Do You Need a Card Overlay on Your TCG Playmat?
When customising your playmat, one of the most important choices you’ll make is whether to include a card overlay—a game-specific guide that shows where your deck, field, discard pile, and other zones should go.
Some players love the structure. Others prefer a clean slate.
So how do you decide?
What Is a Card Overlay?
A card overlay is a light visual guide printed directly onto your playmat, showing the layout zones for a specific trading card game. It's especially useful for newer players, those learning a new deck, or anyone who wants a crisp, organised board state during play.
At Tako Mats, you can choose from overlays for:
- Digimon
- Dragon Ball Super
- Flesh & Blood
- Final Fantasy
- Magic: The Gathering
- One Piece
- Pokémon
- Vanguard
- Yu-Gi-Oh!
We also offer a text-free card zone layout, ideal for players who want the structure without any visual clutter.
Who Should Use an Overlay?
Overlays are great if you...
- Are new to a game and want help with zone placement
- Like a clean, symmetrical layout every time you play
- Play multiple decks and want consistency
- Enjoy teaching others how to play
They’re also a great choice for tournament prep, keeping your game space neat and judge-friendly.
Who Might Skip It?
You might prefer no overlay if you:
- Want your full mat art to shine without any interruption
- Already know the layout by heart and don't need visual guides
- Prefer a flexible or casual play style
- Use the mat for multiple games or shared gaming spaces
So... Do You Need One?
If you’re looking for functionality and clarity, overlays are a solid pick. If you’re going for aesthetic purity or all-purpose use, no overlay—or the text-free version—might be your style.
There’s no wrong answer—it’s your mat, your way to play.
For the Player
Overlays are about choice and playstyle. Whether you want full structure or total freedom, we’ve got options that fit your game—and your vision.
