Universal Rule for Board Games - Players Decide Ambiguity: If players ever arrive at a situation not covered in the rulebook, and the rules offer no definitive answer, then players should feel free to decide what happens.

Game Day

Q: If a team is on a 6-game winning streak, does this mean they will automatically have full Harmony for the next game?

A: Yes, unless you have a player who is STORMY TFN, as that would be a -1 modifier to the Game Day roll.

Q: Start of game I name my pitcher as the cold batter. Does that mean he’s also considered cold for pitching as well?

A: Pitchers are not intended to be the Game Day Hot/Cold batter. You should be selecting a position player. But even if you do choose the pitcher to be Cold when he is at bat, he would NOT be Cold when he is pitching, unless of course he gave up a hit to the last batter, or walked the last batter that inning.

Q: Game Day result was “No Cold Batter TFN.” Does that include in-game Cold checks?

A: No, it does not. It only impacts the Game Day step where you must designate a Cold batter.  

Q: Game Day result was “No Hot Batter TFN.” Does that include in-game Hot checks?

A: No, it does not. It only impacts the Game Day step where you must designate a Hot batter.  

Q: I have a batter who is already HOT TFN. In today’s game, the Game Day result is “No HOT Batter TFN.”  Is the previous batter no longer HOT?

A: No, this only means that you do not designate a HOT batter as part of the Game Day Procedure TFN. Any existing HOT batters may remain hot, and you may check for in-game HOT status as normal.

Q: Game Day injury duration reads d6 + d6 x d6. What is the intent?

A: It should be written (d6+d6) x d6 for a max duration of 72 games (12 x 6).

Q: The next game’s starter on the clubhouse mood chart is given “struggler this game.” Is he fine then in tomorrow’s game? Or should the struggle transfer to that game? 

A: Per Keith, “Always some flexibility in interpreting these, but I would play it that he's a STRUGGLER for his next start. You could then scratch him and start someone else instead if you wanted.”

Q: The starting pitcher is given WORKMAN TFN. He’s already a SEMI-WORKMAN so is he now a full WORKMAN or a WORKMAN plus SEMI WORKMAN?

A: Per Keith, he is now a full WORKMAN (nothing more).

Game Book Results

Q: I'm having trouble determining the colors on the drama charts (color blind).

A: Infield Drama: All color results are purple (go to Team Chemistry for next AB) with the exception of 2-2, 4-4, and 4-6 where the second results are red (go to Player Experience for next AB).

Outfield Drama: All color results are purple (go to Team Chemistry for next AB) with the exception of 1-4, 3-3, and 4-5 where the second results are red (go to Player Experience for next AB).

Plate Drama: All strike, ball, or foul ball results are orange (go to Umpire chart for next AB). All passed ball and wild pitch results are purple (go to Team Chemistry for next AB) with the exception of 1-5, and 5-6 where these results are red (go to Player Experience for next AB).

Player Experience: Results 1-2 and 4-5 are blue (go to Baseball Right NOW! for next AB).

Team Chemistry: Results 1-3 and 5-5 are blue (go to Baseball Right NOW! for next AB).

Q: In the Pioneer and Cooperstown sets, some pitchers have a DB STRONG quality. I don't see mention of DB STRONG in my game instructions? 

A: The STRONG quality was added in HMB 5.0. If you have that version of the instructions, you will find the information on pages xviii and xix. Note that the instructions describe EX STRONG, but some cards are printed as DB STRONG. EX and DB are interchangeable and can be read as the same thing.  For people without the instructions, here is how to apply the ratings:

EX STRONG SP get 6 FRESH innings, 2 SEMI-FRESH; STRONG SP get 5 FRESH innings, 3 SEMI-FRESH; SEMI-STRONG SP get 4 FRESH innings, 3 SEMI-FRESH.

