A resource point game mechanic includes a plurality of game components, at least some of which have a resource point value. Each game component is in a state such as an "in play" state or an "out of play" state. Resource points according to the resource point value are accumulatable by a player transitioning one of the game components from the "out of play" state to the "in play" state. Preferably, the resource points are spendable on benefits/chances/penalties. An alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is a method for using a game mechanic in which each player obtains a plurality of game components having a resource point value, then each player, in turn, transitions at least one of the game components from an "out of play" state to an "in play" state, and then each player accumulates resource points according to the resource point value by the step of transitioning.