Is a '1' an auto-failure for saving throws?

[Forrester]

I ask because I always thought it was, but when I looked up Saving Throws in the PHB, it didn't mention it. Am I going insane?

There's also this, from the Deities and Demigods stuff at WotC:

"Imhotep, as a demigod (Divine Rank: 1), treats a 1 on an attack roll or saving throw normally and not as an automatic failure"

suggesting that '1' is an auto-failure.

Meaning that my problem is likely that I've forgotten how to read . . . where in the PHB does it say that a '1' is an auto-failure on a saving throw?

 

[kreynolds]

I ask because I always thought it was, but when I looked up Saving Throws in the PHB, it didn't mention it. Am I going insane?

There's also this, from the Deities and Demigods stuff at WotC:

"Imhotep, as a demigod (Divine Rank: 1), treats a 1 on an attack roll or saving throw normally and not as an automatic failure"

suggesting that '1' is an auto-failure.

Meaning that my problem is likely that I've forgotten how to read . . . where in the PHB does it say that a '1' is an auto-failure on a saving throw?

It's not under "Saving Throws". It's described under automatic successes and failures. Can't remember what page though. Besides, you don't need the PHB for this. What you're looking for is stated in the FAQ about 57 times. Pretty common question. I asked it once or twice myself.

 

[AGGEMAM]

Yes, it's in the D&D FAQ.

And btw, a natural 20 is automatic success, as well.

 

[Henrix]

And a "1" on a save may be harmful to your equipment, as per the DMG, beginning of the magic items chapter, I think.

[Edit]
Ah, no. That's in the PHB, p.150.
[/Edit]

 

[Crothian]

There i.se the optional rule of using a nat 1 as -10 and a nat 20 as a 30. I use that and it works really well.

 

[Artoomis]

Automatic success and failure (on a 20 and 1, respectively) for saving throws, is not in the core rule anywhere.

The rule is in there for attack rolls, and your equipment is at risk if you roll a "1" on a save.

The automatic success and failure rule is in the first Dragon on 3e, I think, and definitely in the FAQ. In both cases IIRC, it is simply stated as fact with no acknowledgment of the fact that it is not published in the rules.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Artoomis is correct - it's not to bne found anywhere in the PH or DMG. AFAIK, it's a variatn suggested by the Sage and used in D&Dg.

 

[Mahali]

1 is always a failure and 20 is always a success. A roll may not be required though (i.e. creature is immune or no saving throw allowed).

It's published in the "Sage Advice" available for free download at www.wizards.com/dragon

 

[hong]

Artoomis is correct - it's not to bne found anywhere in the PH or DMG. AFAIK, it's a variatn suggested by the Sage and used in D&Dg.

... although IIRC it's also a variation that's been around since 1E days. Not exactly a new rule.

 

[kreynolds]

Artoomis is correct - it's not to bne found anywhere in the PH or DMG. AFAIK, it's a variatn suggested by the Sage and used in D&Dg.

AFAIK, they just forgot to include it in the core rules. I haven't seen anything to suggest otherwise. The sage advice certainly didn't suggest it was a variant and this is not the first time they forgot to include vital information in the core rules. Who knows.