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Message: <blockquote data-quote="SableWyvern" data-source="post: 145661" data-attributes="member: 1008">I have the advantage as DM in my current campaign of being the only person with a reasonable understanding of the rules.In previous campaigns, however, where I was using systems known well by all, I have rarely found rules-lawyering to be a problem. As DM, I consider it my responsibility to know the rules well.If another player points out a possible mistake on my behalf, and they are correct, I will normally know right away that they are correct. If they are wrong, I will normally know that as well, and why I am right. So the issue is solved in a few seconds.On the occasion where I am unsure, I am generally happy to quickly look up the rule and move on.Currently, given we are all relatively new to 3e, it is generally me who will stop the session to check a rule, if that is required. As the campaign progresses, though this is becoming less and less frequent, as my rules-knowledge increases.There are a few simple steps to ensuring a smooth-flowing game:1. The DM has a responsibility to learn the rules. He doesn't have to know everything immediately, but should do his best to learn as quickly as possible.2. The DM must be seen to be fair. IOW, he must gain the trust of the players.3. When the result of an action is not of dramatic importance, the DM should be able to make an arbitrary ruling when he considers too much time has been taken up searching for the "correct" ruling.4. When the DM makes such a ruling, it should be accepted and the game should move on. After the session, the DM should find the correct ruling, decide how to implement it in future, and explain to the group his decision before the next session. The important issues are that the DM gains the trust of the players through fair and consistent behaviour, and that the players are more interested in having fun than "winning".Probably the very first step is to point out how things are going to work, before the campaign begins. I always start my first session of a campaign making it clear to the players what is expected of them and myself - dice-rolling conventions, alternate rules in use, how grievances will be dealt with, how missing players will be dealt with etc...</blockquote>

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