Great DMing: Learn to play the game

To be a great DM

or not to be a great DM, that is the question.

And the answer? If you wanna be the next big star in the tabletop world hidden in your basement, you got to know how to play the game. So follow me, I’ll show you how to learn to play D&D and use that knowledge to become a great DM.

Find a group

So the first thing you need to do is join a Dungeons and Dragons group. Typically, groups play on a re-occurring basis, such as once a week or twice a month. My group plays every other Friday night. Each game night can last between 4 to 6 hours, or even longer depending on the players. Each campaign is different, as you’ll find out, but a typical campaign can last several months or even years, depending on the DM and the party.

Each D&D group is different. You might try several before you feel comfortable or get the right fit. That’s okay. Remember, people are unique. RPGs like D&D are imbued with the people who are playing them. Find the group for you, people you enjoy and who enjoy you.

Also, if you have one awkward experience, don’t give up. New things are awkward. It’s okay not to understand the rules or to be confused. If you have a good DM, they should make you feel comfortable and help you along the way.

Here are some ways to find a new D&D group so you can learn the ropes:

• D&D meetups – these are designed to let people drop in and out

• Local game stores – the person behind the counter is usually involved in a game or two and sometimes the store offers tabletop gaming tables on the premises

• Official DnD channels – search for groups, events and stores in your area

• Social Media – Reddit and Facebook have dedicated groups for DnD, locally and online

Read the books

Reading is exciting. It’s energizing. It’s powerful.

Did you know that Warlocks have spells other than Eldritch blast? Did you know it still doesn’t matter?

I know, cool, right?

Here’s a list of places to start reading if you want to know the rules:

• Dungeon Master’s Guide

• Player’s Handbook

These two books should teach you everything you need to know to start playing.

Listen to podcasts or watch videos

We all listen or watch for fun already. Why not learn alongside the fun? Who knows, you might even start a podcast of your own someday.

Here are some podcasts and videos to check out as you start tuning in:

• Critical Role - the most famous of DnD podcasts

• Good Times Society - not just DnD, but a host of nerd things

• Puffin Forest - be ready to laugh

• Dingo Doodles - sometimes gaming leads to doodles

Try DMing a one shot

One of the cool things about D&D is the flexibility. If you want to try your hand at leading your group, you can with very little investment. Although long-form story campaigns are the most popular kind of campaign associated with RPGs, one shot adventure modules do exist. They are my bread and butter.

If running a months or possibly years long campaign is not yet for you, try running one evening instead. You can buy a pre-written one shot adventure or create one of your own. 

Final thoughts about learning the game

Learning the rules of the game is important. Buuuuut, you don’t need to know everything. The game rules at my table aren’t something one person knows but more like a collection of us all at once. No one learns everything, though I have found that usually there is one guy at the table that reads the game books for fun (looking at you Ryan).

D&D is not a test, nobody is grading you or your knowledge. Pretty much everyone has some kind of rule book open as they play—and I mean every player at the table, not just the DM. The point of D&D is not to know everything or even win.

The point of D&D and other RPGs or tabletop games is the fun along the way. If you learn to have fun while you play, and to make the game fun for all your friends, you’ve learned the most important rule.

So join a group, read the books, listen to all the funny things, and give a one shot a chance. You won’t know if you’ve mastered the rules unless you put them to the test.

Remember, all the organization in the world is helpful. But with a DnD campaign, chaos is likely.

#NumberOneJosiah

Jo is our co-founder, resident DM for Hire and a philosopher of tabletop gaming.

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