What is the MOST IMPORTANT skill for a GM to have?

[Scribe]

Flexability/Adaptability, the understanding that the rules are just a starting point.

 

[Bedrockgames]

The ability to make baked ziti is the most important skill a GM can have

I think it is hard to boil down to one thing. Anytime I think of just one skill, I realize that might be important, but it won't float a game on its own. That said, gun to my head, I'd go with the ability to adjust to the table. That might be a bit of a copout answer. But I think GMing is a lot like doing stand-up comedy. You have to refine what you are doing for the table you actually have before you. So knowing how to adjust is an important skill (doesn't mean you have to break style, but you need to know how to bring a broad range of players to what you are doing)

 

[Reynard]

The ability to make baked ziti is the most important skill a GM can have

I think it is hard to boil down to one thing. Anytime I think of just one skill, I realize that might be important, but it won't float a game on its own. That said, gun to my head, I'd go with the ability to adjust to the table. That might be a bit of a copout answer. But I think GMing is a lot like doing stand-up comedy. You have to refine what you are doing for the table you actually have before you. So knowing how to adjust is an important skill (doesn't mean you have to break style, but you need to know how to bring a broad range of players to what you are doing)

I don't think it is a copout at all, and it is something i would fold into the general "improv" box.

 

[Committed Hero]

The ability to read a table and respond to what it needs at a given time.

 

[Older Beholder]

That's 3 skills.

Also: maths and reading comprehension

 

[Reynard]

Also: maths and reading comprehension

YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG DIRECTION!!

 

[rhythmsoundmotion]

Endless enthusiasm for the game. Nothing kills a session as much as when the GM is visibly disappointed or frustrated with how the game is going.

 

[Mallus]

Reading a room.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Improv skills.

 

[Deset Gled]

Above all else, social skills. Communication on both the personal and group level.

A dysfunctional group is doomed, no matter how creative, smart, or motivated the DM is.