EX STRONG RP get 2 FRESH innings, 2 SEMI-FRESH; STRONG RP get 2 FRESH innings, 1 SEMI-FRESH; SEMI-STRONG SP get  1 FRESH inning, 2SEMI-FRESH.

Q: I’m using the 5.0 game book. On a 4-6-6 “Pitcher” result, does a DB CONTROL pitcher give up consecutive singles?

A: Yes.

Q: I’m using the 5.0 game book. Some results change ground-outs to errors for “high error seasons.” What seasons qualify?

A: This feature was added to account for the higher error rate during the deadball period (1900-1919).

Q: On a 1-4-4 roll with a DB FLASH pitcher and a questionable umpire at home, are the two automatic K’s turned into two automatic BB’s? 

A: No. The current batter draws the walk, then roll for the next batter. 

Q: In the 4.0 version of the game book, Highlight Reel “X” • VERY Rare Events result 2-6 says that the batter is awarded first base, but shouldn’t the batter be out?

A: Yes, this is an error in the game book that will be corrected in a future printing. Since the batting-team base coach interfered with the play, the batter is OUT.

Q: On a 1-2-3 roll asking if the pitcher is flash and fresh, does a fresh and db flash pitcher still strike out two batters consecutively?

A: Yes.

Q:  On a 2-2-5 result which reads Single to CF [ACTIVE steals!], is this an attempted steal or automatic stolen base?

A: If the runner is ACTIVE, they automatically steal the next base - but only if it isn't already occupied by another runner.

Q: Result 1-3-3 gives a home run to a slugger. My batter is a semi-HR King, do I have to roll the decider die to see if it is a home run?

A: No, this result only applies to a batter with the SLUGGER or the •SLUGGER quality. If the batter had the •SLUGGER quality, then yes, you would roll the decider die. 

Q: Result 2-6-6 says “Runner on first thrown out.” What happened? Was he picked off? Did he try to steal second? What if there are men on 2nd or 3rd or if the bases are loaded?

A: Per page xv of the rules, use the more logical result. If the bases are loaded, many gamers choose to ignore the result. If there’s no runner on first, then move to the BATTER column. If you want further info on this topic, read Keith’s article, In Defense of the 2-6-6 roll.

Q: Results 2-3-3, 3-3-4, and 5-5-5 ask “Ace or Star?” The pitcher is ACE•, do I need to roll a decider die? 

A: No, per page xv of the rules, since SEMI ACE pitchers are intended to be superior to STAR pitchers, on pitcher, on these 3 results they are considered to have the “ACE or STAR” quality regardless of the decider die roll.

Q: On a FENCE! Result, what if the batter is both •HR KING and •SLUGGER? Which do I use?

A: It’s up to you to decide (or use the decider die to help) which column to use before rolling any dice to resolve the FENCE! roll. After you decide, you must roll the decider die to see if the batter will be the quality you selected (bullet on decider die) or “Other” (blank on decider die). This situation obviously comes with lots of drama. :)

Q: When you go to Glove Micro chart, how do to determine which of the two columns to use?

A: You first roll on the “Going...going…” chart. On results of 1, 2, or 3, you will then need to roll on the “...He LEAPS…” chart.

Q: If you get a colored result to end a half inning, I understand that it then applies to the chart lookup for the next batter of the other team unless you pinch hit or put in a relief pitcher. However, what if that colored result ends the top of the first and thus the visiting pitcher is essentially coming in fresh like a reliever, would you negate the colored reference and proceed on the standard chart?

A: No, this is not the same situation as a managerial move. You would proceed on the appropriately colored mini-chart.

Q: Runners on 1st and 2nd with two outs.  The runner on 1st base is neutral and the batter is STOIC.  The roll is a 2-2-2 and the batter is not a SAD SACK, so he hits a double with the advanced rule option of trying to stretch it in to a triple.  Because the lead die is a 2, the runner that began on 1st would normally stop at 3rd. So my question (2-part) is:

• If the batter chooses to try to stretch this hit into a triple, does the runner who started on 1st also need to use a strategy card to attempt the extra base to score or is that implied that if the batter tries for 3rd, the runner gets to score automatically.

