GM Tips
16 hard-won tips for running one-shots that your players will still be talking about next month — plus video guides for first-time GMs.
New to the GM chair? Start here.
You Don't Have to Know Everything
The biggest first-time GM mistake is thinking you need to have all the answers. You don't. 'I'll look that up' and 'let's say it works like this for now' are both valid GM moves. Your players want a good story, not a rules lawyer.
Start Small, Start Simple
Your first session doesn't need to be epic. It needs to be finished. A simple dungeon with a clear goal and a satisfying ending beats an ambitious campaign that collapses in session two.
Your Players Want You to Succeed
The people at your table are rooting for you. They want a good session. They'll forgive mistakes, fill in gaps, and meet you halfway — if you're clearly trying. Use that goodwill.
Have Fun. Seriously.
If you're not having fun, something has gone wrong. Fix it. Change the scene, skip the encounter, fast-forward to the good part. You're the GM — you have that power.
The most important rule at any TTRPG table.
If it's awesome, find a way to make it happen. Here's how to wield it.
The Rule of Cool: Your Most Important Rule
If it's awesome, let it happen. Full stop. The dice can wait. When a player describes something genuinely cool, find a way to make it work. The rules are a starting point, not a ceiling.
Cool Fails Are Still Cool
When the Rule of Cool goes sideways, make the failure just as epic as the success. A spectacular failure is a story. A boring failure is just a setback. Choose the story every time.
When to Override the Rules
The rulebook is a starting point, not a ceiling. When a rule would kill the momentum or make a cool moment feel cheap, override it. Your table's fun is the only rule that matters.
Reward Bold Play
Players who take risks deserve to feel it. Build a table culture that celebrates daring — even when it fails. When players know bold moves get rewarded, they stop playing it safe and start making memories.
tips 16
The 3-Scene Rule
Every great one-shot has three beats: an opening hook that pulls players in, a mid-point twist that raises the stakes, and a climax that pays off everything you set up. That's it. Stop over-preparing. Three scenes. You're done.
Yes, And — The GM's Secret Weapon
Borrow from improv comedy. When a player does something unexpected, accept it and build on it. 'Yes, and...' keeps the story moving, makes players feel heard, and generates moments you never could have planned.
End on a Bang
One-shots live and die by their endings. Build toward a single dramatic moment and let the players feel like legends. Don't let the session fizzle — when you see the climax coming, lean into it hard.
The Rule of Cool: Your Most Important Rule
If it's awesome, let it happen. Full stop. The dice can wait. When a player describes something genuinely cool, find a way to make it work. The rules are a starting point, not a ceiling.
You Don't Have to Know Everything
The biggest first-time GM mistake is thinking you need to have all the answers. You don't. 'I'll look that up' and 'let's say it works like this for now' are both valid GM moves. Your players want a good story, not a rules lawyer.
More Tips
Pre-Gen Characters Are Your Best Friend
Skip the 45-minute character creation session. Hand out pre-gens with built-in connections to the adventure. Your players will thank you — and you'll actually start on time.
The Two-Hour Warning
When you hit the two-hour mark, start wrapping up — no matter where you are. Players' attention fades, energy drops, and a rushed ending beats a dragged-out one every time.
One Location, Done Right
Resist the urge to build a whole world. One vivid location — a haunted inn, a crumbling tower, a goblin market — beats ten vague ones. Make it feel real and your players will fill in the rest.
The Villain Who Makes Sense
Your villain needs a reason. Give them one and your whole adventure gets better. A villain with a goal the players can understand — even if they can't agree with it — is infinitely more compelling than a generic evil overlord.
Give Everyone a Moment
Every player at your table deserves one scene where they feel like the hero. Build it in deliberately. Know your players' characters and create a moment that lets each one shine.
Cool Fails Are Still Cool
When the Rule of Cool goes sideways, make the failure just as epic as the success. A spectacular failure is a story. A boring failure is just a setback. Choose the story every time.
When to Override the Rules
The rulebook is a starting point, not a ceiling. When a rule would kill the momentum or make a cool moment feel cheap, override it. Your table's fun is the only rule that matters.
Reward Bold Play
Players who take risks deserve to feel it. Build a table culture that celebrates daring — even when it fails. When players know bold moves get rewarded, they stop playing it safe and start making memories.
Start Small, Start Simple
Your first session doesn't need to be epic. It needs to be finished. A simple dungeon with a clear goal and a satisfying ending beats an ambitious campaign that collapses in session two.
Your Players Want You to Succeed
The people at your table are rooting for you. They want a good session. They'll forgive mistakes, fill in gaps, and meet you halfway — if you're clearly trying. Use that goodwill.
Have Fun. Seriously.
If you're not having fun, something has gone wrong. Fix it. Change the scene, skip the encounter, fast-forward to the good part. You're the GM — you have that power.
Watch & Learn
Curated YouTube guides for first-time GMs and anyone who wants to level up their game. Click any thumbnail to watch right here.
How to Be a Dungeon Master
Dungeon Dudes
Everything a brand-new DM needs to know — from reading the room to running combat without freezing up.
So You Want to Be a Game Master
XP to Level 3
A straight-talking guide to stepping behind the screen for the first time and actually enjoying it.
How to Prep a D&D Session Fast
Sly Flourish
The lazy DM method — prep only what matters so you spend less time planning and more time playing.
The Rule of Cool Explained
YouTube
Why letting awesome things happen — even when the rules disagree — makes for better stories and happier players.
When to Say Yes to Your Players
YouTube
How saying yes at the right moment turns a good session into one your players talk about for years.
Dungeon Master Tips for Better Sessions
YouTube
Practical DM advice for running tighter, more engaging sessions — from pacing to player management.
Videos are hosted on YouTube. All credit to the original creators.
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