Are you stuck to a grid?

[psyekl]

In one of my recent threads about mapping, the topic of the importance of grids was brought up and it got me wondering: Just how often do gamers use the grids? Even after the advent of D&D v3 and v3.x, I still only use grids very rarely, and then only if we're using miniatures. As a DM, most of my maps are sketched out on blank paper with just a suggested scale, and combat is run without visual aids (usually).

As for a published product I've come to the conclusion that a grid is desired, but just how many of you use them all the time?

 

[Crothian]

I use grids when I draw maps but that's only becasue I'm lousy with maps and free hand drawing and I need the grids to keep things neat

 

[Laman Stahros]

I've using grids for mapping ever since 1e. I like to use battlemats for showing where everything is, been doing that almost as long.

 

[chris7476]

I use the grid as much as possible. I've actually started to tailor any maps I create to the size of the battlemat (I have a big one). I love the fact that I can draw out a huge portion of the map and have the players go anywhere they want. I find it really opens up combat and gives the battles a "go anywhere" feel.

 

[Aristotle]

Likewise... my players think more tactically with the grid. Without it they tend to just stand in place and hack. Now they are actually looking for the best shot or the best vantage point.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

I always draw out the area and use minis (or counters, for games where nobody actually collects them,) for every combat. Maybe others have an easy time remembering where seven orcs and four or more players are all in relation to each other and the topography, but I certainly don't. It gets drawn, and things go from there. Especially with AoOs, you need to be able to see if you have a clear path somewhere, or are passing by somebody else.

And since I can never be quite sure where a combat will wind up, I do all my mapping on a grid, so I can draw it out if conflict arises anywhere on the map.

 

[Thanee]

Combat:

Normally only use grids when there are bigger combats.
Smaller combats are done without battle map, usually.

Mapping:

Depends, but normally grids help judge distances, so aren't too bad for mapping. But often we just draw maps on blank sheets of paper w/o grids.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Mr Vergee]

I normally use published maps, which are printed on grids.

We use the battle mat and the dwarvenforge mastermaze (which has 'gridded' tiles) for every combat, since movement has become an integral part of the game since 3ed.

One more thing, Psyekl, your question "Are you stuck to a grid?" is not exactly objective. I don't feel stuck to a grid at all, actually, having used it for quite some time, I can hardly imagine play without it. Using the grid and movement rules in combat is definitely one of the biggest improvements of the game in comparison to 2ed.

 

[Zappo]

For combat, I always use grids. Otherwise, we sometimes do and sometimes don't, depends on whether there is a gridded whiteboard available or not.

 

[frankthedm]

combat- On a Battlemat, grid is there for simplicity, i still enforce measuring your movement.