On this episode of Lair of Secrets, we present the our guide for new Game Masters, packed with advice, tips, and encouragement for those ready to take the GM seat. We explore choosing the right game, gathering players, preparing efficiently, and rolling with mistakes while ensuring a fun and engaging experience.
Chapter List
0:00 - Welcome to the Lair & GMing 1012:00 - Choosing the Right Game for You & Your Players5:00 - Prepping Smart: Rules, Research & Quickstart Guides8:30 - Finding & Pitching to Players11:45 - One-Shots vs. Campaigns: Starting with Low Commitment14:20 - Tools of the Trade: GM Kits & Digital vs. In-Person Play17:30 - Rolling with Mistakes & Improvising on the Fly20:15 - Setting Expectations & Managing Player Dynamics23:00 - Encouragement for New GMs & The GMUary Initiative25:10 - Closing Thoughts & Join the Lair Community!
Listen to the Episode
Watch to the Episode
Watch The Lair's Guide for New Game Masters (S4E13) on YouTube
Show Notes
Identify games you are interested in
Game that you’ve been playing?
A game you’ve had on your shelf and have been interested in?
Watch videos or listen to podcasts about those games.
Like say … Scum & Villainy or Cyberpunk RED actual plays here at the Lair :)
Make the Pitch
Read the room and look for:
games that fit the players might like
Sense of whether they want a one shot or something extended
Offer to run one game
With the option to run more if you and the others like it
Offer to run a self-contained game
Fiasco
Honey Heist
Lasers & Feelings
Lady Blackbird
D&D Essentials Kit
Do a test run
Play the game at a convention
Get a feel for how the game is run
Try a solo adventure
See the Dragonbane boxed set and its solo adventure
Do a mini session with people excited for the game to
“kick the tires” of the rules
get used to being the GM
figure out the virtual game table as the GM
What’s your minimal viable game as a new Game Master
Run a one shot
That one shot means there isn’t a long commitment
The one shot can turn into a multi-shot game if everyone is enthusiastic about it
Quickstart rules for games
Pregen characters
This way you know what the character abilities are and how they might be played
What we recommend you reading and setting up
Review the scenario
Take notes about parts that are confusing or not fleshed out.
What we recommend you and your players review before the game:
The basic rules for the game
Rules Cheat Sheet
Find one or make one
Review the characters
Some tools
Index Cards
Notebook
List of names
Pencils.
Extra dice
Build a tool kit!
Running - Don’t worry. You’ve got this.
Talk with your group and set expectations. Ask the rules lawyer to chill (or to help)
Let the group know that if you can’t find a rule, you’ll make a ruling and move on
Roll with the fumbles (see also: ken makes awesomely bad mothership maps)
Don’t worry about being “right”, work on having fun
Featured Image Meta
Cover art for the D&D Essentials Kit. Credit: Wizards of the Coast.
