Is "finding the right players" a solvable problem, or just luck?

[RenleyRenfield]

I am late to this, but hey = anytime I look for new players = this helps = C.A.T.S. method of session 0 (link)

It does not guarantee I find the perfect player - but it does take those players i do find and let them know pretty much day 1 if our playerstyles and rpg desires are compatible...

 

[Neonchameleon]

But how do you sift in a way that makes sense? How do you develop that personal barometer?

One part practice, one part visualisation and knowing which skills you are looking for. You don't just want good players but ones that vibe with the game you want to run. And a big part trying rewarding certain things and seeing how they respond.

 

[Desdichado]

It is very much a solvable problem. After all, I solved it!

That's not how data works. There are things that can help encourage a solution, but it's not a guarantee that you can even FIND the right mix of truly compatible players in a given area, especially if your tastes verge on the esoteric or eclectic.