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Your Best Game Ever
Your Best Game Ever is not your typical RPG sourcebook. It’s not a book with adventures, spells, creatures, or magic items. It’s not a book for characters at all, but a book for players!
If you play or run roleplaying games, this book is for you. Inside this gorgeous hardcover book, suitable for your coffee table or your gaming table, you will find advice and suggestions for enhancing your RPG experience at the table and away from it.
This is an insider’s look at everything that goes into the hobby—finding a group, making a character, running a game, creating adventures, finding all the right ideas, hosting a game…and that’s just for starters.
If You’re an Experienced Gamer -You’ve been gaming for a while now. Maybe even years. You get the concepts, and you understand the rules. No one needs to explain the dice to you. Your Best Game Ever embraces the hobby you love, and provides real tips, immediately usable advice, and hands-on pointers you can use at your game table.
If You’re Fairly New to Gaming -Your friends play RPGs. You’ve maybe watched some streaming games, or given it a try a few times. You get the general idea, but where do you go from there? This book will give you everything you need and get you going on the fast track to being a great gamer.
If you play or run roleplaying games, this book is for you. Inside this gorgeous hardcover book, suitable for your coffee table or your gaming table, you will find advice and suggestions for enhancing your RPG experience at the table and away from it.
This is an insider’s look at everything that goes into the hobby—finding a group, making a character, running a game, creating adventures, finding all the right ideas, hosting a game…and that’s just for starters.
If You’re an Experienced Gamer -You’ve been gaming for a while now. Maybe even years. You get the concepts, and you understand the rules. No one needs to explain the dice to you. Your Best Game Ever embraces the hobby you love, and provides real tips, immediately usable advice, and hands-on pointers you can use at your game table.
If You’re Fairly New to Gaming -Your friends play RPGs. You’ve maybe watched some streaming games, or given it a try a few times. You get the general idea, but where do you go from there? This book will give you everything you need and get you going on the fast track to being a great gamer.
242 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2019
10 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Monte Cook
211 books124 followers
The game designer
Monte Cook started working professionally in the game industry in 1988. In the employ of Iron Crown Enterprises, he worked with the Rolemaster and Champions games as an editor, developer, and designer. In 1994, Monte came to TSR, Inc., as a game designer and wrote for the Planescape and core D&D lines. When that company was purchased by Wizards of the Coast, he moved to the Seattle area and eventually became a senior game designer. At Wizards, he wrote the 3rd Edition Dungeon Master's Guide and served as codesigner of the new edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game. In 2001, he left Wizards to start his own design studio, Malhavoc Press, with his wife Sue. Although in his career he has worked on over 100 game titles, some of his other credits include Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, The Book of Eldritch Might series, the d20 Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game, The Book of Vile Darkness, Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved, Ptolus, Monte Cook's World of Darkness, and Dungeonaday.com. He was a longtime author of the Dungeoncraft column in Dungeon Magazine. In recent years, Monte has been recognized many times by game fans in the ENnies Awards, the Pen & Paper fan awards, the Nigel D. Findley Memorial Award, the Origins Awards, and more.
The author
A graduate of the 1999 Clarion West writer's workshop, Monte has published two novels, The Glass Prison and Of Aged Angels. Also, he has published the short stories "Born in Secrets" (in the magazine Amazing Stories), "The Rose Window" (in the anthology Realms of Mystery), and "A Narrowed Gaze" (in the anthology Realms of the Arcane). His stories have appeared in the Malhavoc Press anthologies Children of the Rune and The Dragons' Return, and his comic book writing can be found in the Ptolus: City by the Spire series from DBPro/Marvel. His fantasy fiction series, "Saga of the Blade," appeared in Game Trade Magazine from 2005–2006.
The geek
In his spare time, Monte runs games, plays with his dog, watches DVDs, builds vast dioramas out of LEGO building bricks, paints miniatures, and reads a lot of comics.
