ABSTRACT
This chapter presents both the underlying math of valuing sets, and the unexpected relationship between set collection and other mechanisms. Humans are pattern-seeking creatures, which perhaps explains why so many games incorporate some version of set collection. Set collection can readily support multiple dimensions, and this is common to all but the simplest of games. While set collection can be implemented with many different kinds of components, by far the most common components are cards and tiles. Combos are an emergent aspect of gameplay, in that they are not explicitly explained in the rules, even though effective play usually requires finding strong Combos. Games with Combo potential usually have a modular, black-box approach to actions, which tend to be direct and non-contingent. It also helps to have a few types of resources, and a variety of domains within which game elements can exist.
