How to Write a Rule Book

Rule books are written in order to explain the parameters of playing a game: typically either a table-top game such as board game or card game, or else an organized sport requiring formal rules to govern play. The aim in writing a rule book is to explain how the game is played in clear and succinct terms, to eliminate possible arguments, and to provide guidelines for possible situations that the rules do not cover.

Instructions

1. Have a complete game ready. Whether it is a game you designed yourself or simply one whose rules you know, it will need to be finished and ready to play before you formally compose a rulebook.

2. Identify the different components of the game and their use in play. For a board game, this could mean the different pieces and their purpose. For card games, it could mean identifying the different kinds of cards and their function in the game. For athletic sports, it could mean describing the different positions of each player and the rules governing their behavior within the game

3. Break down the sequence of the game in simple, easy-to-remember terms. This means covering the sequence of each turn. For example: the first player draws a card. He may then spin the wheel. After moving the allotted spaces, he may choose to play a card, attack the other player, or pass. If he passes, his turn ends. Each step should only constitute one or two sentences. The purpose is to provide a quick short-hand guide that a player can check quickly to determine the sequence of play.

4. Go through each step in the game's turn and describe it again, this time in more elaborate terms. This is the point where you embellish the individual rules and how they affect play. Stipulate conditions for making a particular move, the rules governing how and where a move can count, actions a player can't do during his turn, penalties for incorrect actions and how they should be applied. The entire structure of the game should be covered in these sections.

5. Describe the winning conditions and how exactly they can come about. Be sure to include any alternate winning conditions, and go into as much detail as possible for each of them.

6. Add a brief introduction describing the premise of the game and the basic win conditions for inclusion at the beginning of the rulebook.

7. Include a glossary covering any specific game terms and what they might mean For example: "Pawn: a small piece placed along the second row of the chessboard in front of the other pieces."

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, try to include a caveat which covers any rules disputes that may not have been anticipated. Games can be surprisingly complicated, and incidents may arise during play which even the most careful rules cannot address. You should organize the rules in a fashion that is easy to follow. Start with the introduction and turn sequence, then follow with the more detailed rules, then specify the winning conditions, ideally repeated from brief mention of them in the intro, then conclude with the glossary of terms. If they are particularly lengthy rules, you may wish to add a table of contents as well, allowing readers to quickly find the particular ruling they need.