Setup and Rule Diagrams

[Dave Killoran]

Setup and Rule Diagram Explanation

This is a linear game controlled by pure sequencing rules, and because the sequential rules are so dominant, we classify this as a Pure Sequencing game.

The key to this game is to make a usable sequence from the three rules, and then to understand the possibilities within that sequence.

From the game scenario, we know the following:

PT43-Jun2004_LGE-G2_srd1.png

Each of the rules can be diagrammed individually, but as you diagram, you should combine the rules in a super-sequence. First we will show the diagram for each rule:

PT43-Jun2004_LGE-G2_srd2.png

Now, combine the rules.

PT43-Jun2004_LGE-G2_srd3.png

The addition of the third rule is more problematic, and requires careful consideration. First, from the third rule we know that V O:

PT43-Jun2004_LGE-G2_srd4.png

This leaves Z to be added to the diagram, a potential stumbling block because Z O, but, unlike V, Z is not necessarily farther from the front than S.

PT43-Jun2004_LGE-G2_srd5.png

Z is a very unrestricted variable in this game: Z could be as far forward as seat 1, or as far back as seat 5.

At this juncture we could choose to diagram all the Not Laws, but this would not be a wise choice since we already have the very powerful super-sequence to use to attack the questions. The one thing worth noting is which variables can be first or last. In this case, either M or Z must be first, and either L or O must be last:

PT43-Jun2004_LGE-G2_srd6.png