Setup and Rule Diagrams

[Dave Killoran]

Setup and Rule Diagram Explanation

This is a Basic Linear: Balanced game.

The rules in this game are straightforward and most students find them easy to diagram:

pt59_d09_g2_1.png

The rules in this game are straightforward and most students find them easy to diagram.

The first two rules can be combined, and consequently generate nine easy Not Laws:

• The H GK sequence would typically eliminate H from the last two slots, K from the first two slots, and G from the first and last slot. That occurs here, but because H cannot be first, three additional Not Laws are formed, eliminating H, G, and K from the first position. G and K cannot then be in the second position, and K cannot be in the third position. The Not Laws on the sixth and seventh positions are not affected by H being eliminated from the first position, and so they are fairly standard: H cannot be sixth or seventh, and G cannot be seventh.

The rule involving F highlights the fact that the first and last positions are somewhat limited. When F is first, only I, K, or L can be last. When F is last, then only I, L, or M can be first. Note that each of those triple options contains I and L. Thus, when the IL block is assigned into the “interior” of the game, it will affect one of the two “endpoints” (the first position or the last position). And, because when I or L is assigned to an endpoint then F must be assigned to the other endpoint, I and L are generally powerful in this game.