Rapid Play Game

Introduction

The first in a series of 3Will training games has emerged. The main features are:

• an accessible and engaging rapid-gameplay model.

• a table of mutually opposed players;

Four players - each controls a single colour set of six pieces.

Two players - each controls two sets of pieces; the forward set and the cross set on their left.

• five dice, four with colours matching the sets of pieces held by players. The fifth die works like a chameleon.

• there are turns and plays. A round is a turn including four plays.

• the same instruction set (dice lay), thrown by a player at the beginning of their turn, is played by each player.

• RISC (reduced instruction set computing) - a simple command protocol that minimises the need for complex risk analysis.

• LETS Play (a literal element translation system) - substitutes for abstract or detailed process interpretations.

• all games in the training series use a form of RISC and LETS.

Protocol

The instruction set lets  you do various things. You compute (work out) the things you can do and then play them, according to the relevant rules.

Objective

Players attempt to move at least one of their pieces to its opposite edge. When this occurs, the current (final) round is played to completion. If multiple players meet the objective then the highest scorer wins. Draws are possible.

Scoring

Points are tallied at the end of the final round. For the pieces that have reached their objective, players accrue:

• 3 points for each piece of their colour.

• 1  point for a piece captured  by them.

• 1  point for a piece teamed  with their other colour in the two player game.

Tournaments

Winners from tables can compete in CASTs (cloud agency selection tournaments), usually played at night.

Setup

The game is intentionally physical and designed to be assembled from commonly available materials. The essential parts are:

• five different coloured dice:  four play dice (RGBY) and one chameleon die (white).

•  a securable dice container.

• four sets of six stackable pieces matching the dice colours.

• any 8 by 8 chequered board can be used, which is prepared as shown in Figure 1. Note the promoted pieces.

• four direction charts (refer to Figure 2), one for each set of pieces a player controls. The charts can also help with the supervision of rounds.

Game Length

A typical duration for the standard four player game is about 20 minutes. The two player version is more advanced, so may take slightly longer.

LETS Play

The red player starts the initial round, commencing plays with the first turn. Turns and plays progress in a clockwise (RGBY) order around the board.

Your turn:

• generate an instance of the instruction set (throw the dice).

• supervise the round of four plays, ensuring the dice remain secured. Starting with you, each player must perform one play for each set of their pieces.

Your play:

• move one of your pieces one step, in the direction indicated by the die of your play colour and the relevant direction* chart. Normally you can move only to empty locations.

• if you can  move, you must  move. If you can't move you miss out on the current play.

• from each player's point of view within their current play:  

a) the left and right edges of the board are connected together and open, so you can freely move your pieces (or captured opposites^) across the board. 

b) the back edges are connected but shut, so no piece can be moved through its back edge.

• if you see a double# in the instruction set you can stack an adjacent piece of that colour. The chameleon die assumes your play colour during your play and is provided only as a way of stacking your own pieces.

Notes: 

*  when moving backwards you have a choice of three target locations.

^  opposites are the pieces moving in a direction  counter to your set.

#  a die displaying the same number as your play colour die.

Stacking

Stacking another player's piece is a form of capturing. Stacking one of your own pieces is a form of teaming. Either of these actions temporarily removes a piece from active play and you control both. A stack moves together as a leader-follower  unit, but may contribute additional points when scoring.

RPG Stack Protocol:

• a stack can contain a maximum of two pieces.

• if the instruction set allows, your piece (the source) can stack any player's piece (the target).

• if the stack limit is exceeded, the lowest target piece is ejected and placed lowest in the source location (injected).

• all pieces remain in active play unless following in a stack.

• a stack leader can separate from a follower only during stacking or if legally crossing an edge that is illegal for the follower.