Monte Cook started working professionally in the game industry in 1988. In the employ of Iron Crown Enterprises, he worked with the Rolemaster and Champions games as an editor, developer, and designer. In 1994, Monte came to TSR, Inc., as a game designer and wrote for the Planescape and core D&D lines. When that company was purchased by Wizards of the Coast, he moved to the Seattle area and eventually became a senior game designer. At Wizards, he wrote the 3rd Edition Dungeon Master's Guide and served as codesigner of the new edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game. In 2001, he left Wizards to start his own design studio, Malhavoc Press, with his wife Sue. Although in his career he has worked on over 100 game titles, some of his other credits include Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, The Book of Eldritch Might series, the d20 Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game, The Book of Vile Darkness, Monte Cook’s Arcana Evolved, Ptolus, Monte Cook's World of Darkness, and Dungeonaday.com. He was a longtime author of the Dungeoncraft column in Dungeon Magazine. In recent years, Monte has been recognized many times by game fans in the ENnies Awards, the Pen & Paper fan awards, the Nigel D. Findley Memorial Award, the Origins Awards, and more.
The author
A graduate of the 1999 Clarion West writer's workshop, Monte has published two novels, The Glass Prison and Of Aged Angels. Also, he has published the short stories "Born in Secrets" (in the magazine Amazing Stories), "The Rose Window" (in the anthology Realms of Mystery), and "A Narrowed Gaze" (in the anthology Realms of the Arcane). His stories have appeared in the Malhavoc Press anthologies Children of the Rune and The Dragons' Return, and his comic book writing can be found in the Ptolus: City by the Spire series from DBPro/Marvel. His fantasy fiction series, "Saga of the Blade," appeared in Game Trade Magazine from 2005–2006.
The geek
In his spare time, Monte runs games, plays with his dog, watches DVDs, builds vast dioramas out of LEGO building bricks, paints miniatures, and reads a lot of comics.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 14, 2020
Ouch.
I really wanted to love this book. I mean: It's physically beautiful, with a well-done layout and a lot of nice, inspiring pictures. And of course, Monte Cook has done a lot of amazing stuff over the years.
But.
The book tries to be everything at once, tries to please everyone at the same time, and is spreading itself too thin this way. It has no clear target audience, but addresses beginners and experienced players, rule players and role players, story-driven and sandbox campaigns, and so on. Thus, it always stays at the surface, offering very general advice that usually comes across as ordinary common sense. Try to be on time. Let the others speak as well. Leave the room as you found it. If you're the host, make sure you cleaned the loo. If there's a problem with a player, talk to them. Honestly - if you're an adult and you need this kind of advice from a roleplaying book (and there's LOTS of it in the book), you have a serious problem that has nothing to do with roleplaying games.
Yes, admittedly, I've also met the type in the roleplaying community. The guy who considers body hygiene is an unnecessary extra, who invites everyone into a den where the lingering smell tells you that the dishes from last month are still unwashed, or who reads and comments on text messages, football results, or cartoon books while the game is running. But honestly - does anyone believe they will read "Your best game ever" and become a different person? See.
Otherwise, the structure is nice, but the content is verbose with very little meat to it. It uses imperative a lot (Do this! Do that!) just to undo it in the end of each section by adding something along the lines of "But maybe not, depending on your preferences".
I guess I would be more tolerant to the long drawn-out generalities if there was some more specific advice to be had, but there wasn't a lot of that to be found. The section on character arcs and player bonds is the only major attempt at something concrete, everything else stays superficial. The book tries to avoid naming specific games, tools, software, settings etc., it sometimes even avoids using the proper names for the categories (like that a tool for playing online games is called a virtual tabletop) so you can't even look them up easily.
So in the end, I was wondering who the target audience is. The beginning player? Will be completely overwhelmed by the constant flood of "Do this... do that". If I would have had a book like this when I started, I would probably never have dared to run my first session as a GM (so many things you could do wrong...). So is it more geared towards the experienced players? Not really, because they will know most of what is written here already. And in quite some cases, they will have found other ways of handling the situations described and will shake their heads in disbelief about some of the advice offered.
If there's one positive thing in the text then it's the constant reminder that the goal of the game is for everyone to have fun. This, at least, is something we hopefully all can agree on.
I really wanted to love this book. I mean: It's physically beautiful, with a well-done layout and a lot of nice, inspiring pictures. And of course, Monte Cook has done a lot of amazing stuff over the years.
But.
