IBL Wiki

These playing instructions assume some past experience with tabletop stimulation baseball played with dice and cards. The playing instructions are a reference to better understand how to play the IBL game.

To play The IBL Game, you will need three 10-sided dice of three separate colors. These instructions will assume combinations of A, B, and C for dice rolls read in order (ABC). For example, if you rolled ABC, the result could be read as A - 7, B - 1, C - 4.

You will frequently need to refer to the charts. Some of the charts require the dice read in a certain manner. The A die is often used to indicate location. The B and C dice is often rolled together to generate a two-digit number. You may wish to roll ABC all together, or roll ‘A’ first and then roll ‘B’ and ‘C’ to add more suspense. Grab a score sheet, a pen to get started. Organize the playing cards and announce the starting pitchers and lineups.

Check to see what weather you have. Look on the WEATHER EFFECTS CHART for the stadium’s location. Roll first for temperature (either day or night depending on the scheduled start time of the game) using two dice. Then roll two dice to determine sky conditions. If the result is “Cloudy”, go to the precipitation chart. Finally, roll two dice for wind. Be sure to use the correct month from April through September (March games use April and October games use September weather). A weather effect is found in the KEY and ERROR WILD PLAY CHART.

Note: In draft leagues, it is recommended you use the team’s location to determine weather and the park itself to determine wind. For example, your team is the Orange County Fruits and you play at Fenway Park. You would use Southern California for weather and wind for Boston.

The visiting team’s leadoff batter and the home team’s starting pitcher are the first cards to use. Play begins by rolling all three dice and referring to the batter’s or pitcher’s card. A batter’s card contains two sets of results numbered 0-499 vs. both left and right-handed pitchers, while a pitcher’s card contains results numbered 500-999 vs. both left and right-handed hitters. Above each column of numbers there are a set of numbers separated by slashes (ex. 108/155/214). These are the total hit numbers, on base numbers, and total bases on the card (for pitchers, DF are assumed average conversion rate), and are roughly equivalent to BA/OBP/SLG.

Results will be found on either the batter’s or pitcher’s card. Anytime you roll with three dice 000-499, refer to the batter’s card. If the pitcher is right-handed (found in the upper left corner of the pitcher’s card), scan down the “vs. RH” column until the number or range of numbers containing the die roll is found. Use the “vs. LH” column if the pitcher is left-handed.

Anytime you roll with three dice 500-999, refer to the pitcher’s card. If the batter is batting left-handed (found in the upper left corner of the hitter’s card) scan down the “vs. LH” column until the range of numbers containing the die roll is found. Use the “vs. RH” column if the hitter is batting right-handed. Switch hitters (those with “B”) bat from the opposite side of which the pitcher throws, i.e. left vs. a right-handed pitcher and right vs. a left-handed pitcher.

On the pitching cards some results have two ranges of numbers. The first set, found directly across from the result is the normal set to use. The second set in italics is used only when the pitcher is fatigued. (See Pitcher’s Fatigue section or other special circumstances such as an emergency catcher in the game).

Once you have found the range of numbers containing the dice roll, scan across to the center to read the result. The capitalized center symbol is the result of the play, and is your guide when referring to the SYMBOLS CHART for the specific result of the play. The lower case letters give you the play’s location and who fields the ball.

Here’s an example. Mariano Rivera is facing Albert Pujols. The number rolled is 847. Looking at Rivera’s card (numbers 500-999) and scanning down the “vs. RH” column, you find the range of numbers 776-973 contain the number you just rolled. The result is “SO”, so Pujols struck out.

If the number rolled was 105, the result is “1B glf” vs. RH on Pujols. (Use the location indicators to the left of the result for LH pitchers and to the right for RH pitchers). Looking in the SYMBOLS CHART, we find Pujols grounded a single into left field. Because the dice roll came up odd, refer to the 1B (SINGLE) chart for base runner advancement. If the dice roll were even, runners on 2nd and 3rd score automatically.

