Why would a player cheat at solitaire?
In trying to answer this interesting question, I’ve realized
a way to enhance my next game design.
So how to explain this odd if common practice of cheating at a game
where no one but you cares if you win or lose? I think I have the answer.
Achieving Order in Solitaire
In the well-known Klondike Solitaire, the cards are first
randomized by shuffling and then dealt into a layout with seven columns (the
tableau). I’ll call this beginning state of the game Chaos. To win the game, all the cards must be moved to the four
home cells, sorted by suit, and in ascending sequence. That winning state is
the ultimate Order.
There’s no denying the satisfaction of attaining that order,
that definitive organization on finishing the game, even if one didn’t win legitimately.
Achieving order can add satisfaction to games with an
opponent as well.
Gin Rummy and Other Games
My wife and I spend many fun evenings playing Gin Rummy. We
just call it Gin (and often drink gin while playing.) The satisfaction of turning a chaotic ten-card
hand into the fully melded order of a gin hand goes beyond accruing points. Points can be gained by knocking, that is
going down with a less-than-perfectly melded hand. And knocking is often a wise
play, but it’s not nearly as satisfying as ginning.
Gin is a two-player game, but Chinese checkers can be played
by up to six players who move their marbles from beautiful symmetry and order,
through chaos, to order again to win.
Of course, many, maybe most, games do not involve mechanics
for creating order at all. I’m thinking
of Monopoly, checkers, Chutes and Ladders, etc. Chess begins with order which
is lost as the moves commence.
Players Who Enjoy Order
I suspect
that “order building” appeals more to certain players, those who enjoy puzzles
for example. Jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and Rubik’s
cube are about nothing beyond the satisfaction of producing order. Collectors of stamps, coins, and fancy china as well as children who love to sort out their Lego bricks probably enjoy games that include this mechanic.
The Order Mechanic in Game Design
I’m currently brainstorming a new board game and have
decided to build a “creation of order” mechanic into the game play.
Please share your thoughts.
What games include creating order? Would you use this idea in your game designs?