The book tries to be everything at once, tries to please everyone at the same time, and is spreading itself too thin this way. It has no clear target audience, but addresses beginners and experienced players, rule players and role players, story-driven and sandbox campaigns, and so on. Thus, it always stays at the surface, offering very general advice that usually comes across as ordinary common sense. Try to be on time. Let the others speak as well. Leave the room as you found it. If you're the host, make sure you cleaned the loo. If there's a problem with a player, talk to them. Honestly - if you're an adult and you need this kind of advice from a roleplaying book (and there's LOTS of it in the book), you have a serious problem that has nothing to do with roleplaying games.
Yes, admittedly, I've also met the type in the roleplaying community. The guy who considers body hygiene is an unnecessary extra, who invites everyone into a den where the lingering smell tells you that the dishes from last month are still unwashed, or who reads and comments on text messages, football results, or cartoon books while the game is running. But honestly - does anyone believe they will read "Your best game ever" and become a different person? See.
Otherwise, the structure is nice, but the content is verbose with very little meat to it. It uses imperative a lot (Do this! Do that!) just to undo it in the end of each section by adding something along the lines of "But maybe not, depending on your preferences".
I guess I would be more tolerant to the long drawn-out generalities if there was some more specific advice to be had, but there wasn't a lot of that to be found. The section on character arcs and player bonds is the only major attempt at something concrete, everything else stays superficial. The book tries to avoid naming specific games, tools, software, settings etc., it sometimes even avoids using the proper names for the categories (like that a tool for playing online games is called a virtual tabletop) so you can't even look them up easily.
So in the end, I was wondering who the target audience is. The beginning player? Will be completely overwhelmed by the constant flood of "Do this... do that". If I would have had a book like this when I started, I would probably never have dared to run my first session as a GM (so many things you could do wrong...). So is it more geared towards the experienced players? Not really, because they will know most of what is written here already. And in quite some cases, they will have found other ways of handling the situations described and will shake their heads in disbelief about some of the advice offered.
If there's one positive thing in the text then it's the constant reminder that the goal of the game is for everyone to have fun. This, at least, is something we hopefully all can agree on.
January 24, 2020
An okay read, but left me wanting more depth on creating characters and the many aspects of GMing.
About half of the book seemed to focus on socializing, which might make sense since RPGs are a social activity, but most of the advice given seemed common sense to anyone who remotely qualifies as a Decent Human Being. This doesn't seem like the kind of book that should have to inform it's readers the importance of punctuality, sharing, personal hygiene, and not being a dick. If it does, don't spend more than a few sentences on it. I certainly hope that MCG isn't insinuating that the people who enjoy this hobby are socially inept and in great need of such advise. If that were the case, I would gift a copy of this book to the author with a note to read the section about assumptions and stereotypes.
I have a hard time recommending this book to anyone looking to have "your best game ever" unless you are brand new to the hobby, but then I'd just invited you to my table.
About half of the book seemed to focus on socializing, which might make sense since RPGs are a social activity, but most of the advice given seemed common sense to anyone who remotely qualifies as a Decent Human Being. This doesn't seem like the kind of book that should have to inform it's readers the importance of punctuality, sharing, personal hygiene, and not being a dick. If it does, don't spend more than a few sentences on it. I certainly hope that MCG isn't insinuating that the people who enjoy this hobby are socially inept and in great need of such advise. If that were the case, I would gift a copy of this book to the author with a note to read the section about assumptions and stereotypes.
I have a hard time recommending this book to anyone looking to have "your best game ever" unless you are brand new to the hobby, but then I'd just invited you to my table.
May 14, 2022
Un libro muy introductorio sobre cómo empezar en el mundillo de los juegos de rol de mesa. Hay una sección sobre conceptos básicos, otra sobre cómo ser jugador, otra (la más larga) sobre cómo ser DJ y una última acerca de gestión de grupos de juego. Es interesante por lo centrado que está en la idea de rol como narración compartida y en el respeto a los demás jugadores.
La pega que le encuentro es que difícilmente será útil para nadie. Salvo por una sección sobre dirección de juego avanzada, es un libro muy pensado para novatos: qué son los jueguicos de rol, por qué no debes usarlos como excusa para acosar o molestar a los demás, mantener la ficción separada de la realidad, ducharse, etc. A mí no me ha enseñado (casi) nada que no supiera, vaya. Pero, y aquí está la cosa: lo más probable es que un novato no se lo compre, sobre todo porque no te lo venden como un libro de introducción.
