Does D&D and alcohal mix?

[mikey6990]

Never had a problem with one or two social drinks at my tables. We take it as just another social thing for some people. As long as it does not interfere.

I did game with a guy who was in the Army back home from a Korean deployment. He said they called D&D "Drunk and Disorderly" referring to the playing style that sometimes evolved (devolved?). Got a great kick out of that one.

 

[Belegbeth]

... I will submit, however, that in my experience, alcohol tends to lower the inhibitions of players and DMs alike, and can be a catalyst for some very intense, passionate roleplay. ...

That was certainly my experience in the last campaign I ran. We played during the evening, and having a few beers over the course of a session helped people to relax a bit, forget about the stresses of their day, and get "into" their characters.

If people are mature and responsible, a few beers can actually enhance the role-playing experience.

 

[adembroski3]

I run a game in which my players generally drink throughout. They don't tend to get over drunk, as they pace themselves well, but I was wondering if anyone's had problems with drinking players?

Just curious.

 

[robberbaron]

Generally, we don't imbibe during games (except for an occasional whisky).
I guess we laugh more, so you could say it affects the game.

We used to have alcohol-fuelled weekend gaming sessions in the past (20 years ago), and the very odd all day game with beer nowadays, and they are great. Very relaxed.

As long as the DM and 1 player are awake you can play.

 

[LazerPointer]

Our group doesn't drink very often, but I think D&D and booze is a great mix. I'm sure there are many stories of problem players, though.

 

[RichCsigs]

I don't drink myself, but in my brother's game then tend to drink during the game, but there's been no problems.

 

[Wycen]

There was a thread a month, maybe 2, ago about this. Seemed it was as varied as games and gamers themselves.

Generally in the groups I play with, drinking is mild to none. Partly because in one group half the players have to drive significant distance, partly we worry it'll screw up our judgement or more likely cut into someone elses fun. In one group we have an alcoholic, so I don't think it is nice of us to drink in front of him, but we do it sometimes.

 

[Gundark]

in my XP alcohol and gaming DO NOT mix

 

[rei jin]

alcohol and playing can mix, it's excessive alcohol and playing that doesn't.
if people drink until they can't see straight, then it kills the game. even worse, they knock their drinks over, ruining character sheets and *gulp* books! (yes,i had this happen once, needless to say the guilty player DOES NOT play with me anymore). i have no problem with responsible drinking, or getting drunk between sessions or after sessions, but not DURING sessions.

 

[Faerl'Elghinn]

I think it depends on what your goals are in each game. If your goal is to sit around and BS with your drinking buddies while also sneaking in some game time, then the sky's the limit. If your goal is to stay on task and in character, then at least some moderation is prudent, as excessive alcohol can be very conducive to digression. I will submit, however, that in my experience, alcohol tends to lower the inhibitions of players and DMs alike, and can be a catalyst for some very intense, passionate roleplay. Conversely, it can also be a contributing factor to some intense, passionate arguments, so it helps to have a DM who is good at agreeable rules improvisation.