If someone can't afford the books - check out the hypertext searchable srd at:
http://www.d20srd.org/ . Stick to the core srd on the left hand side and ignore the rest of the sections.
Here is the cheat sheet that I put on the inside of my dmscreen during every game:
Conflict moves the story forward.
*Pace - keep the game moving
*Time - be aware of passing time
*Don't give the roll if you don't want it to happen
*When in doubt - Throw Orcs. (generic for some small monster or bandit)
1) Physically plausible and consistent
2) Discipline at the table - no negativity, no meta-gaming
3) Reward and Punish
4) Don't talk players to death - less is more
5) Difference in Levels - 7th is better than 5th
6) NPCs are people too
7) Don't buy players
8) Speed is better
9) Make it like a movie - eliminate the unimportant.
Doesn't move the plot? it doesn't belong
10) Monsters are fell
11) Details matter - give the world texture
12) Stop with the DM control
13) Story - invest in the players
14) Entertain
15) Self contained game world - leave the real world at the door
16) Countdown clock - to stress players, force them to act quickly
17) Go against expectations often
18) Use twists and turns
Start campaign small and work larger.
Remember the little things, small details that add depth
weatherbeaten, careworn face
ship needs paint
equipment is well worn
Dont's
dwell on one player - spread DM time around.
forget the NPC’s.
Be predictable
Building Conflict
Three levels of conflict
Man Vs Environment
Man Vs Man
Man Vs Self
Only 2 roots of conflict: Sex & Violence
Force important decisions with incomplete or conflicting information
Moral decisions
Fear of Loss
Reversal of expectation
obstacles and surprises
two dogs, one bone
To get better -
Consistently DM
Don’t get discouraged if you flop at first
Enjoy the game - Have fun.
Stick with it - Don’t quit.
These are the things that I have found enable me to run a consistently good game.