Sin embargo, es un libro interesante para refrescar y sistematizar conceptos, los dibujos son muy chulos y en general ha sido una lectura satisfactoria. Además, me ha animado a leer un poco más en inglés, que en general me cuesta ponerme.
La pega que le encuentro es que difícilmente será útil para nadie. Salvo por una sección sobre dirección de juego avanzada, es un libro muy pensado para novatos: qué son los jueguicos de rol, por qué no debes usarlos como excusa para acosar o molestar a los demás, mantener la ficción separada de la realidad, ducharse, etc. A mí no me ha enseñado (casi) nada que no supiera, vaya. Pero, y aquí está la cosa: lo más probable es que un novato no se lo compre, sobre todo porque no te lo venden como un libro de introducción.
Sin embargo, es un libro interesante para refrescar y sistematizar conceptos, los dibujos son muy chulos y en general ha sido una lectura satisfactoria. Además, me ha animado a leer un poco más en inglés, que en general me cuesta ponerme.
October 13, 2024
With this volume, Monte Cook, a veteran player and designer of role-playing games, who for years has been running his own company, Monte Cook games, makes his first foray into the world of role-playing theory books.
We have a landscape format manual with more than 200 pages, profusely illustrated in which he gives us all kinds of tips and tricks to play role-playing games and raise the level of our games.
The truth is that the book starts from 0, that is, even how to start playing and looking for a group, and this is what possibly lowers the level of what is offered, as it is a book much more intended for beginners, even people without any experience than for storytellers or players who have been playing for a long time.
As a result, the book doesn't quite find its place and is, overall, disappointing. Of course, there are good ideas, thoughts and tricks to be gained from it, but honestly, it is not worth buying and reading. The author makes extensive essays on, what time to meet up to play, what snacks to offer (even with recipes), how to find a playgroup etc.
I find very interesting the statement that ‘The most important thing for a game is the rhythm’, which I have shared for years. The ideas from the pilot episode should now be applied in new campaigns.
We have a landscape format manual with more than 200 pages, profusely illustrated in which he gives us all kinds of tips and tricks to play role-playing games and raise the level of our games.
The truth is that the book starts from 0, that is, even how to start playing and looking for a group, and this is what possibly lowers the level of what is offered, as it is a book much more intended for beginners, even people without any experience than for storytellers or players who have been playing for a long time.
As a result, the book doesn't quite find its place and is, overall, disappointing. Of course, there are good ideas, thoughts and tricks to be gained from it, but honestly, it is not worth buying and reading. The author makes extensive essays on, what time to meet up to play, what snacks to offer (even with recipes), how to find a playgroup etc.
I find very interesting the statement that ‘The most important thing for a game is the rhythm’, which I have shared for years. The ideas from the pilot episode should now be applied in new campaigns.
October 6, 2023
It was interesting, well written, and useful. I'd highly recommend players read the section on playing characters.
As an experienced GM some of the advice in the GMing section was redundant but I think it would be useful for new GMs and I definitely learned some things I plan on taking forward in my games.
It's not going to be everything to everyone but I think if everyone in your gaming group reads it you'll dramatically increase the odds that many of your future sessions will, in fact, be your best game ever.
As an experienced GM some of the advice in the GMing section was redundant but I think it would be useful for new GMs and I definitely learned some things I plan on taking forward in my games.
It's not going to be everything to everyone but I think if everyone in your gaming group reads it you'll dramatically increase the odds that many of your future sessions will, in fact, be your best game ever.
April 21, 2020
This book is conflicting.
So, let's start out with the praise. Unlike most books about TTRPGs, this book doesn't assume much prior knowledge. It doesn't go into deep theory or spend a lot of time bullshitting. It is a neat and functional introduction top the TTRPG hobby while also maintaining plenty of points of interest for experienced players and GMs.
Cook et all give plenty of deference to other RPG systems and lists dozens of games over the course of the book. This is a nice touch since Cook has every incentive to only mention and sell his own products like Cypher and Numenara.
Because this book is an introductory text it includes a lot of information other books gloss over like getting a group together and conflict resolution. It is also system agnostic which is nice since most other books are pretty aggressive in assuming you are playing D&D. It also stresses differences in tone between different genres of TTRPG.
And the art is pretty though I suspect most of it is pulled from Cypher and Numenara.
