Geoff Cain
Green River College
Nomic
Language Arts – Social Studies
Each team must a select one member to be the RECORDER. The RECORDER keeps track of all
“moves” and votes.
The players “move” by proposing rule change. A rule-change can be adding a new rule, amending an
existing rule, or deleting a rule.
There are two kinds of rules in the game: “changeable rules” and “unchangeable” rules.
The game begins with the entire team reading the rules.
CHANGEABLE RULES
201
Players shall alternate in clockwise order, taking one whole turn apiece. Turns may
not be skipped or passed, and parts of turns may not be omitted. Using alphabetical
order, the player whose last name is closest to the letter “A” goes first.
202
Players shall choose a Judge by simple majority vote. The Judge keeps the game
moving and settles any disputes.
203
One turn consists of proposing one rule-change and having it voted on.
204
When a proposed rule-change is adopted, the player who proposed it gains X
point(s).
205
If a rule-change does not pass a vote, the player who proposed it loses X point(s).
206
The winner is the first player to achieve X point(s).
207
At no time may there be more than X unchangeable rules.
208
If the rules are changed so that further play is impossible, or if the legality of a move
cannot be determined by the Judge using his or her best reasoning (in other words,
the rule appears equally legal and illegal), the player with the most points at that
turn wins.
If two or more changeable rules conflict with each other, or an unchangeable rules
conflict with each other, then the lowest-numbered rule wins.
209
210
If players disagree about the legality or meaning of a rule, then players may invoke
Judgment. When Judgment has been invoked, the next player may not begin his or
her turn without the consent of the majority of the players.
HINT: A good place to start would be to propose changes to rules that contain X.
UNCHANGEABLE RULES
101
The purpose of the game is to change the rules. A rule-change is any of the
following:
 Creating, removing, or amending a changeable rule
 Creating, removing, or amending an amendment of a changeable rule
 Changing an unchangeable rule into a changeable rule
 Changing a changeable rule into an unchangeable rule
102
Initially, rules in the 100’s are unchangeable and rules in the 200’s are changeable.
In a conflict between a changeable and unchangeable rule, the unchangeable rule
wins and the changeable rule will be declared “void.” For the purposes of this rule, a
proposal to change an unchangeable rule to a changeable rule does not conflict with
the fact it is “unchangeable.”
103
Each player’s rule-change will be given a number for reference beginning with 301
and then follow in numerical sequence, regardless of whether or not the proposed
rule-change is approved by the team.
104
Each player is an eligible voter who must vote on all rule-changes. Each player gets
exactly one vote.
105
All proposed rule-changes must be written down before they are voted on.
106
There must always be at least one changeable rule.
107
Whatever is not against the rules or regulated by the rules is permitted an
unregulated, with the exception of changing the rules. This is permitted only when a
rule or set of rules explicitly or implicitly allows it.
108
An adopted rule-change takes full effect immediately after being approved by the
team. No-rule change may take effect earlier than the moment of the completion of
the vote even if it’s wording states otherwise.
109
Adding or amending changeable rules requires a simple majority vote. Adding or
amending an unchangeable rule requires a unanimous vote.
110
If a rule-change as proposed is unclear, confusing, destructive of play, or would
make no difference, then other players may suggest amendments or argue against
the proposal before the vote. A reasonable amount of time must be allowed for
debate. The player who proposed the rule-change decides the final wording that
will voted on by the team unless the Judge has been asked to do it instead. The
Judge decides the when to end the debate and vote.
Assignment: After playing one complete game, write a one-page essay describing your experience.
Your essay must answer the following questions:
1. What did you learn about the rule-making process?
2. What kinds of rules were useful?
3. How well did your group work together?