On 1/23/06, Jonathan Chaffer <jchaffer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
First, the terminology is inconsistent. How do up, down, forward,
backward, and upstream relate to one another? I saw some concerns
about "right" and "left" mentioned on the list, but I think those
could be okay substitutes. Alternately you could use "east" and
"west," which would handle the note about the lines being parallel
nicely, I think.
Tip, Aim, and Wild are fine, terminology aside.
I guessed the right meaning for Swap, but it was ambiguous until I
read the older rules. I like the suggestion from the list: "Pick two
pieces. Trade their positions and orientations."
Hop confused me at first, but it turned out I was just overlooking
the general rule about gaps forming as needed. Once I saw that all
was clear.
Dig is by far the worst. I'm still not sure I understand what's
intended with this rule. What's "upstream?" "Between" a piece? My
best attempt at a paraphrase, given my understanding: "Move a piece
any distance in the direction it's pointing (or not at all) and stand
it upright. If it ends up below another piece, turn that piece
upright if necessary."
It
occurs to me that the problem with 'Left', 'Right' , 'Forward',
'Backward' terminology arises for the abstract nature of the
game. For instance when we played left or right made essentially no
matter in winning what did matter was over all orientation for example
if the goal was 3^ 1> 2< (^=upright >=right
<=left) then 2> 1< 3^ would also win because of the relative
Identity of the positions. Similarly the house starting position on the
rules 2>1^3< could also be 3>1^2< and might be described in
Zendo terms thus => a small upright with a medium and a large
flat on opposite sides both point toward the small piece <= and ANY
positiong that would match this description would win regardles off
pointing Right, Left, North, South, East, West, Forward, Backword, etc.
the problem of course is how to fit all that on the inside of a tube.
Another issue is that many of us are rules lawyers (myself included)
and while precise interpretations are important for us and for
tournaments and the like. For a casual player they just need the basics
to play a game and they can make up the rest (in fact isn't making
things up sorta encouraged?) Not saying the rules shouldn't be as clear
and complete as possible. Just that every possible situation need not
be covered.
--
Carlton "Kermit" Noles
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"Games Lubricate the body and the mind" - Benjamin Franklin
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