• In this situation, can the defense then try to choose which runner to throw out by conceding the run in exchange for trying to throw out the STOIC batter at 3rd or to try and prevent the run from scoring and conceding the extra base on the hit.

A: From Keith "First, per the "(on triples) stretch double to triple" rule, you DON'T have to roll the decider die to see if the extra base is even possible. So in this scenario, the defense chooses which runner on which to make a play, the runner headed for home or the runner headed for third. You'd use the base running quality of the targeted runner. The other runner would be safe. Makes most sense that you would try for the slower runner. But if the faster runner were on third, you still might make that play to save the run, especially if it were the game-winner. I don't see where a strategy card spend is required here, using the 2-2-2 option as detailed in the rules. Also this interpretation is restricted to only 1-1-1 (SCRAPPER), 2-2-2 and 4-4-4 results."

Q: Tie score, bases loaded, no outs, bottom of the 9th. Defense playing the infield in. Pitcher FLASH? Yes! But wait -- batter has a GOOD EYE, turns it into grounder to short. Lead die is a 1 ... does runner score from 3rd to win it, or is it a 6-2-3 DP?

A: From Keith “The GOOD EYE result doesn't need/use the lead die--the runner advancement is already stipulated, "runners advance one base." (If it had just said "ground out," then you would have used the lead die.) If this situation had come up on my game table, I probably would have stayed close to the actual reading: ground out, runners advance one base. I would have had the play made (out) at first base.”

Q: Has anybody calculated the percentage of times that, on average, one would roll a low dice roll 1, low dice roll 2, low dice roll 3, etc.?

A: From Keith: Odds of lead die "1" are 42%; lead die "2," 28%; lead die "3," 17%; lead die "4," 9%; lead die "5," 3%; lead die "6" (6-6-6 roll only), less than 1%.

Q: In the 5.0 game book, I noticed the following note: "*SCRAPPER hits single to RF/LF." - but I cannot find the * that it pertains to?

A: You can ignore this asterisk note. It applied to the 4.0 book, and is no longer tied to a result in the 5.0 game book.

Q: Pitcher with DB ACE gets result 3-3-6, Fly Out, but with the red "Player Experience" text. Does this cancel the next out caused by the DB ACE?

A: No. If there were no outs, or one out: fly out, fly out, next batter to EXPERIENCE. If two outs, then there would just be one fly out, and the first batter next inning would use EXPERIENCE.

Right Now Results (Hot / Cold)

Q: If a pitcher struck out the last batter in the previous inning, and his next inning starts from the RIGHT NOW chart, is he considered HOT (or SEMI HOT if it’s the 5th inning or earlier)?

A: No, pitchers start every inning NEUTRAL with regards to the RIGHT NOW chart.

Q: The instructions read: “A batter is considered SEMI COLD (or COLD, if the game is beyond the fifth inning) if he struck out in his last at-bat". Now I know how this reads, but is it technically his last at-bat or his last plate appearance ??? 

A: It’s his last plate appearance.

Q: When determining if a batter is HOT, does a walk in his last at bat count as a hit in this regard?

A: No.

Q: When rolling the dice in the batter column a result of 1-3-6 Whiffer or Cold? Strikeout and 2-3-4 Hot Batter? FENCE! is this strictly for the designated hot and cold batters or can you use what the batter did in his last at bat like you do on the Right Now Chart?

A: The main chart HOT/COLD quality questions are not strictly for the designated HOT or COLD batter. If the batter is not one of the designated HOT/COLD batters, you should still use their "Right Now" status to resolve. 

Decider Die

Q: Is the same decider die roll used throughout a single at-bat if it’s needed more than once?

