The Resolution is not a standard debate platform. It is a meritocratic system designed to turn "spinning" into "winning." Here is the quick-start logic of the game:
1. Park Your Opinions
Success begins with Objectivity. Your goal is not to negate your personal beliefs, but to "park" them so you can see your opponent's logic clearly. In this game, winning depends on making sense of what your opponent is thinking, regardless of how you feel about it.
2. The 10-Second Rule
Try to make your questions 10 seconds or less. If you can’t ask it in 10 seconds, you might be performing rather than inquiring, or you might need to rethink your questions for clarity. Concise inquiry is the mark of an expert debater.
3. The Mental Microscope
Like a researcher studying a microbe, use your turns to look closely at "problematic" or opposing viewpoints. You need a mental microscope... not a telescope. The more you uncover, the better your chances of earning high scores from the judges.
Remember: proximity proves, but distance distorts.
4. "Resolve This"
The Resolution is built for efficiency. If a point is settled, or a player is simply spinning their wheels, any Judge can secretly petition to "Resolve This", skipping ahead to closing arguments. If the Audience grants that petition, saved time is rewarded by giving the Advocates compensation points (replacing what they might have normally earned).
5. Earn Your Ranking
Winning is measured by Civic Competence. Every player starts at the Petitioner ranking, rising to become an Advocate, then Diplomat, until reaching the top ranking of Epitome. It's all based on human-led scoring from Judges and the Audience, as well as a track record of playing without drawing penalties.