Rules & Mechanics

Separate the goal from the action

A goal describes what a player is trying to achieve. A rule says what is allowed or what happens under a condition. A mechanic is a repeatable action or system through which play works, such as moving, trading or collecting. Attractive artwork can support the game, but it cannot settle an undefined rule.

A game state records the information needed to continue: a token’s position, whose turn it is, or whether a key has been collected. You do not need to describe every detail of an imaginary world. Include the details that affect the next permitted action.

Work through a complete small rule

In this original fictional solo game, a token starts on space 0 of a track numbered 0 to 6. On each turn, move forward 1 or 2 spaces. Moves beyond 6 are not permitted. Reaching 6 ends the game. The aim is to finish in as few turns as possible.

One route is 0–2–4–6, which takes three turns. Near the end, the rule matters: from 5, only a move of 1 is legal. The phrase “move up to two” would leave open whether moving zero was allowed. Precise wording prevents an unintended action.

Change one condition

Now add a fictional key on space 3 and require it before finishing. The three-turn route above no longer meets the goal. A route such as 0–2–3–5–6 collects the key and finishes in four turns. The same track now produces a different planning problem because an intermediate state matters.

Write the key rule explicitly: it is collected when the token lands on 3, not merely passes over it. This small distinction changes which routes work. Test both the ordinary case and the near-finish case before calling the rules complete.

Rules are not a promise of enjoyment

A consistent rule set can still feel repetitive, confusing or unsuitable for a player’s chosen challenge. Describe what you tested: legal moves, a reachable goal, or the clarity of instructions. Enjoyment is a separate question that needs feedback rather than an assumption about everyone who might play.