Learning Lab Meta Kit Two Ways to Use the Core Deck

Player-Initiated Mode (low interruption, high autonomy)

In this mode, the Core Deck is shuffled and placed on the table.

When a player feels stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed, they simply draw a card and read the question. If the question doesn’t fit the moment, they may set it aside and draw another.

This approach:

• lowers the barrier to use
• supports self-coaching
• encourages intuition and experimentation
• works well in casual games, study groups, and independent play

In Open Draw Mode, the deck acts as a thinking interrupter. Any good question can be enough to reset attention.

This is often how players naturally use the deck when no instructor is present.

Instructor-Guided Mode (structured, scalable, intentional)

When using Guided Category Mode, the facilitator-instructor keeps the Core Deck organized by category.

When a player struggles, the facilitator selects the category that best matches the kind of thinking the moment calls for and invites the player to draw a card from that category.

The player reads the question and pause.

They answer it quietly to themselves or out loud, whatever feels comfortable.

They use the answer to guide their next decision, then continue play.

Only one card is needed at a time. If it helps, great. If not, it is set aside and the game continues.

This approach:

• reduces randomness
• prevents cognitive overload
• helps newer players stay oriented
• allows instructors to guide thinking without giving answers

Here, the facilitator is not choosing the question — only the lens. The card still does the work.

What to Expect

You may notice:

• Fewer rushed decisions
• Clearer hand direction
• Less panic when things don’t go as planned
• More confidence explaining why you chose a play

You don’t need to justify your answers. You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to win for the card to have done its job.

What This Is Not

This is not a test. This is not a lesson. This is not feedback on whether you played “correctly.” The Learning Lab is simply a space to explore decisions, one question at a time.

Choosing the Right Mode

As an instructor or facilitator, your role is to decide how much structure the moment needs.

Use Open Draw Mode when:

• players are practicing self-awareness
• the group is experienced or reflective
• the goal is exploration rather than correction

Use Guided Category Mode when:

• a player is overwhelmed or looping
• the issue is clearly about one kind of thinking
• you want to narrow focus without instructing

If a question doesn’t land, that’s not a failure. Invite the player to draw another card or shift categories. The process is intentionally flexible.

The Learning Lab Meta Kit is designed to meet players where they are — whether they need freedom or framing.