Alex Rodriguez was on second when Pujols singled on a 105 roll. You were playing in Yankee Stadium, a slow grass field. On the 1B (SINGLE) advancement chart, we find Rodriguez scores automatically. If we had been playing on turf, the result would have been “1 + choice”. Rodriguez advances one base and may try for another by going to the COACH’S CHOICE CHART using his 2 run rating. To determine Rodriguez’s chance of scoring adjust his 2 base running for outfielder throwing arms, in this case the leftfielder, and other adjustments, such as two outs. If more than one baserunner has “1 + choice”, the offense chooses who will attempt to advance, and the defense chooses who they will attempt to throw out.

The effect a particular ballpark has on performance is taken into consideration on the PARK EFFECTS and HOME RUN EFFECTS CHARTS. A particular stadium will affect range plays, foul balls, and ability to hit a home run. The ability to hit a home run is also affected by weather and fence height.

If “DF” comes up on the pitcher’s card, there is a chance for a home run. Consult the batter’s card. The batter’s home run batting characteristic (Rp, Ro, Rsp, Lp, Lo, Lsp) and power (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr) is found midway down the right side of the card for vL and vR pitchers. Roll one die to determine which of the ten field locations (ranging from the right field line to the left field line) the ball is hit on the DEEP FLY LOCATION CHART. If the ball is hit down one of the foul lines (rfl, lfl), roll two dice to see if the ball stays fair or hooks foul. If the ball stays fair, determine how far the ball must travel to be a home run by checking the wall distances on the BALL PARK HOME RUN EFFECTS CHART. Note whether the wind is blowing crosswind, calm, or blowing straight. The number listed is the distance the batter must generate on a two dice roll off the DEEP FLY CHART for a home run. If the two dice roll is less than the distance number required on the DEEP FLY CHART, the ball is caught.

Here’s an example. The Rangers are playing in Yankee Stadium with no wind. Hank Blalock rolls a DF off Carl Pavano. Rolling one die for location (2), the Lsp batting Blalock hits the ball deep to right field. Checking the BALL PARK HOME RUN EFFECTS CHART, you find that the distance to right field is 10 at Yankee Stadium. Checking the DEEP FLY CHART, Blalock’s Vg power requires a roll of 52 or higher to generate a 10 distance and hit a HR. Rolling two dice, you toss a 54. Scanning down the Vg column, you find Blalock generated a 10, home run! (If there had been a straight wind at Yankee stadium, 54 would have been an out, requiring 56 to generate an 11 distance.)

If “HR” comes up the batter’s card, there is a slight chance the home run is robbed. Roll one die and check the DEEP FLY LOCATION CHART to determine where the ball is hit (ignore the 0-30 foul ball roll for rfl and lfl). Using the Fence Height of the stadium and the outfielder’s Range rating found on his card, roll two dice and refer to the AT THE WALL CHART for the result. If one of the numbers listed is rolled, the batter’s home run is robbed.

A player’s error frequency is measured by his Error rating found after the position and under the “E” on the right side of his card. A player with a rating of 9 will make very few errors while a player with a rating of 0 will make many errors. Whenever the symbol “E” appears on a batter’s card, refer to the ERROR CHARTS. Roll one die to determine who fields the ball. If the one die roll is a 0, refer to the ERROR WILD PLAY CHART for the result After determining the fielder: 0 (error wild play), 1 (pitcher), 2 (catcher), 3 (first base), 4 (second base), 5 (third base), 6 (shortstop), 7 (left field), 8 (center field), 9 (right field), and the fielder’s error rating, roll two dice to determine the result of the play.

For example, third base is rolled and Alex Rodriguez is fielding. The two dice roll is 11. Scanning down the 8 column (Rodriguez’s Error rating) in the “E 3B” section, Rodriguez commits an error. Checking the ERROR CHART KEY, we find “(1)” is a one-base error. The batter is safe at first and all other runners advance one base.

