GnomicGNUS

What is Gnomic

Gnomic is a self-modifying game. It is a combination of Peter Suber's Nomic and that unmentionable card game that I am going to mention anyway, Mao. (Do I get only one penalty for publishing this, or one penalty for each mathNEWS printed?) The initial rule set was created by Floyd Gecko, and the first session was on January 25.

There is only one major difference between Gnomic and Nomic. In Nomic the players take turns playing rounds; however in Gnomic all the players play [insert name of that unmentionable game here] and the winner gets to play a round of Gnomic.

I still don't know what Gnomic is

Gnomic is a game where the rules of the game change. This allows the game to evolve into whatever the players want. The game initially begins with a set of rules which, for the most part, define how the rules can be changed. Then players play rounds of [that game] and the winner gets to play a round of Gnomic. Basically a round of Gnomic consists of proposing a rule, and having people vote on it. Every time a new rule is introduced, the game changes a bit. There is no limit to what the game can change into.

Between rounds of Gnomic, the players play [that game]. It is a card game. It is somewhat like crazy eights, but it is self-modifying as well. It is difficult to explain the rules of the game. The best way to understand it is to play a few rounds of it. It is quite easy to learn.

Why would I want to play Gnomic

Gnomic is lots of fun. It takes imagination to come up with rules to make the game interesting, and it takes wits to find loopholes in the rules that will have unexpected results. You may want to exploit other people's rules for your own benefit, or make rules that subtly give you an advantage.

Gnomic is also a social event. It is a chance to meet new friends, and have some fun.

Why can't you mention the word Mao

It is usually against the rules to mention the name of the game. (Another penalty for me)

Sounds interesting, I'd like to try it out

Gnomic games are usually held at Floyd's on weekends. To get information on the next session you can email him at jcmorton@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca. For more information about the initial rules and the current rules you can check out the Gnomic home page at http://www.undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca/~jcmorton/gnomic/.

What can I expect in the next issue

Next issue expect a tour starting with the initial rule set and ending at the current rule set. I'll point out interesting rules and events that have happened along the way.

Russell O'Connor

[The editors would like to point that while we at mathNEWS don't mind the use of the word ``Mao'', we will send out some hired goons as penalty for using it anyways. LatrellEd -- Ed.]