So.. but.. this is the confusing part. Who is this book for? It's MSRP is the same as a core rule book for a major TTRPG. Is a newbie to the hobby going to buy this.. or the core rule book? I can't see anyone buying this for personal use except as a less expensive PDF. Or perhaps it could be for game stores to put out and people to thumb through in the TTRPG section? It feels like such a minor gripe but the book's price tag is completely at odds with its goal of being an introductory book on the form and function of TTRPGs for new and experienced players.
So, let's start out with the praise. Unlike most books about TTRPGs, this book doesn't assume much prior knowledge. It doesn't go into deep theory or spend a lot of time bullshitting. It is a neat and functional introduction top the TTRPG hobby while also maintaining plenty of points of interest for experienced players and GMs.
Cook et all give plenty of deference to other RPG systems and lists dozens of games over the course of the book. This is a nice touch since Cook has every incentive to only mention and sell his own products like Cypher and Numenara.
Because this book is an introductory text it includes a lot of information other books gloss over like getting a group together and conflict resolution. It is also system agnostic which is nice since most other books are pretty aggressive in assuming you are playing D&D. It also stresses differences in tone between different genres of TTRPG.
And the art is pretty though I suspect most of it is pulled from Cypher and Numenara.
So.. but.. this is the confusing part. Who is this book for? It's MSRP is the same as a core rule book for a major TTRPG. Is a newbie to the hobby going to buy this.. or the core rule book? I can't see anyone buying this for personal use except as a less expensive PDF. Or perhaps it could be for game stores to put out and people to thumb through in the TTRPG section? It feels like such a minor gripe but the book's price tag is completely at odds with its goal of being an introductory book on the form and function of TTRPGs for new and experienced players.
December 14, 2021
This was an interesting read (though I mostly listened to the audiobook while driving or walking my dog). As a veteran TTRPG gamer, GM, and designer, I approached it with the assumption that I would learn very little, but I was curious to see how it was presented, and if this is something I would recommend to other people.
Part 1 on the nature of roleplaying games is mega basic and could be skipped by anyone who has ever played a TTRPG or watched a TTRPG stream for long enough to understand what is happening. Even then, if someone was completely unfamiliar with TTRPGs, I would encourage them to watch a stream if joining a game outright was not an option.
Part 2 on 'Being a Great Player' is good for people who are just getting started with TTRPGs and I would recommend it as such. What's interesting is that I've met a lot of so-called veteran players who could benefit from this section too, especially chapter 6 on 'Everyone's Favorite Player and chapter 7 on 'Character Arcs and Player Bonds', simply because it encourages playing beyond old tropes. There also some advice (which can sound patronizing or pedantic at times) on not being a shitty human and how to behave properly in social settings, which is something that a lot of people could benefit from, but especially the "stereotypical basement-dweller TTRPG gamer of yore" (aka the 70's and 80's). Sadly, I don't think such people who could benefit from this advice would ever read this.
Part 3 on 'Being a Great Game Master' is certainly great advice for aspiring GMs and "average" GMs alike. I did learn a few nuggets of advice here and there, but this section mostly summarized a lot of the things I've learned over the years by starting out as a shitty teenage and young adult GM, playing with all sorts of bad and awesome GMs, watching some of the best online like Mercer or Perkins, and perfecting my own art over time. While this section is a good start, I wouldn't stop there. There are other great books on Game Mastering, including material from Michael Shae (Sly Flourish), Kobold Guides, and other resources online.
Part 4 on 'Getting the Most Out of RPGs' is good but too shallow. Again, some of the advice on hosting the game sometimes sounds patronizing or pedantic, much like my comments on being a great player above: there's value, but those who would benefit most from it will never read this. I wish the chapter on 'Playing Games Online' had more concrete info. I play online a lot and my group has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on how to make it work. I know that providing specific details such as how to work with platforms like Discord, Roll20, D&D Beyond, Fantasy Grounds, and other online tools and virtual tabletops makes the book more "time-bound" and runs the risk of presenting knowledge that won't age as well, but it would still be more valuable than as presented here.
The recipes at the end were an interesting touch, and while other themed recipe books exist out there for many brands like Warcraft, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Star Wars, and such, this is a nice addition to provide more value in the book.
