Game Jargon Definition: “Core Rules”
Core Rules (noun) - / kôr ro͞olz /
In the current golden age of tabletop gaming, many games are no longer self-contained, but may include (at some point in their IP-publication run) expansions, add-ons, and/or supplemental rules that transform a stand-alone game into a game system. These extensions of an initial game allow for many new ways to play, depending on the play style and preferences of the players.
The specific term “core rules” is most commonly seen in the role-playing game arena, very often with the first and most basic set of rules being referred to as the “core rules” or the “core rulebook.” However, core rulebooks are becoming more common in miniatures gaming. While the term is not quite as common in card games and board games, the concept still applies. As more games move towards a sandbox style—allowing players more freedom of choice and more ways to play—many rule books will include a section on the most basic “core rules” of the game.
Whatever game one chooses to play, we recommend considering the following list of guiding core rules, keeping in mind that not all will be relevant in all situations. Listed in order of importance:
Ensure that all players are respected and feel safe around the gaming table.
Do your best to ensure that all players are having fun.
In the face of an ambiguity in the rules, favor interpretations that make sense rather than those which cause dramatic or absurd shifts in power or advantage between players mid-game.
In the event that two or more rules conflict with one another, almost universally, the more specific rule should override the more general rule.
In the event that the rules written on a game component (such as a card with printed text or a token with an icon) conflict with the rulebook, the rules on the game component should override the rules in the rulebook.
Spend as little time as possible clarifying rules mid-game. Rather, come up with an interpretation that is “good enough” for the time being so that play may resume as quickly as possible.
In the face of rules conflicts or various ways to interpret them, it is typically best to interpret said rules in such a way as to give an advantage to players who are less experienced with that game, where relevant.
