How to Have a Successful Gaming Night

Despite the increasing popularity of online games, groups of people still gather in homes, cafes, and shops to play games in person. Whether you're playing a pen and paper role-playing game or a weekly game of Scrabble, you'll want to make sure your group is organized so that everyone enjoys the time at the table.

I've been playing games with the same group of people for several years now, and I've learned some things that help make the sessions run more smoothly, with less in the way of ruffled feathers.

Be On Time

Nothing's more annoying than having to wait for someone who's late. In my group we tend to spend a certain amount of time chitchatting before we get down to gaming, but when we're not sure if so-and-so is just late or not going to make it at all this week, we can get a bit grumpy. If gaming is scheduled to start at 6:30, do your best to arrive within fifteen minutes of that time. We want to make the most of our allotted gaming time. So if you think you're going to be late to the session, phone or email or text ahead. Then the rest of us can choose to play a quick game of cards or something to pass the time while we wait for you to arrive. And if you know you'll be missing a session, do your best to inform everyone before gaming day. It's only polite.

Rotate Games

Some gaming groups play the same game every session, but others run a variety of games. If your gaming group is getting bored with the same old game week after week, you might want to consider allowing each player to have one session where he or she chooses the game(s) played. That way everyone can look forward to a session where they call the shots and get to play their favorite games. You can even schedule people ahead of time, if you're so inclined. If you use a schedule, the players will have an idea of what to expect, and whether they need to bring any special games or accessories with them that week.

Organize Snacks

Everybody should contribute to the food supply. Have each player bring something different to the session. Someone's in charge of chips and dips, another player brings the sweet snacks, et cetera. If someone can't attend a session, the others should pick up the slack that week. This is one reason it's best to let your fellow players know if you'll be missing a game. And be sure to pony up for that pizza delivery if you're going to partake.

Thank Your Host or Hostess

If you're gaming at someone's home, let them know you appreciate them loaning you their space to play in. It takes some effort to tidy up the place before you and your fellow louts -- er, gamers -- come in and wreck the joint with your dirty feet, your hurled dice, and your chip crumbs. Okay, I hope you're not that bad to your hosts. But if someone's nice enough to invite you into their home for a few hours every week, the least you can do is say, "Thanks." The same applies to owners of businesses that let gamers temporarily take over sections of their establishments. Be sure to thank them in addition to patronizing their business when you play. Buy some coffee from the cafe while you're there. And behave yourself. If your group is loud and boisterous, you might disturb other patrons in the place, and that might lose you your conveniently-located gaming spot.

If you play role-playing games and a certain player is your designated Game Master, thank him for his efforts. Preparing material for your characters to explore every session can be very time-consuming, so show your gratitude. You don't have to send him flowers or kiss her feet, unless you really want to, but do say thank you.