Continuing with our series on playing Dice Masters online that we started here, I want to talk a little about being a "good" player.  Ok, so not good in the sense of strategy tips.  You can read up on the strategy columns we've written here at TRP or from our friends at Dice Anon for game strategy.  In this write-up I'm specifically talking about game etiquette and how to create an atmosphere that would be inviting for other players to join you for a match or hangout and watch.  Some of these things might seem like common sense - and if they do, great!  You're doing it right!  But let's be honest: our hobby as a whole struggles at times in the social arena. So, here are a few tips I've learned along the way that will keep your online game opportunities flowing freely.



1. Keep your appointments and be on time to play.
The first key to being a good online community player is to always be sure to keep your appointments.  You wouldn't want to waste someone's time by making arrangements for a game and then not showing up.  Treat your online appointments the same way. Also, be ready to play at the time you say you'll play.  What I mean by that is, if you say "2 o'clock," be ready to go by 2 o'clock.  Don't just get online at 2 o'clock and then say "Ok, give me 15 minutes to set up."  You're wasting your opponent's time.  This one comes from personal experience where I was the offender, so I'm pointing at myself here. :)

2. Agree ahead of time on format, build restrictions and any other specific game details.
This is another important thing to hash out ahead of time - it's another time stealer if you don't.  What sets are you both ok with in this game?  Is this a standard game or what?  Are we restricting anything?  How many games do you think we'll be able to get in?  All of these questions are good things to pre-decide on so that when you get everything fired up you're ready to play.

3. Provide a link or verbally walkthrough your team build for your opponent.
Although our Webcams are pretty good nowadays, it's often difficult to see exactly what card you or your opponent are using.  Be sure to either link your team using a database such as Dice Masters DB or go over it clearly on camera for your opponent to see what you're playing.  Along the same lines, feel free to ask questions and be ready to answer them frequently for clarification purposes.

4. Narrate and explain your every move.
This is important and probably sounds like it slows down the game, but it doesn't.  Be sure to tell your opponent what's going on.  Again, it's hard to see exactly what's happening so give your opponent the courtesy of explanation as you play.  We all have our own short hand and local verbiage (like, as Dice Anon pointed out, PXG becomes "the thing" in most games!) and there will be lots of times when that doesn't translate.  Though I would argue that most online gamers are not playing online to cheat, narrating and explaining what's happening will keep both sides accountable.

5. Be extra graceful and rectify mistakes due to miscommunication.
Offer the same amount of grace for mistakes that you would when playing with someone live.  No...offer more.  If someone makes a big mistake, help them rewind and rectify the mistake.  If someone didn't realize that die was actually that symbol and they thought it was something else, roll with the punches.  Treat other gamers like you'd prefer to be treated.  Remember - the online medium can create undue confusion.  Respect that and act accordingly.

6. Have fun!
I know this is always my mantra, but here it is again: this is a game and it should be fun.  Period.  Do what you can to contribute to an environment where people are having fun - that's one of your jobs as a player.  While playing online is not preferred to playing in person, if you have a positive attitude it will go a long way.

Until next time!

- Chris