1 of 6

Write now Article Tools

They're pesky, break the momentum of the game, and destroy your suspension of disbelief. The other players whisper about them behind their backs and attempt to persuade the Game Master to expel them from the realm, never to return. They're your brother, your boyfriend, your best pal, and you want rid of them all the same. Who are they? They're the dreaded "Rules Lawyers" and every group almost inevitably has one. Most groups would be happy to break out the hibachi and burn the rules lawyer's character in sacrifice to the role playing gods. Unfortunately, as we all know, they're simply not that easy to get rid of.

If your group is lacking this much beleaguered element, you don't know what you're missing, but chances are, you're not that lucky. If not, here are a few simple ways to take care of those irritating rules lawyers bent on practicing in your living room, or at your local game shop:

1. Make House Rules Known
Make any and all house rules known to each and every player who walks through your front door with their character sheets and dice in hand. A good way to keep these things under control is to type up and print a list of all existing house rules as a reference for each player. This can cut down on "out of character" questioning.

2. Warn Them Privately
There is nothing that will make you more miserable than making a public point of your local rules lawyer! Chances are he'll be embarrassed and lash out at the other players. Also, consider that he could be unaware of his behavior.

3. Hear Them Out
Sometimes rules lawyers are such for a reason. Perhaps he's had an unfair GM in the past or he just can't trust anyone but himself. Whatever the case, let him voice his issues. Show him that you're not unreasonable and don't automatically assume he's wrong and shoot him down every time. Ask him to write it down when he has an issue, this will cut down on out of character disturbance.

4. Show em' Who's Boss
Game Masters don't just make up rules. Know your books, look things up, and show your players where you found a rule or explain how you came to your decision. It's true that the Game Master has the final say, but don't abuse this power. Give it to the players straight. Don't be afraid to look it up, just for good measure. This shows you're reasonable and could dissuade the rules lawyer from future practice on the president that you're fair and knowledgeable.

5. Involve Your Other Players
Game Masters cannot know every word in every book they own. Most times other players are a vital resource for knowledge. Someone is bound to know.

6. Give Them A Vote
Before showing the problem player to the door, give your other players a vote. Perhaps they can come up with a creative and fair solution where you could not. This can be done in different ways, such as taking them all aside or holding an e-mail discussion where everyone casts their vote and/or offers suggestions.

7. Show em' The Door
If, when all else fails, your rules lawyer insists on practicing in your living room, ask them to leave. Explain privately that you have warned them, explained yourself, attempted to save them through the grace of their fellow man, and now they are holding up the game.

Learn more about this author, Kristyn Marie Hammond.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Role-playing tips: How to deal with a rules lawyer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!