A: No. Once the decider die is “used,” it must be re-rolled if it’s needed again. It might need to be rolled multiple times during a single AB depending on the sequence of quality checks. There is ONLY ONE exception to this rule, as outlined on page xv of the rule book. “Occasionally, a pitcher or batter check will call for multiple qualities, and once in awhile a player will more than one of them. If they are both SEMI qualities, ONE decider die roll is sufficient for both qualities--don’t roll twice.”

Pitching and Pitchers

Q: If a reliever who is a WORKMAN comes into a game in the middle of an inning and thus gets the ACE quality, is he an ACE and WORKMAN to the first batter or is he  just an ACE?  Same question if the reliever is a STAR.  Is he an ACE and STAR to the first batter?

Does the answer change if the pitcher has a TFN quality?  For example, from a pre-game roll, the starting pitcher is a STRUGGLER-TFN.  If he is a STAR, is he a STRUGGLER in addition to a STAR for as long as the STRUGGLER quality lasts, or is he only a STRUGGLER and not a STAR for the duration of the STRUGGLER-TFN quality?  

A: In all examples, the player keeps all qualities on their card, as well as those given to them. A player can end up being an ACE & WORKMAN, as  well as STRUGGLER and STAR.

Q: Are FLASH and CONTROL the only pitching qualities allowed to be doubled? 

A: Officially, per Keith, the only pitching qualities that may be doubled are WILD, FLASH, CONTROL, and in the case of relief pitchers, ACE (when using the ACE Boost rule). 

Q: When a pitcher is in his Semi-Fresh innings, do you roll the decider die once, at the beginning of his inning to see if he’s Fresh or do you roll the decider die each time in an inning that it asks if he’s Fresh?

A: You roll each time the quality is checked.

Q: A pitcher has allowed 3 consecutive baserunners and is a STRUGGLER•. The next batter grounds into a fielder’s choice, but the batter reaches base. Is the pitcher now a STRUGGLER?

A: No. Once an out is made, the pitcher loses this situational quality. “An out” is any kind of out.

Q: A pitcher has given up 4 consecutive hits and is now a STRUGGLER. A runner on base is caught stealing. Is the pitcher still a STRUGGLER? 

A: No. Once an out is made (any out), the pitcher loses this situational quality. 

Q: Does a DB CONTROL Pitcher pass CONTROL? Checks?

A: Yes.

Q: I rolled a 1-4-6 on the Main Chart where it reads: 'FLASH? Strikeout! (with the GOOD EYE symbol).' The pitcher had the DB FLASH quality. The batter did NOT have the Good Eye symbol, so he struck out. However, the SECOND batter after him DID have the GOOD EYE symbol. Would the second batter strikeout as well or would he avoid the strikeout and ground out instead?" 

A: The "official" ruling would be a strikeout for the second batter, but it would be in the spirit of the game to say that the second batter grounded out. You could roll a decider die if you couldn’t decide what to do. :)  In the case where the pitcher doesn’t get the first strikeout (because of a Good Eye batter), he doesn’t get the second one.

Q: Is DB STRUGGLER a possible situational quality?

A: No. 

Q: What happens to a STRUGGLER pitcher that has allowed 3-consecutive base-runners? Does he become a semi workman?

A: No, if a pitcher is already a STRUGGLER (printed on his card), then the “situational” STRUGGLER quality does not apply, and there are no additional penalties. If a pitcher is a STRUGGLER•, then he becomes a FULL STRUGGLER after he allows 4 consecutive base runners per the situational quality rules.  Once an out is recorded, he would return to being a STRUGGLER•.

Q: When using the optional/advanced PITCHER FATIGUE rule with a Relief Pitcher who comes into the game with men on base, do inherited runners that score count towards the run total for that relief pitcher?

A: Yes.

Q: Does intentionally walking a batter count towards consecutive men on base leading to the struggler quality?

A: Yes.