A player’s ability to take away a hit is measured by the Range rating found on the right side of the card immediately after the Error rating. An A range is amazing; an F range about average and K range is horrible. “IFR” (infield range) or “OFR” (outfield range) symbols on a pitcher’s card mean refer to the appropriate IFR or OFR RANGE CHART. Rolling two dice determines what type of ball is hit based on the current batting characteristic (Rp, Ro, Rsp, Lp, Lo, Lsp) found on the middle right hand section of the batter’s card.

Whether or not the fielder makes the range play is dependent on ballpark surface: surfaces are grass, slow grass, and turf (found on BALL PARK HOME RUN EFFECTS CHART). The type of playing surface determines which INFIELD or OUTFIELD RANGE CHART consulted to resolve range plays.

For example, Barry Bonds rolls a 580 which is an “IFR” on Josh Beckett’s pitching card. The two dice location roll is 25. On the “Lsp” column (Bonds Lsp batter for IFR vR pitchers) of the IFR LOCATION CHART, the play is “in the hole” to first base (1b), or Tino Martinez who is an E range. At Yankee Stadium the Slow Grass Surface chart resolves range plays, and the two dice result roll shows a 42. Looking at the “in the hole” section on the INFIELD RANGE CHART, the result is “Diving Stop”. Referring to the INFIELD RANGE FIELDING KEY, Tino Martinez makes the out at first.

For games played in certain stadiums there is a specific ballpark adjustment to OFR or IFR plays to account for outlier park effects. Refer to the PARK EFFECTS CHART for any special stadium effects. On an IFR “BLOWN CALL” result, the play is made at the lead base if a force available, or if the infield is in. Otherwise the play is at first base. Roll one die to determine who is ejected for arguing with the umpire.

Pivot ratings (+, -, or none) are found after the Range rating and affect CLOSE PLAY results on the INFIELD RANGE CHART KEY. Pivot rating also effect RG+ results on the SYMBOLS chart.

Playing the infield in - The defensive manager can bring his infield in by making an announcement that he is doing so before the dice are rolled. He can bring in any or all his infielders. Fielders playing in (excluding the pitcher and catcher) have their Range ratings reduced by 3 grades on IFR and OFR blooper plays (but not IFR “slow roller” or “high chopper”). A middle infielder who is in cannot pivot to complete a HG or RG+ double play. Be sure to use the “Infielder In” results on the SYMBOLS CHART if that infielder is positioned in. Hard grounders (HG) to infielders playing in need to be specially resolved on the SYMBOLS chart, with a two dice roll to determine a single, an IFR in the hole using adjusted range, or a HG. On bunts see the specific adjustments in the BUNTING CHARTS when fielders are playing in.

Playing the outfield in - The defensive manager can bring his outfield in by making an announcement before the dice are rolled. This strategy can only be used by the visiting team in the bottom of an inning from the ninth on, and only when the home team has the winning run on third base. Consider all OFR results “over the head” and “in the gap” to be game winning singles. Consider OFR “bloopers” and “looping liners” to be caught with all runners holding. A OFR “down the line” play becomes a HF if caught and the runner on third may try to score.

Guarding the lines - You may choose to guard the lines with your first baseman, third baseman, or both. On IFR plays hit “down the line” a fielder range rating adjusts upward by 2 grades. On IFR plays hit “in the hole”, a fielder range rating reduces by 3 grades.

Effect of base runners - There is adjustments to IFR ratings based upon whether a fielder is covering second on certain rolls and whether he is holding a runner on others. Refer to the IFR adjustment section at the bottom right corner of INFIELD RANGE CHART.

A player’s ability to steal bases is measured by his Stealing Rating. A stealing rating of 11 or better is considered a Terror on the base paths, while an 8 is average and players 5 or below are slower.

