RULES

RULE 1:
Horizontal stroke preceds a vertical stroke or a downward stroke either to the left or to the right.

RULE 2:
A downward stroke to the left precedes one to the right.

RULE 3:
The strokes are usually written from the top down.

RULE 4:
The strokes are usually written from left to right.

RULE 5:
When strokes are enclosed by another stroke or strokes on the top-right, top-left, or left-top-right sides (that is, with an open bottom), the enclosing strokes usually precede the enclosed strokes.

RULE 6:
When strokes are enclosed by another stoke or strokes on the bottom-left, or leftbottom-right sides (that is, with an open top), the enclosed strokes usually precede the enclosing strokes.

RULE 7:
When strokes are enclosed by other strokes on all four sides, the strokes on the left, top and right sides are written first, then the enclosed strokes, and finally the stroke at the bottom. This is commonly described as "putting everything inside before the door is closed".

RULE 8:
A vertical stroke in the middle usually preceds strokes on either side.

RULE 9:
If a vertical stroke in the middle crosses other strokes, it is usually written last.

I know it seems a lot, but they are all common sense... wet ink smudges!!!