D&D General How to DM, best resource

[Scott Christian]

The 2014 DM's guide (the intro and first chapter), Matt Mercer and Satine Phoenix's videos on GM tips, and actual in-person playtime as a player with a good DM. That is what I would start with.

Note: If they are still too young to read and understand the DM's Guide, read it with or to them.

 

[SlyFlourish]

Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master

Bless you.

 

[SlyFlourish]

Thanks to all of those who recommended Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master!

For those interested, I offer a good-sized free sample of the book here:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/slyflourish_content/return_of_the_lazy_dungeon_master_sample.pdf

I also have my own guide on how to get started playing D&D:

How to Play Dungeons & Dragons

This article intends to help new players learn about playing and running Dungeons & Dragons. It focuses particularly on the player who will be running the game, known as the "dungeon master" or DM. If...

slyflourish.com

Hope those help!

 

[J-H]

I finished Justin Alexander's book, and my son has mostly finished it. It's more "How to structure a campaign" than "How to DM" in my mind. Very little on monster roles and making individual combats interesting, but plenty on how to make those encounters fit into a bigger story or adventure (heist, raid, etc.) and how to structure it sensibly.

Meanwhile in the game he's running for me and the younger son we (7th level + 2 weak minions) just faced a room with 2 gargoyles, 2 githyanki knights, 2 pegasi, 2 centaurs, and 2 manticores. Everyone starts somewhere!