When is the numerical distribution helpful?

[abajaj]

Hello!

I was going over a couple games and I noticed that there are certain types of games where I find that numerical distributions (3-1-1 or 2-2-1) don't really help that much. But there are also other times that I think they help a lot. I'm having trouble distinguishing between when to use it and when it's not necessary. Is it more for undefined games of partially defined games? Is it just grouping games? Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Aba,

Keep in mind that every game type (except Mapping) contains a Numerical Distribution. In many cases, this is a simple 1-1-1-1-1-1-1 or 2-2-2, etc distribution that is not especially notable. Distributions tend to become powerful in two circumstances:

1. When there is more than one distribution.

2. When the game doesn't clearly state the distribution, and you must determine it through rules and inferences.

So, does this mean that a distribution such as 2-2-1 is largely useless? No, because it is likely that the limitations therein will have an impact on the game. But, once the game fixes the numbers (that is, makes it clear what the distribution is), the distribution usually becomes less of a factor in the game. It's more often that distributions become important in the two scenarios I describe above.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[abajaj]

That clears it up, thank you!