To steal announce your intent before three dice are rolled. To resolve a steal attempt if the runner is held by the first base man, go to the JUMP CHART and use the runner’s Jump rating and the pitcher’s Hold rating.

Let’s say Alex Rodriguez is on first and attempts to steal second on Pedro Martinez. Using two dice, you roll a 95 attempting to get the jump. Matching up “Av” (Martinez’s hold) with 1 (Rodriguez’s jump) with the roll, Rodriguez gets the jump and must now attempt to steal using the STEALING CHART. On a steal attempt, the baserunner’s stealing rating is reduced or increased by the number following the pitcher’s Hold rating (+/-) and the catcher’s throwing arm (ignore the catcher’s arm on steals of home).

For example, Jorge Posada’s 0 catching throwing arm would keep Rodriguez’ stealing rating at 10, and Martinez’s Hold rating of -1 would reduce it to 9. You roll a 49 with two dice. Matching the 9 stealing rating with 49, we find Rodriguez steals 2nd base.

Delayed Steal of Home - The offensive manager may call for a delayed steal of home if there are runners on 1st and 3rd only. If the runner on 1st gets the jump, the defense has the option of attempting to throw him out or hold the ball. If they hold the ball, the runner is safe at 2nd with a stolen base and the play is over. If the defense elects to throw the ball, the offensive manager may elect to send the runner home from third without rolling on the JUMP CHART. If the runner from third attempts to score, the defense may elect to let the throw go to 2nd or cut the throw off and throw home. If stealing home, don’t use the pitcher’s hold rating, but use the catcher’s arm. Assume any out at second base occurred prior to the runner scoring from third.

Stealing Notes: If the first baseman does not hold the runner on first no jump is required. The runner’s stealing rating increases by 2 and baserunning rating by 1. If the runner is held, reduce the first baseman’s Range rating by 2 grades on IFR plays “in the hole”. A runner may be held at 2nd by the second baseman or the shortstop; if held reduce the runner’s Jump rating by 2. Reduce the middle infielder’s Range rating by 2 grades on IFR plays “in the hole” and increase their Range rating by 1 grade on IFR plays “up the middle.” Runners on 3rd have their Jump reduced by 4 at all times, and may only attempt stealing home with a non-negative (adjusted) jump rating.

If a runner fails to get the jump, no further play (such as the hit and run or sacrifice) may be put on until the next batter comes to the plate. If a straight double steal is attempted, only the lead runner must get the jump. The defensive manager may always choose which (if any) runner he will attempt to throw out. Pitcher’s Jump ratings are always 0. When the batter is batting left handed the shortstop covers throws on attempted steals of second base and when the batter is batting right-handed the second baseman covers.

A player’s overall baserunning ability is measured by his “Runs” rating found on the right side of the batter cards. Pablo Ozuna has a 6 and is considered fast, while Bengie Molina’s -2 rating is considered slow.

A Baserunning rating is used mostly on the COACH’S CHOICE CHART should you decide to have a runner take an extra base. Make all appropriate adjustments, such as, +/- outfield throwing arms before making your decision and rolling two dice for this chart. If the defense chooses not to attempt a throw and concedes runner advancement, the throw is cut off. Roll two dice for the cut-off option. If more than one runner has a 1 + choice, the offense chooses whether any or all will attempt to advance, and the defense chooses which runner it will attempt to throw out or not throw out, with the others advancing automatically.

A player’s bunt ability is measured by the Bunting (Bunts/Runs) rating found on the right side of the batter card. Bunts may be Ex (Excellent), Vg (Very Good), Av (Average), Fr (Fair) or Pr (Poor), and Runs a numerical value called the bunter’s runner rating used to resolve close plays at first.

