Randoms

[jmrosenthal84]

I'm only on the second chapter and already need a little help. What is a random, as described in the glossary as, "A variable in a logic game that does not appear in any rules"? That just sounds like an inference. And I don't understand the placement of the asterisk in the example diagram on page 15. Is it meant to show that the variables are written in random order in the diagram? Thanks.

[Adam Tyson]

Thanks for the question, jm! Let me see if I can clarify. A "random" variable, in our parlance (some others might call it a "floater" or something else) is a variable that wasn't mentioned in the rules. That's not an inference, which would be an unwritten rule.

For example, let's say my game has 6 variables, LMNPRS, being placed in order 1st through 6th. My rules are:

L is before M
N and P are consecutive, not necessarily in that order
S is either 3rd or else 5th

An inference, something that must be true even though the rules don't explicitly say so, is that L is not last. For the same reason, another inference is that M isn't first.

My rules mention LMNP and S. What about R? R has no rules, and that means R is a "random" variable. We put an asterisk under R just to remind us that he's there. He's like Bashful, the dwarf we always forget because he is so quiet. R can go anywhere, with anything.

I hope that clears things up for you! Good luck on your continued studies, and feel free to return for more help as needed.