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How to Do Your Dungeons & Dragons Games

Dungeons and Dragons, commonly referred to as D&D, has attracted players for decades. It is a role-playing game, in which participants act in the roles of characters they create and determine outcomes through a roll of dice. Although the game has become simpler over the years, it still can be daunting for new players. However, many resources for learning the game exist, and with some preparation anyone should be able to begin playing in little time.

Things You'll Need

Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook
Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide
Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual
Variety of multisided dice
Pencils or pens
Paper (for making maps or taking notes)

Instructions

- 1
  Become familiar with the rules and other information found in the D&D Players Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide. Play through the demonstration game at the official Dungeons and Dragons website. Ask at local game stores about any groups that meet there and would be willing to let you sit in on a session.
- 2
  Solidify the group that is playing. Get firm commitments to attend sessions. Make sure the players read the Player's Handbook and become familiar with the rules. For the first session, have them create their characters as described in the Player's Handbook. This will help everyone learn the rules and understand the game system.
  
  The game is based on interaction between the game planner, who is known as the Dungeon Master, and the players. The Dungeon Master (often abbreviated as DM) will describe an environment or situation, and the players will react in a way consistent with their characters, according to the rules. The DM will respond to the characters' actions. Play continues in this manner.
  
  For example, a DM describes a room with monsters inside. The players say what their characters will do: attack the monsters, run or hide. The DM will then tell what the monsters did.
  
  If any attempted action, such as an attack or the use of special skills, requires chance to succeed, the players or the DM will roll dice to determine the outcome. The type of dice used depends on the encounter. Dice with 20 sides are most commonly used.
- 3
  Plan the adventure scenarios for the players. Be creative; offer plenty of options for them to make decisions. Solid preparation will make the session much less stressful for you and more fun for the players. Try to anticipate what the players might do so you will not be caught unaware.
  
  Many preset adventures for beginners have been published. They are available for purchase from Wizards of the Coast, the current publisher of D&D games. Other ideas are free online.
- 4
  Continue the game -- usually over several sessions -- until players complete the adventure. Characters who survived (some may not!) then gain experience points, which can make them more powerful. They also may collect money and treasure, which they find during the adventure. Some groups award experience to characters after every session, and others prefer to wait for the end of the adventure.
  
  The characters, with their new abilities, may then begin a new adventure.

Role Playing Games