The offensive manager may inform the defense a bunt is possible before the dice roll, or surprise announce a bunt as dice are rolled. The defensive manager may play his infield in or at the corners, but must do this before the dice roll. See the BUNTING CHARTS for fielder and batter adjustments. With no runners on base, you may bunt for a hit. With men on, the offensive manager must declare the bunt a hit or a sacrifice attempt. The bunt is considered a suicide squeeze with a runner on third. With runners on the corners, the offensive manager may attempt to bunt the runner on first to second (consider him to be the lead runner) while holding the runner at third. If a wild throw occurs, the runner advances further on the error.

Use the player’s Bunting rating, the playing surface, dice rolls, and KEY to determine the result. For example, Derek Jeter is at the plate with Bubba Crosby on first at Yankee Stadium. The defense is at normal depth when Jeter (Ex bunt rating) attempts a bunt. You roll one die for location (2) and two dice for the result (79) which is a Close Play at first base for the third baseman. You roll 1 die (0) for Jeter’s bunter’s runner rating of 1. Jeter beats it out for a bunt single and Crosby advances to second. If the third basemen had been playing in (-2 to running rating), Jeter would have been out at first and a sacrifice successful instead.

A pitcher’s wild pitch frequency is measured by his Wild Pitch Rating, which are: Rare, Unlikely, Normal, Fair or Prone. A catcher’s passed ball frequency is measured by his Passed Ball Rating, which are: Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, or Pr.

When the symbol “WP&PB” is the pitcher’s card result, refer to the WP&PB CHARTS. When no one is on base, refer to the BASES EMPTY chart using the stadium’s Foul? Territory rating (found on the BALL PARK HOME RUN EFFECTS CHART). With men on base, use the RUNNER(S) ON BASE CHART which checks the pitcher’s Wild Pitch and catcher’s Passed Ball ratings.

If the symbol “!” appears on the hitter’s card (0-010), go to the WILD PLAY CHART and roll three dice to find the result. If the roll is 000-200, refer to batter’s and pitcher’s card for notes under ‘Special”. Some players have an increased chance of being involved in these “wild” plays and have appropriate “Special” or “!” symbols on their cards. If no special symbols re-roll three dice. In some cases, the play is ignored and the same batter is at the plate. Roll three dice again and return to normal play sequences on the batter’s or pitcher’s card.

A player’s injury tendency is measured by the “Inj” rating. A player rated Major often makes the disabled list, while a player rated Iron rarely goes down. The WILD PLAY CHART often asks to check for injuries. Roll three dice on the INJURY CHART and use the player’s Injury rating (Iron, Normal, Minor, Freq, Major) to determine injury and for how many days.

To hit and run, announce you are doing so before the roll of the dice. During normal play sequence, check the SYMBOLS and IFR CHARTS for special results. For ODD dice rolls on 1B results runners automatically advance 2 bases. On EVEN dice rolls on 1B results runners advance 1 base and have an opportunity to advance an extra base. On the COACH’S CHOICE CHART add 3 to the baserunning rating in addition to any other adjustments. The hit and run play cannot be used with two outs, loaded bases, or with runners on 2nd and 3rd.

Notes: On IFR plays “in the hole” to a fielder covering second base, they are considered a 1B glf/grf. On IFR plays “up the middle” to the fielder covering are resolved as hard grounders ‘HG’ without hit and run modifications. On ODD walk (BB) rolls during a hit and run play the ball is fouled off. No further plays (such as steal, bunt, or additional hit & run) may be put on until the next batter comes to the plate. On a strikeout ‘SO’ the baserunner must steal with a -3 penalty in addition to normal adjustments. On a batter ‘HR’ the batter swings and misses, and the runner must steal with a -3 penalty in addition to normal adjustments. On a lineout ‘L’ an automatic double play occurs.

The inning when a starter begins to tire or lose effectiveness is indicated by his Fatigue rating as a starter. Once a pitcher reaches this inning and anytime afterwards, if he previously allowed 8 baserunners or more to reach base, he must use the second range of italic numbers instead of the top range of numbers for the lower results (2B, DF, SO, BB, HG) on his card. If a pitcher gives up six or more earned runs, he must use the second italic range no matter what inning or number of baserunners. The SYMBOLS CHART contains fatigue adjustments for ‘L’ and ‘WP&PB’ results. Fielders range decrease by one for each new inning started by a fatigued pitcher.