Overall, it's an interesting read, and while the book itself has a nice layout that delivers the content more like an RPG book than a chapter book, it's probably better as an audiobook if you're looking for an easy listen during a boring commute or a long road trip. Also note that the book is filled with various essays from many greats (and some unknowns) from the industry who share their wisdom about this super cool hobby.
The audiobook recording was good, and the narrator by Rudy Basso actually had that "Monte Cook" vibe in his tone, which fit the book well.
Part 1 on the nature of roleplaying games is mega basic and could be skipped by anyone who has ever played a TTRPG or watched a TTRPG stream for long enough to understand what is happening. Even then, if someone was completely unfamiliar with TTRPGs, I would encourage them to watch a stream if joining a game outright was not an option.
Part 2 on 'Being a Great Player' is good for people who are just getting started with TTRPGs and I would recommend it as such. What's interesting is that I've met a lot of so-called veteran players who could benefit from this section too, especially chapter 6 on 'Everyone's Favorite Player and chapter 7 on 'Character Arcs and Player Bonds', simply because it encourages playing beyond old tropes. There also some advice (which can sound patronizing or pedantic at times) on not being a shitty human and how to behave properly in social settings, which is something that a lot of people could benefit from, but especially the "stereotypical basement-dweller TTRPG gamer of yore" (aka the 70's and 80's). Sadly, I don't think such people who could benefit from this advice would ever read this.
Part 3 on 'Being a Great Game Master' is certainly great advice for aspiring GMs and "average" GMs alike. I did learn a few nuggets of advice here and there, but this section mostly summarized a lot of the things I've learned over the years by starting out as a shitty teenage and young adult GM, playing with all sorts of bad and awesome GMs, watching some of the best online like Mercer or Perkins, and perfecting my own art over time. While this section is a good start, I wouldn't stop there. There are other great books on Game Mastering, including material from Michael Shae (Sly Flourish), Kobold Guides, and other resources online.
Part 4 on 'Getting the Most Out of RPGs' is good but too shallow. Again, some of the advice on hosting the game sometimes sounds patronizing or pedantic, much like my comments on being a great player above: there's value, but those who would benefit most from it will never read this. I wish the chapter on 'Playing Games Online' had more concrete info. I play online a lot and my group has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on how to make it work. I know that providing specific details such as how to work with platforms like Discord, Roll20, D&D Beyond, Fantasy Grounds, and other online tools and virtual tabletops makes the book more "time-bound" and runs the risk of presenting knowledge that won't age as well, but it would still be more valuable than as presented here.
The recipes at the end were an interesting touch, and while other themed recipe books exist out there for many brands like Warcraft, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Star Wars, and such, this is a nice addition to provide more value in the book.
Overall, it's an interesting read, and while the book itself has a nice layout that delivers the content more like an RPG book than a chapter book, it's probably better as an audiobook if you're looking for an easy listen during a boring commute or a long road trip. Also note that the book is filled with various essays from many greats (and some unknowns) from the industry who share their wisdom about this super cool hobby.
The audiobook recording was good, and the narrator by Rudy Basso actually had that "Monte Cook" vibe in his tone, which fit the book well.
April 18, 2020
As an entry-level book for new players and game masters, this is a pretty solid, system-agnostic resource. However, it was advertised as something useful to veteran RPGers, too, and that's a bit of an overstatement. Is there stuff there that I never considered before I read this? Sure, a couple of things. But make no mistake, if you've been doing this hobby for a few years and played with a bunch of different groups and using different systems, the amount of fresh advice and unfamiliar perspectives here is radically reduced.
That said, the book is well-written, well-organized and full of insights from many veteran names. It puts a focus on empathy and communication as keys to a well-played session of an RPG, but also offers some ideas for how to deal with the crunchier aspects of play. The art is evocative and gorgeous for the most part (the comic strips included in the book are a bit of a mixed bag, but it doesn't matter much), so that's an added bonus. The format of the book is kind of a pain in the ass if you're reading on an iPad, but I guess tilting the screen works.
Seek this out for a good summary on how to approach role-playing games to get the most out of them, but don't be surprised if some of this stuff sounds a bit trite - especially if you've had your share of game group experiences in the past.
