game pieces (3 heights) – each type 10x, stackable, same diameter, color-coded

5. Dice – included for gameplay (color/turn assignment)

Printing recommendations:

• Base, board, pivot: 0.2 mm layer, 15 % infill

• Pieces: 80–100 % infill for proper weight and tactile feel

• Dice: 100 % infill for balance and reliable rolls

• The original version was printed in PETG, which provides a good balance of durability, slight flexibility, and a smooth feel.
  PLA also works well; heavier or denser filaments can increase the game’s difficulty.

Magnets & Pivot Setup

• The game is designed to work reliably with standard neodymium magnets.
  Neodymium magnets 6 × 3 mm are recommended.
  In total, 48 magnets are used: 24 per plate, pressed in a circular arrangement.

• Make sure the polarity is opposite so the plates repel each other.

• Small variations in magnet strength are normal and usually not an issue.
  If needed, the design allows for easy fine-tuning.

• The pivot length can be adjusted to perfectly match your magnets and achieve a smooth, stable balance.

• If your board feels slightly too stable or too sensitive, simply increase or decrease the pivot’s Z-height in your slicer.

• As a reference: my setup works perfectly with a 25 mm pivot.

• The pivot is replaceable, which also makes the game easier to pack and transport.

⚠ Proper pivot adjustment is important for smooth gameplay.
Once set correctly, the board will balance reliably and respond beautifully.

Gameplay Summary

• The game works for solo play, small groups, or larger rounds.
  Team play (e.g. 2 vs 2) works naturally by alternating turns within each team.

• At the start of each turn, the active player rolls the die to determine the color of the next piece.

• The player then places one piece of that color anywhere on the board, including on top of other pieces.

• After each move, the board should remain balanced — small movements and wobbling are part of the fun.

• If the board tips, the player who made the last move loses the round.

• Cooperative mode: work together and follow the same rules.
  The goal is to place as many pieces as possible before the board tips.

• For an easy start, the full game rules are provided as a downloadable PDF.

Why Printables Users Will Love It

• Only 6 parts to print, easy assembly

• Hidden magnets make the board float and teeter realistically

• Works great solo, in groups, or in team-based play (2v2 and more)

• Stackable pieces allow endless strategy and replayability

• Optional house rules and cooperative play for variety

• Visually striking, minimalist design