Character gender selection during creation

[MiloBuka]

Hi everyone,
I wasn't allowed to change my character's gender after seeing my initial cards because it was considered that I had already made a choice based on what was most advantageous for me. I understand that reasoning, but I don't see why it should be a problem. For example, I drew Elf and Halfling race cards, along with bonuses specific to Halflings and Humans. Naturally, I would choose which race to play and could even decide not to play any race card at that moment. So, why can't I decide on my character's gender in the same way? Since it's the character creation phase, shouldn't I be allowed to make decisions, including gender, based on the cards I receive?

[Brf]

If you want to change your gender once the game has started, you would have to play a Curse! Change Sex card on yourself.

[MiloBuka]

Originally Posted by Brf

If you want to change your gender once the game has started, you would have to play a Curse! Change Sex card on yourself.

Thank you for the response! Just to clarify, I'm referring to the very beginning of the game, right after receiving the cards but before playing them. At that point, when you're deciding which race or class to play, can you also decide or change your character's gender? My question isn't about changing gender once the game has already started, but rather during the initial setup phase when the character is being created

[Brf]

No. You are not allowed to change your race or class without playing a card. You would not be able to change your gender without a card either. Otherwise you could give yourself and unfair advantage if you had a card such as Amazon.

[MiloBuka]

Originally Posted by Brf

No. You are not allowed to change your race or class without playing a card. You would not be able to change your gender without a card either. Otherwise you could give yourself and unfair advantage if you had a card such as Amazon.

The rule allowing you to declare a different gender for your character does exist. Character creation occurs when it's your turn to play your cards for the first time. Do you believe that before this moment, you're not allowed to review your cards? Why do you consider this advantage unfair? After all, in Munchkin, we play our cards to maximize our benefit—this is the essence of the game. If you disagree, could you please describe the exact moment when it should technically be declared that your character’s gender is different from your own?

[Brf]

In the Character Creation section of the rules, it mentions you choose your sex, before it tells you to look at your cards. If your group wants to look at your cards first, go ahead.