Q: Reliever brought into RIGHT NOW situation. Do you “roll over” the ACE bonus to the next at bat? How about if a reliever is brought in to face the designated Hot/Cold player?

A: When a colored result sends you to the Right Now, Experience, or Team Chemistry mini-chart for the next batter, if a reliever is brought in or a pinch-hitter comes to the plate, the trip to the mini-chart is CANCELLED.  Use the main chart in that situation. You have to make the managerial move BEFORE rolling on the mini-chart. In fact, this is one fairly common strategy in HMB for "avoiding" or "canceling" a likely disadvantageous mini-chart result before it happens. For Hot/Cold question, the "HOT BATTER?" (2-3-4) or "WHIFFER OR COLD [batter]?" (1-3-6) result would apply...you just wouldn't use the Right Now mini-chart if the previous batter had rolled a blue result.  Also, "PROSPECT [pitcher]?" on 3-4-4 would apply, even though the Experience mini-chart is not usable in that situation.

Q: Version 5.0 introduces DYNAMIC and GILDED for pitchers. Which seasons qualify for these qualities?

A: 

DYNAMIC, NL: 1894

DYNAMIC, AL: 1936, 1996

DYNAMIC•, NL: 1893, 1895, 1929-30, 1999, 2000, 2006-07

DYNAMIC•, AL: 1930, 1934, 1937-39, 1950, 1994-95, 1997-98, 1999, 2000, 2003-04, 2006-07

GILDED•, NL: 1883, 1886, 1891-92, 1901, 1903, 1911-13, 1920, 1933, 1942-43, 1946, 1963, 1967, 1971-72, 1981, 1988-89

GILDED•, AL: 1911-12, 1919, 1943-46, 1965-67, 1971-72

GILDED, NL: 1876, 1878, 1880-82, 1884-85, 1887-88, 1879, 1902, 1904-10, 1914-19, 1968

GILDED, AL: 1903-10, 1913-1918, 1968

Fielding

Q: Are there any automated rules for when to play the defense in vs. normal?

A: No, it’s the gamers decision. Here is my procedure:

• • With no runner on 3rd: NORMAL

  • With runner on 3rd, any inning, ahead by 2+: NORMAL

  • With runner on 3rd, first 5 innings, and trailing, tied or winning by only 1 run: Roll decider die (bullet = IN, blank = NORMAL)

  • With runner on 3rd, 6th inning on, and trailing, tied or winning by only 1 run: IN

Baserunning

Q: In situations where a base runner advances two bases on a single, can they still attempt an extra base?

A: Yes, you can use the strategy card on a baserunner - not the batter - and you can attempt a third base when the baserunner has already taken two bases per the base-running rules. Note that the base runner still has to roll the decider die to see if he CAN attempt the extra base, it's not guaranteed.  If he can't go, it still counts as a spent card.

Q: A pitcher with DB CONTROL gets a control ground out on a 2-x-x reading with runners on 2nd and 3rd, no outs. What are the runner advancement rules?

A: It depends on how the infield is positioned. I play it by the official Ground Out chart. First scenario, infield BACK. First out is at 1st base, runners advance (second to third, and third to home). Second out is also at 1st base, runner on third scores. Second scenario, infield IN. For BOTH outs, both runners HOLD at 2nd and 3rd. Now, let's go back to the first scenario. If the run that scored put the game in jeopardy for the pitching team, it would be TOTALLY OK for you to declare that the infield was brought in BEFORE the second DB CONTROL ground out. That's well within the spirit of the rules.

Q: Can the "take extra base" manager strategy card be used for groundouts as well? If the go-ahead run is on third and you want him to try to score, or you want to move a runner from second to third on a grounder to SS with no outs?

A: Generally speaking, no, the advance extra base card is for advancing extra bases on hits.

Q: I know that you use the lead die to determine runner advancement on mini-chart results. What about Micro Charts?

A: Treat the single die as the “lead die” for the Micro Charts.

Q: How do you handle a double steal in HMB? 

