What are the "Rules"?

[islander]

I am seeing more threads and posts regarding "rules", but what are the rules?

I searched my memory bank for the times I recall someone addressing some rules and listed them below. I am sure there are more examples so please add them so we can get a more complete picture of potential rules. So far, the only common thread is that the rules are broken or circumvented.

Here's what I recall and feel free to add to my list:

- Jacob and AJ implied there were rules regarding their ability to kill each other that could only be violated if one found a loophole or loop hole.

- Keamy/Widmore broke the rules, per Ben, when he killed Alex

- Widmore and Ben seemed to agree that the rules prevent them from killing each other, but unlike J and AJ, there was no mention of a loophole. And, Ben did not break the rules by killing little Charlie, yet...

- Locke told Miles something about following the rules when he put that armed grenade in Mile's mouth while he was held prisoner by Locke in that cabin by Othertown.

- Ben said something to the effect that he could not return to the island after turning the wheel because of the rules (or implied rules).

- Dan claimed the rules don't apply to Des.

Is there one set of rules that apply to everything/everyone on the island, or are there separate sets of rules for wheel turners, others' leaders, gods, time travelers, etc...?

If there's just one set of rules for whatever happens on the island, then Des is really, really, really important.

[Pung]

Well I tell you what, if we all had our copy of the lost rulebook I dont think the show would be half as exciting. In regards to your post I think there are different sets of rules for Jacob/AJ, Widmore/Ben, and Dan's rules of time travel. But here's what Lostpedia says: http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Rules

[islander]

Well I tell you what, if we all had our copy of the lost rulebook I dont think the show would be half as exciting. In regards to your post I think there are different sets of rules for Jacob/AJ, Widmore/Ben, and Dan's rules of time travel. But here's what Lostpedia says: http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Rules

From Lostpedia - The term "The Rules" can refer to both a set of guidelines between Charles Widmore and Benjamin Linus and a set of "Rules" which governs whether time travelers can alter events in history. As yet, the exact nature of The Rules is unknown, and it is unknown whether both instances of Rules refer to the same concept.

LOL...that's real helpful....so it looks like we get to cut new ground here.

HUH - Lostpedia didn't mention when Ben told Locke he couldn't come back if he turned the wheel because that was a rule too...Ben did say that, didn't he?

[Pung]

Haha, right I know what you mean.

I dont know, after the incident ep I feel like Ben and Widmore's thing is extremely insignificant compared to the Jacob/Aj squabble. I think of any rules we have seen, the Jacob/aj rules will be the most important to the story of lost and widmore/ben rules will be a tributary to the main river

[gingergrant]

for a complete set of rules, go to www.lostisagame.com

even if it isn't this exactly or not close (but it's good), there is a good list there. Look under "playing"