How House Rules Change the Way We Play
House rules are the unofficial, often unwritten rules added to a game by its players. Whether it’s to simplify gameplay, tweak the balance, or just add a bit of fun, these changes tend to evolve depending on who’s at the table.
I’ve had enough versions of gin rummy passed down to me that I genuinely have no idea what the official rules are anymore. And I’m fairly certain I’m not alone.
House rules appear in all kinds of games—board games, card games, and even tabletop RPGs. But while they often start with good intentions, they don’t always lead to better gameplay.
Why Do We Create House Rules?
There are a few common reasons house rules tend to appear:
Simplifying the rules. Some games come with dense or overly complex instructions. If a rule doesn’t make sense or feels like it slows things down unnecessarily, players often tweak or drop it to keep things moving.
Balancing perceived unfairness. When a game seems to favour one player type or strategy too heavily, house rules are sometimes introduced to level the playing field.
Enhancing the theme or fun. In some cases, groups introduce rules just to inject extra flavour or excitement. From light-hearted drinking rules to dramatic additions in roleplaying games, these changes are often designed to heighten enjoyment rather than fix a problem.
Tradition and nostalgia. Perhaps the most enduring reason of all—“This is just how my family plays Uno.” House rules are often passed down like family recipes, taught by one generation to the next. I know I’ve never actually read the Monopoly rulebook, but for most of my life I was convinced that Free Parking being filled with cash was official.
But Do House Rules Always Work?
House rules can alter far more than you expect. Take Monopoly as an example. I didn’t realise for years that unpurchased properties were supposed to be auctioned. My family always skipped that step, assuming it would make games faster.
Ironically, it did the opposite. With no auctions, players acquired properties more slowly, the game dragged on, and the whole experience lost its momentum. That small change altered the strategies we used, the pacing of the game, and ultimately our desire to keep playing it at all.
In trying to improve the game, we accidentally broke it.
The Role of House Rules in TTRPGs
In tabletop roleplaying games, house rules are not only common—they’re often essential. Rules like the rule of cool or homebrewed bans on certain classes, spells, or items are expected at many tables.
Unlike board games, TTRPGs rely heavily on collaboration and improvisation. Game Masters frequently adjust or invent rules on the fly to suit the group’s needs, keep the story flowing, or match the tone of the campaign. In these spaces, house rules are often seen not as a fix, but as a creative tool.
The Potential Pitfalls
Despite their benefits, house rules can cause friction.
They can be confusing for new players, who may struggle to learn a game that’s been heavily altered. What’s intended as a simple shortcut might make the game harder to pick up.
They can also lead to arguments. One person might want to play by the book, while another insists on “the way we’ve always done it.” If everyone isn’t on the same page, it can lead to unnecessary tension.
Finally, house rules can throw off the balance of a carefully designed game. Most official rules go through significant playtesting. Changing them—even slightly—can result in a less satisfying experience, even if it isn’t obvious at first.
So, Should You Use House Rules?
Absolutely—when they improve the experience. If a house rule makes a game more enjoyable, accessible, or better suited to your group, it can be a fantastic addition.
But it’s worth learning the official rules first. Understanding the game as intended gives you a stronger foundation to build on, and helps you see the impact your changes might have.
Just make sure everyone at the table is on board. House rules work best when they’re shared, intentional, and designed to enhance the experience—not just inherited out of habit.
What About You?
Have you ever played with a house rule that completely changed the game—for better or worse? Let us know in the comments, or tag us on Instagram with your favourites. We’d love to hear the rules that make your game nights your own.
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