A: After chatting with Keith, we agree that a double steal would require spending TWO strategy cards, and the manager still has to roll the decider die to determine if the runners get a jump. After that, it’s up to the opposing manager to choose the runner to attempt to throw out, while the other runner reaches the next base safely.

Intangibles

Q: What is the benefit of a player being HAPPY?

A: There are two benefits. First, every happy player is a +1 modifier to the Game Day die roll. Second, this player will always have “Harmony” for Chemistry rolls, no matter the disposition of the team.

Q: The game rules allow two ways to bypass a roll on the intangibles charts (Baseball Right NOW, Player EXPERIENCE, Team CHEMISTRY). Those two ways are by bringing in a pinch hitter or relief pitcher. Are there other ways that a manager can bypass a roll on the intangible charts?

A: Yes. The pitching manager could issue an intentional walk, or the batting manager could play the Attempt a Bunt Strategy Card.

Manager Cards

Q: Are there any special rules for using the Bunt Attempt card with the bases loaded, or in a squeeze situation?

A: Yes. From this article: For suicide squeeze plays, the decider die is rolled: "bullet," roll as usual on the bunt card; "blank," the bunt is missed and the runner on third must attempt to steal home.

Q: Does the Bunt Attempt card count against a managers 6 cards when the pitcher is bunting in an obvious sacrifice situation?

A: No. From this article: I also feel good about Erik Holdway's suggestion that pitchers' bunting NOT be counted against the six manager strategy cards allowed per game.

Q: When used by the pitching team, do "Manager Influence," "One-on-One Pep Talk" and "Manager Coaching Tip" count as trips to the mound?

A: No. Imagine that the manager is shouting words of encouragement or coaching from the dugout.

Q: Are the six Manager cards chosen randomly or chosen for the particular attributes of the particular Manager?

A: The cards are not chosen randomly, and following the attributes of a particular manager is not part of HMB out-of-the-box, although some gamers have incorporated this into their projects. Per the rules, both managers start the game with a full set of cards, and may use 6 during a 9 inning game or 8 if the game goes to extra innings. Each manager may play any combination of strategy cards during the game. Once a card is played, it must be discarded and cannot be used again that game. The exception is for certain green-print strategy cards, which are marked with an asterisk. These cards can be used multiple times during a game, but each time they are used it counts against the total of cards used.

Q: In head-to-head play, what is the order of play for manager cards?

A: The pitching team gets the first opportunity to play a manager card. The batting team may also play a card, but may not play a card that would cancel out the pitching team’s card. 

Q: Rulebook says pitching team makes first move. If the pitching team chooses NOT to play a card and the managing team does, can the pitching team then play a card to counter the offensive team or did that manager "miss his chance?"

A. The manager missed his chance.  The pitching team has one chance, and the batting team has one chance that follows the pitching team's chance.  Then the plate appearance is adjudicated. 

Q: Are there any restrictions on when I can play a manager card?

A: Yes. The cards may not be used with a pinch hitter or a relief pitcher facing his first batter.

Q: Has Keith ever published an article explaining the use of the strategy cards?

A: Yes he has. Here’s the article.

Umpires

Q: I have the How-To Guide, but I cannot find stats for Umpires.

A: You will find the stats on baseball-reference.com. Select a season, then select Pitching/Season Splits. Scroll down and you will find the “By Umpire” table with all the stats required to create umpire cards.

Player Cards

Q: What do these positions mean on the player cards? MI, CI, IF, OF, UT

A: HMB uses the primary position given to a player by baseball-reference.com. These are abbreviations for players that did not play primarily at one position that season. Their fielding rating applies to multiple positions. MI is for middle infielders, 2B and SS. CI is for corner infielders, 3B and 1B. IF is for any infield position. OF is for any outfield position. UT is a catch-all for players that don’t fall into one of the other categories. Often, this will be a player that split time between the infield and outfield. If you want to make sure you aren’t playing a UT player in a position he never played, just look him up on baseball-reference.com.  

