So You Want To Host

So you want to host games? Well, there are a number of things you need to do inorder to be a great host. We all can identify those "bad" hosts but it is hard to see the difference between "good" and "great" hosts. A great host is one that everyone enjoys playing their game. There are only 2 reasons to host a game; 1, to make tokens; 2, cause you want to create fun for others. No matter which reason you are hosting for, all of these tips will apply in making hosting easier for you and your players. Some of them are just common sense and need no explaination.

1. Host a game you like and understand. If you don't play the game you are hosting then how are you going to know what your players are really thinking about your game.

2. Use Macros. This simple thing can make a game move faster and smoother.

3. Use Assistants. This too can make a game move faster during the play of the game you will be busy running the game. The Assistants should understand the rules as well as you do and should not get in your way of hosting (note other rules below for further understanding).

4. Use a Program to manage the game. If your game requires some sort of tracking use a program rather than paper. The game will go faster and smoother. Ther are several programmers out there who can write a host program if you have an idea.

5. Be at your game site 10 to 15 minutes before it is scheduled to start. There is nothing worse than a host who is late for his/her own game. If you can't be there than have an Assistant be there 10 to 15 minutes earlier.

6. Don't use funny characters in your Host Name. There is nothing more annoying for a player than trying to remember what the codes are for those funny characters when they are trying to type in your name.

7. Use as short name a name possible for your Host name.

8. Don't use funny characters in the turf name if you are hosting in a turf.

9. Use an easy to remember name for your game turf.

10. Keep the animation and movement to a minimum. You don't want players crashing during the game because it does slow the game when you wait for them.

11. Keep the chit-chat on the ground to a minimum and at a PG level. There is nothing more annoying than people on the ground blabbering on about something not related to the game.

12. Keep a professional image. Don't swear or use slang. This also applies to your assistants and anyone who might be on the ground.

13. Your game should be easy to play and understand.

14. Have your rules defined and in a macro. Your rules should be easy to read and understand. Don't use big words or over explain.

15. If you are doing trivia make your questions range from easy to hard. Don't make the questions so impossible to answer, no one likes a host who is a smartass and just trying to make his players feel stupid.

16. Never, ever say "If you don't like it don't play." This is the most stupidest thing I have ever heard for a host to respond. Address the complaint as best you can. If someone is being unreasonable your other players will understand and tell the person to talk to after the game so that the game isn't held up. Remember, a complaint may turn into a very good suggestion for improving your game.

17. Use a web site to fully explain the game and rules. Also place the URL on your avatar and if you are using a game turf attach it to every wall and floor.

18. Keep in mind that trivia or other knowledge based games should be educational.

19. When defining your rules also define what is "cheating" to your game. If you feel looking up answers on the web or enclycopeadia is "cheating" state so and look for it and don't be afraid to enforce the rule. If you can't enforce the rule don't even mention it.

20. If you must remove a player for breaking or disrupting your game do it quickly and without a lot of public discussion. This will only slow the game and also may upset other players.

21. If you have a time limit in your game then make it long enough that someone who has lag can answer but not long enough that it slows the game down.

22. Test your game several times before playing. This will shake any bugs out of the host program and/or the question files. You also want to be sure that if you are doing trivia that your questions are processed correctly through the Host program. Also if you are doing trivia, check your answers to be sure they are correct as well as for any typos.

23. Pick a game that is different than what is currently being over played. The more different and unique your game is the more likely your game will be attended.

24. Scoring should be fair. This sometimes is real hard to judge but ask your players after the first game what they thought.

25. Winning should not depend solely upon speed of one's machine and/or connection.

26. Keep in mind, if your players aren't having a good time they will not come back.

27. Keep the game moving. Don't stop all the time to read off scores or answer questions.

28. Start your game on time and end it on time, specially if its an event day.

29. Be sure to thank those who help at the end and beginning of the game, not during the game.

30. Only Macro the rules at the beginning of the game if you have a web site. Just refer the site during the game.

I am sure this will grow as people give me suggestions and remind me of things I have forgotten. It doesn't take much to be a host but it sure takes alot of effort to be a "great" host or even a "good" host. If you have anything to add to this list please feel free to email me and I will add it. (I might even put your name if you want.)