Randomness Revisited — Strategy vs. Tactics in Game Design

Andy and Anthony revisit randomness in Magic with more resources and input form listeners. They talk about decision making at large and small scales in games: strategy vs tactics, and how randomness impacts what kind of planning are rewarded.

View all cards mentioned in this episode

Discussed in this episode:

• Stardew Valley
• bdouble0 on YouTube
• Florian Gadsby on YouTube
• Board Game Design Day: White, Brown, and Pink: The Flavors of Tabletop Game Randomness
• Andy’s coaching video with Brian Coval
• The Cascade Cube
• Ben Brode on the Search Engine Podcast
• Edward Snowden on the Joe Rogan Experience

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

6:29 - Input Randomness vs. Output Randomness

10:05 - Strategy vs. Tactics

21:34 - Is there a fundamental difference in randomness between Bloodbraid Elf and Fact or Fiction?

39:52 - Chess vs. Poker in the Strategy vs. Tactics Dichotomy

46:04 - Why numerous random events converge on predictability and how that describes Xerox Theory

52:05 - Neverwinter Hydra vs. Carnage Tyrant

59:58 - Randomness laundering skill disparities

Check us out on Twitch and YouTube for paper Cube gameplay.

You can find the hosts’ Cubes on Cube Cobra:

• Andy’s “Bun Magic” Cube
• Anthony’s “Regular” Cube

If want us to do a pack 1, pick 1 from your cube submit it on our website. You can find both your hosts in the MTG Cube Talk Discord. Send in questions to the show at [email protected] or our p.o. box:

Lucky Paper

PO Box 4855

Baltimore, MD 21211

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Musical production by DJ James Nasty.