Repository Rules - Next Available
The Next Available rule adds an obstacle to collaborating on the road to complete metadata repositories. When next available is yes, a selected metadata element must be played in the next available record.
Example: After two rounds, Red must play an R to start round 3 and Blue must play an A because of selection constraints on the board. Red must play the R in record 3 because it is the only R available in an existing record. The Next Available rule controls where Blue can play in round 3:
If Next Available is Yes (default), Blue must play an A in record 2 and a collaboration bonus will not be scored for record 2 because two fields were filled by Blue.
If Next Available is No, Blue can play the A in record 3, preserving the possibility of a collaboration bonus for record 2 if Red selects an A in a subsequent round.
Next Available is no in the introductory rules, players do not need to select the next available field, and yes, players need to select the next available field, in the default rules.
Metadata Game Details:
The Next Available Repository Rule controls where selected metadata elements can be added to the repository. If next available is no (simple game), Blue can add an A to record 3 in order to preserve a possible collaboration bonus for record 2. If next available is yes (default), Blue must play the A in record 2 which eliminates the collaboration bonus for record 2.