As a Dungeon Master (DM), one of the greatest joys you can experience is watching your players engage deeply with the world you’ve created. When they get creative, taking actions or making decisions you didn’t anticipate, it’s not only a sign that they’re invested but also a golden opportunity to practice the art of “Yes, And” gaming. This concept, borrowed from improv comedy, encourages collaboration between the DM and the players, ensuring that the story flows smoothly while maintaining the player’s agency. But in a tabletop role playing game, it’s also essential to remember that while the players have the freedom to choose their actions, those actions will have consequences.
What Is “Yes, And” in TTRPGs?
The “Yes, And” philosophy is a way of thinking that allows DMs to roll with unexpected player decisions. When a player presents an idea, instead of shutting it down with a firm “no” because it wasn’t in your plan, the DM agrees and builds upon it, adding more layers to the narrative. It doesn’t mean the player always gets exactly what they want, but it does mean their creativity is respected and incorporated into the story.
For example, if a player says, “I want to swing from the chandelier and land in front of the duke to stop his escape,” a “Yes, And” response might be: “Yes, and as you swing across the room, the chandelier creaks loudly, snapping from its chain just as you land. Now you’re standing in front of the duke… and the chandelier is crashing down toward both of you!”
By using “Yes, And,” you preserve the excitement of the player’s action while adding new consequences that keep the scene dynamic and engaging.
How to Apply “Yes, And” in Your Game
1. Let Players Take the Lead
The first step is embracing player-driven actions, no matter how wild or unexpected they may be. You might have planned a quiet negotiation with a village elder, but if your barbarian decides they want to challenge the elder to a drinking contest instead, don’t be afraid to pivot. Let the players influence the flow of the game. While you’re the architect of the world, they are the protagonists shaping its path.
When a player declares, “I want to steal the crown from the king’s head while he’s distracted,” avoid the instinct to shut them down with a hard “no.” Instead, think about how their action might unfold: “Yes, and as your fingers close around the crown, you feel the weight of every noble’s gaze upon you. You’ve got it, but how do you plan to escape the wrath of the court?”
2. Balance Freedom with Consequences
Just because you’re saying “yes” to a player’s idea doesn’t mean there won’t be repercussions. Consequences are essential for maintaining the logic of your world and ensuring that player choices have weight. If a rogue wants to pickpocket the queen during a grand ball, they may succeed, and they may also attract the attention of the royal guards or trigger political intrigue that could haunt them for sessions to come.
Consequences should feel natural, not punitive. It’s about maintaining the cause-and-effect balance. If players know they can do almost anything they set their minds to, but that the world will react appropriately, it adds to their sense of immersion and investment.
3. Build on Their Ideas
When using “Yes, And,” remember that you’re not just agreeing to the player’s suggestion but also adding something of your own. The best outcomes often come from a collaboration between what the player imagines and how you expand upon that idea.
Let’s say your wizard wants to cast an obscure spell they found in an ancient tome to communicate with a long-dead king. You could respond: “Yes, and as you begin the incantation, the air thickens with a dark, ancient magic. The king’s spirit materializes, but instead of the regal figure you expected, he’s twisted with rage, angry at being disturbed from his eternal slumber. Now he demands a tribute for his answers.”
By building upon their idea, you’re not only affirming their creativity, but also weaving it into the fabric of your world in a way that keeps the stakes high.
4. Encourage Risk-Taking
When players feel safe to make bold choices, your game becomes a more exciting, unpredictable adventure. This doesn’t mean eliminating failure, far from it! Failures can be just as fun as successes, especially when they lead to new and unforeseen challenges.
If a player wants to convince a dragon to let them ride on its back, don’t immediately deny it with a flat “that would never happen.” Instead, lean into the possibilities: “Yes, and the dragon, intrigued by your audacity, allows it… but only after you prove your bravery by retrieving a gem from the heart of a volcano.”
In doing so, you create a world where risks come with rewards, and often lead to even bigger, more memorable moments.
5. Use NPCs to Reflect Player Actions
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate the consequences of player actions is through NPC reactions. These characters act as the world’s mouthpieces, reflecting both praise and judgment based on what the players do.
For instance, if a player chooses to blow up a bridge to thwart a group of marauders, the villagers may thank them for stopping the threat… while also cursing them for making travel in and out of the village much more difficult. This dual reaction reinforces that actions have a ripple effect, influencing how the world evolves around the players.
NPCs can also offer unique challenges or opportunities based on what players have done. If the party gains notoriety for their deeds, they may be approached by powerful allies, or ambitious rivals.
Handling Curveballs with Grace
Of course, not every player action will fit seamlessly into your planned narrative. Maybe they want to skip the dungeon entirely or decide to ally with the villain. Instead of viewing these as disruptions, see them as chances to develop your improvisation skills. Every decision they make is a new thread you can weave into the larger story.
For example, if your party opts to parley with the evil sorcerer instead of fighting, take it as an opportunity to flesh out the sorcerer’s motivations. “Yes, and as you make your case, the sorcerer’s cold eyes soften for a brief moment. ‘Perhaps there is something to gain from an alliance,’ he muses, though you know there’s more to this offer than meets the eye.”
Now the party has changed the course of the campaign, and you’ve opened up an exciting new narrative avenue.
Embrace the Unexpected
What’s the craziest idea your players ever came up with that turned into an amazing moment in your game? Share your stories in the comments below, we’d love to hear how you embraced “Yes, And” at your table!
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