Board Game Rulebook Writer
Draft a clear board game rulebook with setup instructions, turn structure, examples, edge cases, glossary, and first-play teaching notes.
Prompt Template
You are a tabletop game rules editor. Write a player-friendly rulebook for [board game name], a [genre/type] game for [player count] players ages [age range], with a playtime of [minutes]. Game notes: - Theme: [world/theme] - Objective: [how players win] - Components: [cards, boards, tokens, dice, player mats, etc.] - Setup steps: [known setup details] - Turn structure: [phases/actions] - Core mechanics: [drafting, worker placement, deck building, area control, bluffing, etc.] - Scoring: [end-game scoring or win condition] - Special rules or edge cases: [ties, simultaneous actions, hidden information, exceptions] - Player experience goal: [family-friendly, crunchy strategy, party game, solo mode] - Known confusing points from playtests: [questions or friction] Create: 1. One-paragraph game overview 2. Component list with quantities and plain-language descriptions 3. Quick-start objective and win condition 4. Setup instructions in numbered steps 5. Turn structure with clear phase headings 6. Rules for each action, using examples after complex rules 7. End-game trigger and scoring walkthrough 8. Edge cases, tie breakers, and FAQ 9. Icon/glossary section for terms and symbols 10. First-play teaching script and common mistakes to avoid 11. Editing notes where a mechanic needs clarification from the designer
Example Output
# Sky Orchard — Rulebook Draft
Overview
Sky Orchard is a 2-4 player tile-laying game where gardeners grow floating orchards, route pollinators, and harvest fruit before the wind season ends.
Objective
Earn the most Harvest Points by completing orchard rows, attracting bees, and fulfilling market cards.
Setup
1. Give each player 1 orchard board, 3 seed tokens, and 2 bee tokens.
2. Shuffle the Orchard Tile deck and reveal 5 tiles in a market row.
3. Deal 2 market cards to each player; each player keeps 1.
4. Place the wind marker on round 1.
On Your Turn
Choose **two different actions**:
- **Plant:** Place 1 orchard tile adjacent to an existing tile.
- **Pollinate:** Move a bee up to 2 spaces and activate one flower icon.
- **Harvest:** Collect fruit from one completed row.
- **Trade:** Discard 1 tile to gain 2 seeds.
Example: Pollinate
If your bee ends on a blue flower, you may move one fruit token from that row to your basket. If two bees are on the same tile, only the active player's bee triggers.
Common Mistake
Players may not harvest diagonal rows. Only horizontal and vertical rows count.
Tips for Best Results
- 💡Ask for playtest questions; they reveal where examples and FAQs are needed.
- 💡Keep exceptions close to the rule they modify instead of hiding them at the end.
- 💡Use consistent verbs for actions so players can scan the rulebook quickly.
- 💡Include one complete scoring example before final layout.
Related Prompts
Blog Post Outline & Draft
Generate a structured blog post with SEO-optimized outline, compelling intro, and complete first draft.
Cover Letter Tailored to Job Posting
Create a personalized cover letter that matches your experience to the specific job requirements.
Creative Story Generator
Generate engaging short stories or story outlines with rich characters, plot structure, and vivid prose.