From Monopoly to bar games, and even tabletop games such as Warhammer, the House Rule can be a powerful and important piece of gaming togetherness.
This social and sportsmanlike agreement helps elevate a game from mediocrity or already-high standards to something even more enjoyable for all parties. But… what -is- a house rule?
Merriam-Webster defines the House Rule as “a rule (as in a game) that applies only to a certain group or in a certain place”. A rule set forth between friends, gamers, locales, and occasionally events to (for the most part) improve the game, whether by “fun factor”, flow, speed, or mechanics. They can range from modifying a rule to benefit one lacking, or silly things like taking drinks during certain rare events at more casual gaming sessions. A good example of this is the ever-prevalent house rule in Monopoly: the ‘free parking’ pool. This common house rule, that many people apply to the game, takes money from landing on taxes, chance cards, and other non-player costs end up pooling in the middle of the board. The next player to land on the ‘Free Parking’ space then inherits the pool placed there as a lucky bonus or, as some have implied, to represent finding a lost wallet.
In the world of tabletop gaming where there are multiple editions, FAQs, erratas, and spin-off specialty games, the opportunity to meddle with the rule set with one’s friends or a local meet-up is always a possibility. For example, Warhammer 40k’s 8th edition proved to be quite popular with many of its players but, as with any change, not everyone can be 100% satisfied. A common complaint held both personally and by other players is the change to how cover saves are given, forcing the player to be in a piece of terrain rather than having line of sight partially blocked for the rule to kick in.
A house rule I have dabbled with in the company of both friends and other players occasionally is to implement the rulings of 7th edition’s cover system. If line of sight is partially blocked, add 1+ to the armor save of the target.
This house rule has helped improve gameplay for situations where cover -should- have a modified a shot but didn’t with 8th, like a large ruin between a Leman Russ Punisher’s gun and a squad of Chaos Marines.
House Rules are not required in games, of course. Some work perfectly well without editing what the companies have set forth as the rule set for the players but sometimes adding that extra flavor can make it all the more enjoyable when experiencing your favorite games. Whether they’re to add challenge, be goofy, or help improve on a rule that players are unhappy with – that is the freedom of the house rule. A game is just that: a game. They are meant to be fun and to harshly follow a given rule set despite grievances with them in a casual setting almost defeats the purpose of a game. If two friends are playing a game together, and unanimously agree that something in the rules doesn’t mesh well, they should feel free to experiment with house rules to find something that works for them.
It’s important to remember the nature of games: to have fun. No one is being forced to play a certain way (outside of competitive settings, of course), and if the players think something might improve their gaming session, talk it out. One might be surprised by how often other players are willing to wiggle around with gameplay to have a great time between each other.
Interested in hearing more? Check out KeyLime Prime on Facebook and on Twitch!
About the Author: Chris Lien