That said, the book is well-written, well-organized and full of insights from many veteran names. It puts a focus on empathy and communication as keys to a well-played session of an RPG, but also offers some ideas for how to deal with the crunchier aspects of play. The art is evocative and gorgeous for the most part (the comic strips included in the book are a bit of a mixed bag, but it doesn't matter much), so that's an added bonus. The format of the book is kind of a pain in the ass if you're reading on an iPad, but I guess tilting the screen works.
Seek this out for a good summary on how to approach role-playing games to get the most out of them, but don't be surprised if some of this stuff sounds a bit trite - especially if you've had your share of game group experiences in the past.
May 1, 2020
The text of this book is pretty average. There's some good GM and player advice, some nice extras like comic strips and themed recipes, and some nice sidebars by well-known RPG personalities like Jennell Jaquays and Matt Mercer. But perhaps to justify its very high cover price ($50!) it's all put together in a very lavish package. The hardcover binding, the page quality, the art on every page...this is an average RPG advice book that's pretending to be a coffee table book.
There really is some good advice in here, but does it justify this treatment or price? Absolutely not. If you're looking for GM advice, go with Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master. It may not look as nice on a shelf, but it's a better book.
There really is some good advice in here, but does it justify this treatment or price? Absolutely not. If you're looking for GM advice, go with Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master. It may not look as nice on a shelf, but it's a better book.
February 18, 2021
It's a very explanatory book for the absolute newbies and the beginners, and it touches upon very many aspects of the game, the people around the table, all the different things the author has lived through and seen, which are nicely bundled in this one book.
Sure, many things are "common sense", but that doesn't mean they can't be highlighted. A warned person is going to notice more things before they grow out of control.
Sure, many things are "common sense", but that doesn't mean they can't be highlighted. A warned person is going to notice more things before they grow out of control.
November 14, 2023
It is possible that I am too experienced for this book.
Most parts of the book seemed too verbose for me and with little content.
The best parts in my view are the small text snippets from hosts that are more narrowly focused on a topic.
I would certainly recommend it to someone who is new to the hobby and wants to start a game with their friends.
For such a person the insights could prevent painstakingly gaining the experience firsthand :)
Most parts of the book seemed too verbose for me and with little content.
The best parts in my view are the small text snippets from hosts that are more narrowly focused on a topic.
I would certainly recommend it to someone who is new to the hobby and wants to start a game with their friends.
For such a person the insights could prevent painstakingly gaining the experience firsthand :)
December 1, 2020
This is full of remarkably helpful information for tabletop RPGs in general. It covers information for the newbies, the veterans, and the people running games. And it's from the lively voice of an influential TTRPG designer.
June 12, 2021
Your Best Game Ever is a lovely reference for players of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) of all ages and experience levels, filled with valuable bits of advice and worth a read for anyone looking to play or run TTRPGs.
November 22, 2024
As somebody who has just started GMing a campaign for the first time, I found this book extremely helpful. While not perfect, it helped me understand a lot about RPGs that I haven't had time to learn through experience.
August 26, 2020
What a helpful book! I'm new-ish to TTRPGs (playing and GMing), and there were some great tips as well as some comforting reassurances. Would definitely recommend.
October 25, 2021
This book gives great advice on how to run RPG games. Recommended for all Game Masters.
November 15, 2021
It's okay. Worth a read if you're new to ttrpgs.
May 11, 2022
Solid, if a bit basic for most of the book. Some good reminders.
July 6, 2024
Colección de consejos para disfrutar más los juegos de rol de mesa. Se nota mucho amor por estos juegos. La mayor parte es sentido común.
August 12, 2024
Very helpful for new players and new GMs, with plenty to think about even for someone who's been playing and GMing for a few years! I residual enjoyed the chapter about character arcs.
July 6, 2020
An interesting read, as I prepare to run my first RPG campaign in a while. Some of the stuff in here is pretty standard, but there is a few points made that I hadn't considered, which really made me think. A good read for anyone interested in i proving their game.
September 2, 2019
While I am a 35+ yr vet when it comes to gaming, this book is an absolute MUST READ for anyone new to the hobby as it answers every question you could possibly conceive and then more that you didn't even think to ask.
The writing is simplistic (I almost docked it one star) and not very interesting as the topics are explored in very general concepts. There are articles, anecdotes, comic strips and even recipes. I would like to note that there is a section on implementing technology such as online gaming, streaming, and recording sessions - all of which was very useful to a grognard such as myself.
