I've got a framework for the start of a Nomic-like game... it could get quite insane!

Start out with a deck of X cards, where X is 15 times the number of players. If this exact group of players has played before, use the deck that they had last.

  1. Rules may be changed only by cards.
  2. The standard method of playing is "Draw One Card, Play One Card."
  3. When a card is played, it's effect is immediately done, then discarded, UNLESS

    • The card is labeled as a "Standing One," which means that it remains on the table;
    • The card is blank. If a blank card is played, then the player of the card writes anything he/she wants on it. The card is then shuffled into the deck.
    • If a card has no instructions, it is played to the table.
  4. Get 100 points to win.
  5. Everyone is dealt 5 cards at the start.
  6. If a player does not wish to play and has less than seven cards, nothing happens- the player loses his turn.
  7. If a player does not wish to play and has more than 7 cards, s/he must discard one before play passes.
  8. If a player believes that there are no blank cards in the deck, then all other players must search the deck or their hands for a blank. If there is a blank, the person who said there wasn't loses 10 points and play continues. If nobody can find a blank, then Z cards are added to the deck, where Z is three times the number of players.

Very simple, and slow at the start. Then more than half of the cards are labeled...

"Ha! Play reverses!"
"Yeah well... I have 17 slugs and you only have two, so I have the advantage."
"Oh well..."
"Hey! A blank! Yes!"
"Whoo... that will make play a mess..."
"I'm going to spend 5 slugs and add one blank card to my hand, as this table card says."
"Oh man... wait! This card lets me cut into play- play out of turn. All table cards of yours are given to me because you were about to use them!"
"Let me see that!"
"153.67 points! I win!"

Rule changes, card ideas, etc.. would be appreciated...


By SmartGamer Lifted shamelessly from the Nomic Bulletin Board I wrote it there, so it's fair


NomicLikeGames