What's your DMing Rule 0?

[Celebrim]

When the DM's rule 0 is "the DM's always right", it means he's definitely not always right and will ignore some rule that has no business being ignored at all. He'll probably get mad if you want to have a reasonable discussion about it too.

Because you are just such a fine example of a non-combative, non-argumentative personality, how could I possibly resist the desire to have a discussion with you about the rules right in the midst of the game we are playing.

 

[pogre]

"Know thy players" probably best encapsulates my rule 0. I try to find a way to say "yes" and I tailor to my players' ideas of fun as much as possible.

 

[kaomera]

How many people use the "DM is always right" rule? I don't, actually. Ultimately, when I DM, I make all the final calls on whether or not something happens, but I don't mind players discussing rules and such at the table--as long as it doesn't go on for too long and they agree to abide by my final decision.

Emphasis mine. Isn't that "The DM is always right"? Or, I guess, more specifically, it's "The DM is always right in the end", which is different from "The DM is always right, period, no discussions".

"The DM is always right" seems like an OK rule, maybe if it needs to be "Rule Zero" then that says something about the group dynamics, or maybe I'm reading too much importance into that designation. In any case I think in most cases it's kind of assumed, but I have had to ask one or two players over the years to leave the table because they seemed to think that they should be the final arbitrators of what the rules where / said (and they didn't want to {or at least made me not want to} let me roll a character).

 

[Treebore]

"We're all here to have fun."

Ditto.

Number one goal is for all of us to have a good time.

 

[The Green Adam]

"Any game that ends with the players muttering 'holy c**p' is one that worked."

AD

 

[Vegepygmy]

"Make sure you really understand the rule before you change it."

 

[shilsen]

Don't sweat the small stuff.

 

[Thurbane]

What would you say your DMing Rule 0 is? For those who don't DM, what do you think your DM should have as his Rule 0?

"Check with your players"?
"Know your players"?
"Ensure everyone is having fun"?
"Know the rules"?
"Rules are for players"?
Or something else?

Would your answer change if you are DMing for:
1. A group of strangers?
2. A group of casual acquaintences?
3. A group of good friends?
4. Inexperienced players?
5. Casual players?
6. Dedicated gamers?

I'd definitely go with "Ensure everyone is having fun", in any case.