Tell players target save DCs or let them sweat?

[VorpalBunny]

I almost always tell my players what AC/save DC's they're trying to hit. Like Stannis said, it's one less thing I have to worry about.

I'm considerably more tight-lipped when it comes to Search/Spot, Open Lock, and Disable Device checks.

 

[MikeWilliams]

I usually don't tell my players what the DCs are for saves. That way, it gives me more room to fudge:

Wow, none of the players rolled better than 11. Well, since I don't want to bask in the glory of a total party kill, it's time to say that the save DC was actually 9, not 17.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I'll tell them the DC of weak saves at times in order to give them an idea of the danger they're in... I may also give them the DC of a very high save, for the same reason. I don't do it very often though, I prefer to keep the PC's in the dark.

If they want to figure it out, they can probably figure it out in next to no time anyway.

 

[the Jester]

I usually don't tell them the DC. Sometimes I will- but usually after they should have it figured out anyhow (if the monster keeps using the same ability on them they'll figure it out quickly!)

 

[Arnwyn]

I don't tell them the DCs (nor ACs).

 

[Crothian]

I'll tell them on the less important ones, but the important ones I let them sweat.

 

[Gothmog]

Definitely make them sweat it. I never tell ACs, DCs, hit points, or any other game stat info to the players. Its more fun to not know that info, and to be unsure of the difficulty of the situation.

 

[maddman75]

I tell them. They're going to figure out ACs anyway after a round or two. Same with DCs. Most of the time they write it down next to the monster's init to make it easy to keep track.

However to find out a monster's AC you have to commit to an attack. You don't get to see whether the green or brown guy is easier to hit without trying them first in combat. (and seeing your buddy do it first is good enough for me).

 

[Savage Wombat]

I find I usually tell players the DC when the entire group has to make a save, but not when it's just one player. It makes it easier for me to find out the results (raise your hand if you failed the save) but allows me to maintain mystery when it's important.

 

[Altalazar]

I never give ACs, but I have usually given Save DCs - but I think I'll probably stop doing that too. It is more interesting to leave that as an open question - leaves more to the player's imagination too.