Ready to Play by the Rules (Letter 1)

Dear Hoptpi,

I learned how to play from someone who taught us the future 14-tile, throw-and-pick game. I don’t want to play using house rules so I am trying to figure out how to convince my group to make the switch. I don’t want to break up our group because we’ve been together for so long that we have become close friends. Can you give me the words to say that can convince them to play by the official rules.

Concerned Purist

Dear Concerned Purist,

Openly sharing insights during a game is bad form, and there are no current rules governing sportsmanship. The wiki article on Etiquette and Sportsmanship (Article 115) includes what the league says about excessive talking during a game.

The best way to handle issues with group dynamics like this is to have a meeting of the minds where everyone has a voice. In the meeting, members should be kind yet frank about any issues. Topics for discussion should include culture, pace, sportsmanship, house rules, and how to handle issues if they occur. Use the consensus and create a charter to protect the integrity of the group. Current and new members must agree to play by the rules in the charter. If someone disagrees, they are likely not a good fit for your group culture and should find somewhere else to play. Learn more about managing a group in the wiki article Group Culture – Friendly Game vs Playing by the Rules (Article 149).