"Where to put the examples and options???" Topic

I have seen rule sets that handle examples and optional rules two different ways in their format. Some put them all in separate sections while others put them in the section they related to. I wanted to ask if you have preference and if so which way you like or you don't really care as long as they are somewhere???

Thanks.

I prefer examples to immediately follow the rule in question (or pop to a sidebar). The "bare-bones", rules-only summary can then be on the Quick Reference Sheet. Optional rules appear in Appendix A, followed by Designer's Notes as Appendix B.

Agree with Eumelus' comment. The rules examples should be with appropriate rules section while any optional rules should be a end.

Jim

Examples at the end of a chapter (movement, melee etc). Optional rules at the end of the rules. Though think twice as to why they are 'optional'. Because they will be rarely used? Or because they add a level of complication that you don't want new players to worry about?

Eumelus +1

Eumelus + another 1

I really liked how Operation Warboard (70s WW2 rules) did this. The first half of the book was gameplay examples and advice on building forces. The second half had 'designers notes' I guess you'd call them, then the rules laid out very clearly.

Gavin Lyall was a professional thriller author so he knew how to engage his readers!

A lot is based on your editing and production. The inside back cover and front cover are often blank but you are paying for them anyway. So use them for examples.
In your editing, large blanks at the end of sections can be used for examples.

That is old school. Today with websites, explanations and discussions and examples can be found on the sites.

The most innovative rules set I have seen to date is "7 Days to the Rhine". In it, at the end of a section, there is a QR code where you can scan with your (modern) phone and watch a video taking you thru that section of the rules if you still need help in understanding. THAT is a huge step forward in my book!

No rule set should expect someone to use one of those outrageous QR codes that restrict people from enjoying benefits. Some of us choose note to own that sort of telephone.

In the section, they are related to.

Thanks guys, seems to be a pretty consistent pattern/answer and was along my line of thinking but wanted to get the input. Happy gaming all!! No doubt the internet is a great new tool that can be very helpful, I use it myself but I recognize not everyone does or wants to use it.

Are they going to be electronic or paper rules gamer? If your rules are electronic you can have examples be collapsible, and have links that allow you to easily jump back and forth between basic and optional rules. The advantage to this is that it leaves the basic rules fairly clean, making far less text that the player has to wade through to check out the basic rule, but it also makes the examples and optional rules readily available in the basic rule text for those who want them.

For now just looking at the paper version. One step at a time. After that is done, depending on how things go can look at other options. That is a great suggestion though. Thanks for the feedback!!!

I like to put optional rules where they would be in the rules if they weren't options, but in italics with "Optional" in front.
I prefer examples in sidebars.