RE: Simple is good

Tom spake thusly upon matters weighty: 
>     It is not just an issue of avoiding complexity.  Rather it is a
> question of where the complexity lies.  I rather have simple rules
> and complex decisions to make during the game.

Won't disagree with you. Just find that simple rules often lead to 
simple decisions (one tactic permitted by rules is far superior to 
others, hence only the unwise do other things). Oft times simple 
rules can lead to not being able to do a thing because the rules 
don't allow it. 
 
>     Of course, there are a few games where the whole point is the the
> rules of the game, Mao is one such card game.  But these are whole
> different kettle of fish.a

ARGH! MAO! HATED FOE... I SLAY THEE NOW....
 
>     Then there is my favourite game GO.  The rules are very simple,
yet
> the tactical and strategic situations are very complex.

Of course, this isn't a simulation of anything nor is it expected to 
even vaguely conform to human capability or behaviour so the 
comparison (although valid) has weak points. 
 
>     I think we're preaching to the choir here.  Maybe if we take this
thread
> to rec.games.board or the cosim mailing we'd get a real arguments
going. :-)

Heh! I'm sure we're all in agreeance that rules should be the 
province of lawyers, and gaming the province of gamers. I'd guess 
that we'd mostly all 'rule as needed' where the rules don't fit. Most 
of us might try to get what we think of as the right flavour. I like 
add-on rules that cover situations I might face but don't come into 
play a lot so they aren't an encumberance (SFB could have learned a 
thing or two from FT here). But at least if one has a short 
guideline, then one can use that without too much thought. But I am 
in total agreement that complex and unwieldy rules make for complex 
and painful arguments between those so inclined (I'd rather just 
clear the room with a cannister of CS myself). The only difference 
between us on the list is the exact level of complexity or time we 
can or enjoy devoting to our game. And that is the great thing! The 
game accomodates all of our tastes without breaking badly. That says 
a lot.	(Yes Jon T, you don't need evangelists here....)

:) Tom.