Rules Lawyers – The Ultimate Objection

Rules lawyers. We have all ran into them at one time or another. They can be the bane of many a gaming group. So how does one deal with a rule book toting, combat interrupting rules hound? While the DM Guide for 4th Edition is great and offers ideas for dealing with many other types of gamers it is obviously lacking in this particular areas. So what is to be done about them?

While the DM guide might not be a direct help in this regard it does actually give some good insights. The thing about a rules lawyer is they generally fall into one of the other “categories” that the DMG lists. In my experience they are usually power gamers or slayer with a hint of the explorer types who feel that in order to help themselves accomplish their goals they have to attempt to force every encounter to abide by the rules at all times. The reason for this is that usually when they interupt combat or an encounter to tout some archaic rule it is because it is beneficial to them in some way. And trust me, these people know the rules even better than you do and have memorized every bit of errata to be released.

Take for instance one of the players in my group. We will call him McLawyerPants the Fighter for the purposes of this post. Generally while engaging in a frantic battle it can be expected that at any given moment McLawyerPants is going to interupt the flow of battle because he feels that he should have received an opportunity attack when the kobold Dragonshield shifted out of melee range. Once this happens you can be assured that a lengthy and detailed argument will take place about what the rules say, how they should be read, and how it applies to this situation.

“Rule-lawyering is a tricky problem. To the player, in their mind, they are only doing the game a service by trying to encourage “consistency”. Unfortunately, if the act of rules-lawyering is overpowering the GM’s ability to maintain the pace of the game and interest of the group, it can be a distraction at best and a fun-wrecker at worst. The player is not the one given the role of adjudicator for the game. That is the responsibility of the GM. It is the GM’s duty to decide which rules to follow strictly, which to overlook and which to make up when needed.”

 

That quote sums up the entire situation quite nicely. Ultimately it is up to you to make the final ruling on anything. If a player does not like it or feels that you are being arbitrary they should bring it up before or after the game, NOT DURING.

Myself, I have a hard time with these type of people. I am not the most patient person usually so my knee jerk reaction is somewhat Capt Kirk like in I just want to shoot them and move on. But with time and some help from the wonderful people over at penandpapergames.com I have gained alot of valuable insight into how to better deal with them. The most important thing is to talk to them. Start with the simple explanation of how they may infact know this information but their character would not. Allow them to make Knowledge checks though. If they suceed then let him fill in the details. If he does not then ask him to kindly keep the knowledge to himself.

If this still does not work then try simply talking to him. Advise them that while you understand that they do know a good amount about the game and you appreciate their desire to share that knowledge with others it is disruptive and not appreciated. You will be surprised at how often the other players in your group will share your sentiments. If this still doesn’t work apply penalties to combat situations or other situations in which the ill gotten information was shared.
While it can be frustrating to deal with these type of people and their stoic adherance to the rules, you must keep in mind that it can be equally as frustrating for them to deal with what they feel is a blatant disregard for the rules. The trick here is learning to make use of what they feel is a vast knowledge and understanding of the game without letting them take over the entire thing. Communication is the key though. Calmly make them understand that while you appreciate their desire to help and their advise that there is a time and a place for it. From time to time even ask them about a rule or situation and get their advise in regards to it. This can take some of the stress away from you and make them feel like they are contributing to the overall game.

Above all though you have to stay calm, firm, but above all fair. Offer to let the person take their turn running the game from time to time. It can give you a much needed break and give the memorizing pain in the ass a chance to see what it is like to deal with someone who knows the rules and interupts constantly to tell you how you screwed up and you fail at life. See how the little twat likes it then.