So, you’re thinking about running your first tabletop game? Maybe you’ve got a world in your head, a story idea, or just a curiosity about how it all works behind the screen. But something’s holding you back. You’re not “ready,” right?

Let me tell you something: You are more ready than you think.

Disclaimer: Statements expressed in this article are strictly my opinion. If you disagree or have a different opinion, that’s okay. I’m not an expert on everything. I’m not always right. I’m just writing from my experience as I know it. Your mileage may vary.

Running a game isn’t about being the smartest person in the room or knowing every rule in the book. It’s about gathering your friends, throwing some ideas on the table, and saying, “Let’s tell a story together.” If you’ve ever laughed at a critical fail, remembered a favorite NPC, or asked “what if?” during a game—you’ve already got the spark.

Please do what works best for you as a Game Master and your group. What works for me at my table may not work for yours and vice versa. The main focus is to have fun. There is no right or wrong way to roleplay.

Here’s a quick checklist. If you’ve done at least one of these, you’re already on the GM track:

  • You’ve played in a session and enjoyed it.
  • You’ve come up with a cool character idea or backstory.
  • You’ve daydreamed about a setting, scene, or monster idea.

That’s it. You don’t need to memorize every rule or have a voice for every NPC. Start small. Run a one-shot. Use a pre-made adventure. Or wing it with a rules-light system.

Your first game won’t be perfect—and that’s good. You’ll learn, adapt, and get better. More importantly, you’ll have fun.

Grab your notes, invite a few friends, and say, “Hey, want to try something?”

Because you can do this. And your table is waiting.

Thank you for being here with me today. I appreciate you. Keep it real, but please strive for positivity, too. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy in your life.