Each section highlights an area of concern for gaming. Playing the game, running the game, and getting mileage from your games. The world-building section is, IMHO, the best read in the whole book by far. The detail they provide goes beyond basic questions answered in many DMGs or guidebooks. But whatever your reason for reading or your experience level, you'll come away with a few nuggets of worth.
The breadth of writers for this book is incredible. While Monte writes most of it himself, everyone at MCG contributes as does Matt Mercer, Eric Campbell, Monica Valentinelli and quite a few more. Mercer's editorial is quite insightful.
While this does not stack up to the quality of most MCG products, it really doesn't bother me. The book wasn't written for someone like me, but rather the thousands of new and budding gamers that I would like to run games for... and I would ask every player at my table to give it a read.
The writing is simplistic (I almost docked it one star) and not very interesting as the topics are explored in very general concepts. There are articles, anecdotes, comic strips and even recipes. I would like to note that there is a section on implementing technology such as online gaming, streaming, and recording sessions - all of which was very useful to a grognard such as myself.
Each section highlights an area of concern for gaming. Playing the game, running the game, and getting mileage from your games. The world-building section is, IMHO, the best read in the whole book by far. The detail they provide goes beyond basic questions answered in many DMGs or guidebooks. But whatever your reason for reading or your experience level, you'll come away with a few nuggets of worth.
The breadth of writers for this book is incredible. While Monte writes most of it himself, everyone at MCG contributes as does Matt Mercer, Eric Campbell, Monica Valentinelli and quite a few more. Mercer's editorial is quite insightful.
While this does not stack up to the quality of most MCG products, it really doesn't bother me. The book wasn't written for someone like me, but rather the thousands of new and budding gamers that I would like to run games for... and I would ask every player at my table to give it a read.
August 29, 2019
I've read a lot of these "RPG Self-Help Books", and this has got to be, hands-down, the best I've come across.
Lots of them tend to go into great detail about tiny, esoteric details, but this book focuses on real issues in a clear and concise way that makes it so easy to understand.
The breadth is great, whether you're a player or a DM (or both), and it gives you very pithy advice that really hits home the point without derailing you in excess fluff.
Almost any issue I've come across in over 20 years of playing RPG's is covered by Monte here, and he honestly has a way of taking things you know and explaining them in words better than you ever could, which makes this invaluable to share with your group and others.
Would definitely recommend for anyone with an interest in RPGs. You can tell that Monte has been playing and writing them for a very, very long time.
Lots of them tend to go into great detail about tiny, esoteric details, but this book focuses on real issues in a clear and concise way that makes it so easy to understand.
The breadth is great, whether you're a player or a DM (or both), and it gives you very pithy advice that really hits home the point without derailing you in excess fluff.
Almost any issue I've come across in over 20 years of playing RPG's is covered by Monte here, and he honestly has a way of taking things you know and explaining them in words better than you ever could, which makes this invaluable to share with your group and others.
Would definitely recommend for anyone with an interest in RPGs. You can tell that Monte has been playing and writing them for a very, very long time.
October 26, 2019
This book isn't what I thought it was going in. I was thinking it was along lines of a rule book or supplement for Monte Cook's Cypher or Numenera systems but it's really a meta-RPG book. A book about how to get the most out of playing and running RPG's. How to motivate players, communicate emotion, deal with problems. How to better play characters and grow them. It's a book full of very useful and easily digestible information.
December 2, 2019
Excellent advice for new players of any tabletop RPG a with a lot of solid tidbits for experienced players as well. The GM section is definitely more for beginner game masters as it never goes too deep, but I found something useful in almost every chapter and really, really love the character arc mechanics.
December 22, 2019
This book covers a lot and is full of critical and foundational information for role players of all types and experience levels.
A lot of things I read here have been covered in other disparate places, however, it is compiled and condensed into this one very functional book.
I encourage anyone who loves role-playing to read this book. I will be gifting this to many folks I know.
A lot of things I read here have been covered in other disparate places, however, it is compiled and condensed into this one very functional book.
I encourage anyone who loves role-playing to read this book. I will be gifting this to many folks I know.
September 25, 2019
Excellent!
February 18, 2026
The primer on tabletop roleplaying we needed --- great for both new and experienced players and GMs and everyone in between.
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