Sorry, that should have read....nikgaukroger wrote:shadowdragon wrote:
I'll try to express the options more simply - ignoring other situations, exceptions, etc. under the conform rule:
1) BG's must either (a) conform and end in a normal formation, which is a rectangle
Well that option is based on the an incorrect assumption - that a rectangle is the only normal formation - so must be discarded. This leaves you with option 2, and the conclusions that naturally follow that.
1) BG's must either (a) conform and end in a normal formation, which is a rectangle "in this case" (i.e., the case presented).
I don't know if Dave assumes that a rectange is the only normal formation. I don't. However, I do believe that a rule which says in one place "you must be in a rectangle except when pulled out of that formation by a compulsory move" and then in another place (which is a compulsory move) says you must end in normal formation leads to different interpretations and ambiguity. If option 2 is the correct and only possible true reading of the rules as written, why, in heavens name, is it even necessary to say something as redundant - i.e., "you must end in a normal formation.....but since this is a compulsory move any formation you end up in will be by definition a "normal" formation". Why not say that files in contact will coform and therefore the BG will sometimes not be in a rectangular formation, however files not in contact must line up with the nearest file in contact.
I do not argue that it isn't possible to conclude 2). I did until trying to understand Dave's point of view (*God have mercy on my soul*). I still see the point of view of 2) but I also see that of 1).