Q: Has Keith ever published an article explaining delta and sigma ratings?

A: Yes he has. Here’s the article.

No-Dice FAC’s

Q: Can you give me more information about the No-Dice FAC’s that are available from the PLAAY.com website? What are the probabilities for the automated fielder-finder and base-running system?

A: First, go to this link for more information about the cards. Here are the probabilities:

Infielder Finder: C .0277, 1B .1388, 2B .2777, SS .2777, 3B .2222

Outfielder Finder: LF .3333, CF .3333, RF .3333

2nd Base Steal Attempt

• • Active: .5000

  • Neutral: .1666

  • Stoic: .0000

3rd Base Steal Attempt

• • Active: .1666

  • Neutral: .0555

  • Stoic: .0000

Extra Base Check

• • Active: .3333

  • Neutral: .1666

  • Stoic: .0555

Also, if you want to use the color of the hats for house generated mechanics, here are the probabilities:

Shade of Blue: .4444

Shade of Red: .1666

Black: .1666

Green: .0555

Brown: .0555

Orange: .0555

Yellow: .0555

Player Value System

Here is a link to a PLAAY.com blog post about Al Wilson's Player Value system for HMB. Great for draft leagues! 

https://plaay.com/blog/idea-player-value-system-for-history-maker-baseball

House Rules (not in Q/A format)

Play at the Plate!!

Travis Jansen shared this house rule: If there is a runner on second base and a single would score him, if the fielder is GOLD roll the decider die. If "bullet," the outfielder has a chance to throw the runner out at the plate. The batting team can choose to hold the runner at third or test the fielder's arm. Use the "Advance Extra Base" card to resolve. If the fielder is not GOLD, the runner scores with no play at the plate.

He Retires the Side 1-2-3!

Al Wilson shared this house rule that takes advantage of a 1-2-3 inning to introduce a new RIGHT NOW mechanic. If a starting or relief pitcher has a 1-2-3 inning, and the first At-Bat the following inning will come from the RIGHT NOW chart, the pitcher will be considered HOT.  A 1-2-3- inning, for the purposes of this rule, is an inning in which a pitcher faces only three batters and none safely reach base. 

Giving the ACE Pitcher More Options and Narrative

This house rule was devised to make ACE pitchers more "special" and increase the narrative they bring to the game....  Anytime an at-bat is supposed to be taken from the RIGHT NOW, CHEMISTRY,  or EXPERIENCE chart, an ACE pitcher may simply disregard it and force the action back to the main chart.  The narrative is that of an ACE pitcher steeling himself, sensing the mood/experience/mojo of the batter but rising above it for the AB and increasing the likelihood that his pitching skill will dictate the AB. It should be noted that many times it will benefit the ACE to use the called-for intangibles chart, but there will also be times where it presents an interesting decision for the gamer. 

Providing SEMI ACE Pitchers with a boost

If you want to give SEMI ACE (ACE• ) pitchers a boost, an easy change is to say that they automatically pass the 1-1-3 and 3-3-6 "ACE or DYNAMIC?" checks.

Bad Outing for a Relief Pitcher

To make it more likely for a relief pitcher to get the STRUGGLER quality when having a bad outing, adjust the conditional STRUGGLER rules for relief pitchers by removing the word "consecutive." Relievers are given the SEMI-STRUGGLER quality upon allowing their third base runner of the inning, whether or not they were allowed consecutively. A fourth base-runner bumps it up to full STRUGGLER. These conditional qualities don't go away until the end of the inning, rather than by earning an out.

Alternate Stolen Base Mechanic

A different version of the "Attempt Stolen Base" card was included in a PLAAY.com newsletter, see below. 

Alternate Bunt Mechanic

Travis Jansen provides this alternate Bunt Card that more closely mirrors pro baseball averages, see below.