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 variant.

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 without a compass and cannot see the sun. Since a compass does not determine direction, merely direction towards the spawn point, in SMP one might wish to find another's base which would require use of a compass.

Block directionality
Blocks are placed at a fixed orientation. Knowing this, it is possible to use the textures on the vertical faces of the blocks to orientate oneself as if with a compass.

The South/West rule also occurs in certain other items.
 * 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.
 * If the player is standing adjacent to a sand block with a cactus on it, the North and East faces of the cactus will damage the player, if touched, while the South and West faces will not.
 * 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.
 * When a block is being broken, its cracks always maintain a certain cardinality.