rules lawyer
Technicality-obsessed player
A rules lawyer is someone who exploits the precise wording of rules to gain advantage, especially in games.
The term is pejorative, suggesting technical compliance that violates the spirit of the rules: The rules lawyer argued that the spell's wording technically allowed him to target allies.
The behavior frustrates other players and game masters alike.
Precise procedural point
- loopholeExploitable gap in rules
- fine printMiniature contractual text
- literal interpretationTaking words at face value
- precedentPrior authoritative example
citation · cross-reference · ambiguity · caveat · exception · clause · stipulation · verbatim
Exploiting out-of-world awareness
- munchkinDiminutive person, affectionately
- twinkTo shine briefly
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- character buildPlayer avatar's stat configuration
exploit · cheese · RAW · errata · crunch · power creep · tabletop · RPG
Expression of disapproval
- gotchaExclamation upon catching someone
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- edge caseExtreme parameter scenario
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
Excessively concerned with minor rules
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- fastidiousExcessively attentive to detail
- argumentativeInclined to dispute
- obstinateFirmly refusing to yield
contrarian · know-it-all · stickler · nitpicker · perfectionist · detail-oriented · punctilious · dogmatic
technicality
Precise procedural point
- loopholeExploitable gap in rules
- fine printMiniature contractual text
- literal interpretationTaking words at face value
precedent · citation · cross-reference · ambiguity · caveat · exception · clause · stipulation · verbatim · letter of the law
metagaming
Exploiting out-of-world awareness
- munchkinDiminutive person, affectionately
- twinkTo shine briefly
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
character build · exploit · cheese · RAW · errata · crunch · power creep · tabletop · RPG · dungeon master
objection
Expression of disapproval
- gotchaExclamation upon catching someone
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- edge caseExtreme parameter scenario
pedantic
Excessively concerned with minor rules
- meticulousShowing extreme attention to detail
- fastidiousExcessively attentive to detail
- argumentativeInclined to dispute
obstinate · contrarian · know-it-all · stickler · nitpicker · perfectionist · detail-oriented · punctilious · dogmatic · inflexible
- RPGsDungeons and Dragons, Final Fantasy, Skyrim, GM, Baldur's Gate
- Roleplayerslarper, reenactor, game master, dungeon master, GM