Barry, yes APBA is strictly a mathematical formula game. Each player card is created based on his performance from the year.
The Master Game adds a little more pitching counter balance to each at bat. The basic game has a die result that corresponds to a on base chart, there are columns that reflect the teams defensive rating (each player is rated by position then added together) and the pitchers "grade." The pitchers are rated A B C D and have a strikeout rating that can add to the pitchers strenght.
With all of that said it takes only one or two games for it all to become second nature. Games can be played very quickly.
I have played their computer version and it takes the math to a higher level but there is just something about handling the cards that makes it more fun. If I were serious about playing a whole season or even a team's season I would use the computer version since it also has available a stat organizer and compiler.
I think one of the reasons I liked APBA over Strat is that APBAs' game contents seem a little more polished. The cards have rounded corners and a company logo on the back. They are also in team printed envelopes. Does this make it a better game to play, not really, just a better presentation.
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