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
Each and every block contains this mechanic, as determined by its placement. However, some blocks do not have noticeable texture differences, and are thus not readily identifiable.

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.