The Matter of Batters

Sometimes we hear this around the Kardball table: "if you get on base, you draw three new cards."  This is partially true.

The truer form of this statement is this: "if somebody gets on base, another batter draws three new cards." Below, we explain why.

Up, Deck, Hole

In almost any Kardball game, three batters each get three cards to start an inning: (1.) batter up, (2.) batter on deck, (3.) batter in the hole. In a standard three-against-three contest, if the lead-off batter homers or gets on base, he draws three new cards because he will definitely bat again, even if the next two batters make outs.  That lead-off batter is now in the hole.

In a four-against-four game, the clean-up (fourth) batter draws his first three cards if the lead-off batter gets on base.  The lead-off batter does not draw.

When and Why a Batter Draws

Anyone in the batting order who is guaranteed to bat in that inning should draw cards and hold them until they are at bat. Another way to think of it is this: after an out, no batters draw cards. Another way to think of this is as follows.

The number of batters holding cards is the same as the remaining outs.

While there are no outs, three players (including the batter up) should have cards, since at least those three are guaranteed a trip to the box.

After one out (with two remaining), two players (including the batter up) should have cards, since at least those two will see pitches.

After two outs (with one remaining), only the batter up holds cards. If that player gets on base, the next one in the order draws and bats immediately.

Kardball Law: Konservation of Matter

No matter what position, which side, or what point in a game, only cards that are (or will be) in play should be drawn.  That's yet another paraphrase of "the number of batters holding cards is the same as the remaining outs."

And if necessary, we apologize for reminding you of your high school physics class.