What size groups are you most comfortable DMing for?

How many people are you comfortable DMing for?

  • 1

    Votes: 34 15.9%
  • 2

    Votes: 58 27.1%
  • 3

    Votes: 102 47.7%
  • 4

    Votes: 146 68.2%
  • 5

    Votes: 151 70.6%
  • 6

    Votes: 104 48.6%
  • 7

    Votes: 29 13.6%
  • 8

    Votes: 20 9.3%
  • 9

    Votes: 9 4.2%
  • 10

    Votes: 6 2.8%
  • 11

    Votes: 4 1.9%
  • 12+

    Votes: 7 3.3%

I've done 6 and even 7 for one shots and it's fine. For a long-running campaign, though, I prefer 3-5. Any less than that, and if one person can't make it, the whole session's a bust and has to be cancelled. Any more than that and it's tricky to give every character his chance to shine.

I always laugh at older editions which gave advice somewhere along the lines of having up to 20 players. Cra-zee!
 

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I voted nine as my absolute max. I've run groups of up to 12 (playing 2nd ed.) but never again. Way too much to keep track of.

Optimally, I'd say 5 or 6. Gives a solid party without anyone having to play two characters or have too many henchmen/NPCs.
 

Nebulous said:
That curve is exactly what i expected. 4-5 players is the sweet spot.

Honestly, I knew from the start what this poll would end up being like. I specifically made it just to see the sweet bell curve. :) Yes, I am that geeky.
 

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