Common annoying d&d players and how to deal with them

Warmup

Intro

• Upcoming One-shot on the 25th

Meat

Justin 

• The Player DM:
• This is me when I play.
• Deal with this player by sitting them down and saying that they are a really great DM. Stress that you are the DM and that you’d like to challenge them to be an even better player which means good give and take with the other players.
• The Distracted Distraction
• I hate these. These are the players that enjoy the game but they also seem to get distracted a lot and either end up sharing videos with other players during the game and or have side conversations. So annoying. I think the best thing to do with these players is to help everyone understand the rules of the table.
• The Waffler
• These are the players that say, “I walk through the door,” and then you say, “Right as you do,” they interrupt and say I don’t walk through the door. They might be afraid of the consequences and might not feel ready. With this player, I think you have to be firm and say that you said you walked through the door so you do. If they argue then you might need to have another conversation with them outside of normal playing hours.

*** All of these can be prevented by establishing the rules of the relationship before you start playing. After playing, I believe that having a conversation with the individual in question can help improve. If it doesn’t, steps might have to be taken to make sure the group is having fun.

Tanner

• The Protagonist
• They think their character is a two-dimensional hero who should always make the main decisions. They are the serious character, while everyone else is a joke who should follow along.
• To deal with them, try to encourage team play. Encourage them to be the hero who helps them. Also, make a campaign or one-shot with a distinctly silly setting and premise. They need to be taught that it is okay to be silly from time to time.
• The Tryhard
• They aren’t here to fail rolls, or to lose at all. They are rules lawyers when it benefits them, and rule slobs when it doesn’t. They mostly care about succeeding and being awesome and getting their way through any means necessary.
• Hold them accountable for rules. Also, when they do fail a roll, have the outcome being humorous, or not distinctly negative. Teach them that losing is not a bad thing.