Fair Play Deck by Eve Rodsky – A Game-Changer for Couples Struggling with Mental Load and Division of Labor
If you and your partner ever argue over who does the dishes, who remembers the dentist appointments, or who always has to think about dinner, you’re not alone. These small but constant conflicts are rooted in something bigger: the mental load—the invisible labor of managing home and family life.
That’s exactly where the Fair Play Deck by Eve Rodsky steps in. It’s designed as both a card game and a conflict-resolution tool that helps couples rebalance responsibilities, reduce resentment, and bring more joy back into their relationship.
What Is the Fair Play Deck?
The Fair Play Deck is a set of 100 task cards, each representing a household responsibility—from cooking to childcare to holiday planning. Couples go through the cards together, decide who will “own” which tasks, and make those agreements clear.
It’s essentially a playful way to tackle what often turns into serious arguments: the division of labor at home.
How the Fair Play Deck Helps Couples
1. Reduces Conflict Over Household Chores
Instead of endless bickering over “who does more,” the deck provides a structured way to divide tasks. By assigning cards, both partners know exactly what they’re responsible for—no more guessing, nagging, or score-keeping.
2. Lightens the Mental Load
One of the biggest challenges in modern relationships is that one partner often carries the bulk of the mental workload. The deck makes invisible tasks visible, helping to distribute responsibility fairly so one person isn’t overwhelmed.
3. Improves Communication Between Partners
Using the cards sparks conversations about expectations, values, and priorities. Couples start talking not just about chores, but also about what matters most in their shared life together.
4. Builds Equality and Respect
When responsibilities are divided fairly, both partners feel more valued. The deck encourages teamwork, reduces resentment, and strengthens the foundation of the relationship.
5. Creates Space for Joy
Less conflict and more balance means more time and energy for fun, intimacy, and connection. Instead of being weighed down by chores, couples can focus on what really matters—enjoying life together.
Why Couples Love It
The brilliance of the Fair Play Deck lies in its gamification of conflict resolution. By turning a tough conversation about chores and mental load into a playful, card-based system, it takes the sting out of resentment.
Instead of fighting over who’s “slacking,” couples are encouraged to see themselves as a team with clearly defined roles.
The Fair Play Deck by Eve Rodsky isn’t just a game—it’s a powerful tool for couples dealing with mental load, division of labor, and recurring conflicts about chores. It won’t erase the work that needs to be done, but it will help make it feel fair and balanced, which is exactly what many relationships are missing.
If you’ve ever thought, “I do everything around here,” this deck might just change the way you and your partner work together at home.
