GM Tips

Lessons from 30+ years behind the screen, told through what actually happened at the table. A new one every Friday. Looking for the rules I bend? They're on the house rules page.

New GM NovemberDon't be Matt. Be you.A month for everyone who's wanted to run a game and hasn't yet.Start here

LatestGM Tip

Somebody Has to Go First

The first game I ran, and why this is the month to run yours.

November 6, 2026 · 4 min read

Close the Book
End it when they understand, not when they're safe.
October 30, 2026 · 5 min read
Build the Dread
Horror is a feeling. Words can't carry it alone, so put it in their hands.
October 23, 2026 · 4 min read
They Have to Open the Door
Horror writing advice assumes you control the victims. At the table, you don't.
October 15, 2026 · 11 min read
Give the Darkness Teeth
Darkvision pulled its teeth. Here's how to put them back.
October 10, 2026 · 7 min read
It's About Sending a Message
Players play the game you teach them, not the one you describe.
October 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Every Room Has Neighbors
The question a full GM brain forgets to ask.
September 29, 2026 · 6 min read
Stop Describing Rooms
What your read-aloud should tell players instead.
July 7, 2026 · 6 min read
The Three Asks
The questions that make your world theirs.
June 29, 2026 · 6 min read
Session Zero Ends Before the Tavern
The session where nobody meets anybody.
June 18, 2026 · 7 min read
Plan a Villain, Not a Campaign
Session prep for homebrew campaigns.
June 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Prepping a Published Adventure
My system for running published adventures.
June 11, 2026 · 9 min read
You're Not Playing Against Your Players
My lessons from Phoenix Fan Fusion 2026.
June 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Just Run the Game
June 4, 2026 · 3 min read
The Beginning
A 30-year journey from Rifts to Daggerheart, and an invitation.
June 1, 2026 · 4 min read

GM Tips

Somebody Has to Go First

Close the Book

Build the Dread

They Have to Open the Door

Give the Darkness Teeth

It's About Sending a Message

Every Room Has Neighbors

Stop Describing Rooms

The Three Asks

Session Zero Ends Before the Tavern

Plan a Villain, Not a Campaign

Prepping a Published Adventure

You're Not Playing Against Your Players

Just Run the Game

The Beginning