South-east rule

The South/West rule is an unintentional mechanic in Minecraft wherein various effects occur based on compass rose directions. Generally, these effects occur in a South/West varient.

This mechanic may be used to help determine direction without the use of a compass, if one is in the nether and it does not function properly, or if the player is underground and cannot see the sun. Each and every block contains this mechanic, as determined by its placement. However, most block do not have noticible texture differences, and are thus not redily identifiable. One such textured block is the netherrack, which contains a simplistic "L" shape.

The South/West rule also occurs in certain other items.
 * When placing minecart tracks, they will favor linking to their North or East edges.
 * An individually placed minecart track will run East/West.
 * Minecarts will favor south or west motion at a "+" intersection due to the fact they favor "starting" at the North or East edge.
 * The North and East faces of a block on fire will burn a player who touches those sides, while the South and West sides do not.
 * The Northeast corner of a block that has blocks to the North and East of it will effect its properties to a block (or player) touching that Northeast corner.
 * A player, boat, or mob touching the Northeast corner of a water block can swim even if blocked on the South and West sides.
 * A dispenser will fire arrows, eggs, or snowballs through a solid block right next to the dispenser if the dispenser is facing West or South.
 * Chests, when placed will face by default West, or if surrounded by two blocks dominantly South, and then West. Chest direction is not affected by glass or stone slabs.