Relievers are rated as Long, Middle, or Short. Long relievers fatigue after 6 baserunners reach base. Middle and Short relievers fatigue after 4 baserunners reach base. Relief pitchers with an asterisk (*) are considered closers and may not exceed 3 IP.

The system is designed to reflect the number of batters faced who reach base. Subtract any outs on the bases (double plays, caught stealing, thrown out advancing, etc.) from the number of baserunners. If the batter reaches on a fielder’s choice and a runner was put out on the play, he is not considered an additional baserunner. If the batter reaches first on an intentional walk, he is not considered an additional baserunner. Once a pitcher fatigues, he cannot become “unfatigued” by additional outs even if the out occurs on the bases during the same at bat where the batter reached to fatigue the pitcher.

Notes: Pitchers, who pitched five or more innings in their prior start, have specific adjustments on 3 days rest. Fatigue is reduced by 2 and the number of baserunners allowable before becoming fatigued is 6. A weather or dome effect does not alter these adjustments.

The IBL has adopted several rules covering special situations which are not normally covered. You may use these rules at your own discretion.

Players Out of Position

A player may only play a position not shown on his card in a desperation move. A desperation move occurs when tied or losing in the 9th inning, when due to injury, ejection, pinch-hitting, or pinch-running, no player is available on the bench who is eligible to play the position in question.

Players playing out of position use the following defensive ratings (players rated at a position listed in parentheses use the first rating, otherwise they must use the “others” rating):

• Catcher: 1/K/+4/Pr. Pitchers must use their fatigue numbers while a non-catcher is catching. Consider all “Blocked” wild pitch results to be passed balls.

• Firstbase: (infielder) 1/J. Reduce all pitcher hold ratings by one grade, and give all baserunners a +1 adjustment on steals of second base. (Others) 1/K/+1. Reduce all pitcher hold ratings by one grade, and give all baserunners a +1 adjustment on steals of second base.

• Secondbase: (ss, 3b) 1/* - Range is two grades lower than lowest rating for ss/3b. (Others) 1/K-/+1

• Thirdbase: (2b, ss) 1/* - Range is two grades lower than lowest rating for ss/2b. (Others) 1/K/+1

• Shortstop: (2b, 3b) 1/* - Range is two grades lower than lowest rating for 2b/3b. (Others) 1/K-/+1

• Leftfield: (rf, cf) 1/* - Range is two grades lower than lowest rating for rf/cf. (Others) 1/K/+3

• Centerfield: (lf, rf) 1/* - Range is three grades lower than lowest rating for lf/rf. (Others) 1/K/+3

• Rightfield: (lf, cf) 1/* - Range is two grades lower than lowest rating for lf/cf. (Others) 1/K/+3

Pitchers' Out of Role

A pitcher not rated as a reliever may pitch in relief as a Long reliever. The pitcher will use the relief rest chart after an appearance as a reliever, except that he will require as many days of rest as required by the STARTERS' rest chart before making a start following a relief appearance. A pitcher not rated as a starter may start in the event that due to game weather postponements, no other rated starter is available to pitch. The pitcher must start with fatigue numbers and when fatigued must use the emergency pitcher card. The pitcher is a “5” starter for determining fatigue.

Pitchers' Rest and Fatigue

A pitcher must use the appropriate rest chart based on the pitcher's previous role (starter or reliever), except prior to appearing as a starter, a pitcher must rest one day even if not otherwise required by the rest chart.

Pitchers’ Batting

Pitchers bat using the Pitcher’s Batting Cards found with the set. To be used as a pinch-hitter, a pitcher must have at least 50 AB in the prior major league season.

2006 The Internet Baseball League