We differ between static and dynamic games.
In a static game the players make their initial moves and then passively follow the development of the game.
Suggested static rules
Initial sidelength 9 and Autosize 'on' are recommended. A maximum field size can be agreed on (e.g.17) such that the game ends when this size has been exceeded.
White begins and creates 5 (or 6 or any chosen number n) white cells. Black creates 3 (or 4 or n-2 respectively) black cells. The game ends when one colour is extinguished or when a stable or cyclic pattern is reached or when the game field has grown over an initially agreed size. (Moving cycles such as gliders etc. are included among the cyclic patterns) The possible outcomes are evaluated as follows:
Suppose first that the game has ended because one colour is extinguished.
- The colour which remains wins. (If the colours are extinguished simultaneously, both parties get 1 point.)
- The loser gets 0 points.
- The winner gets 2 points if 1-2 cells remain,
3 points if 3-5 cells remain and
4 points if 6 or more cells remain.
Suppose now that both colours remain in a stable or cyclic pattern or that the game has ended due to a maximum rule.
- If the numbers of remaining cells are equal, both get 2 points.
(In the cyclic case the number of remaining cells may vary:
- If the arithmetic means are equal both parties get 2 points.
- Otherwise the losing party may choose one of the patterns to do the evaluation on.)
- Else, the party with the least number of remaining cells is the loser and gets 1 point.
- The winner gets 3 points if the difference is 1 - 5 cells and
4 points if the difference is 6 or more cells
Suggested dynamic rules
Starting and evaluation rules are identical with the static case. But in this game type the players are allowed to affect the game after a specified number of generations. 3 is recommended. White (who as in chess always begins) can add one white cell after the prescribed number of generations or remove one black cell from the field. After this black makes a move with a similar choice: Add a black cell or remove a white cell.
The game then proceeds with regular interruptions as described above.