Should Dungeon Masters Use a DM Screen?

By Charlie Stayton, Behind the Die

One of the long-standing debates in the world of Dungeon Masters (DMs) is whether to use a DM screen during a game session. Some see it as an essential tool for maintaining mystery and order, while others prefer an open-table approach that fosters transparency and engagement. So, should you use a DM screen in your Dungeons & Dragons campaign? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

The Case for Using a DM Screen

1. Keeping Secrets and Maintaining Mystery

A DM screen allows you to keep important notes, monster stat blocks, and secret dice rolls hidden from players. This can be crucial for maintaining suspense, as players won’t be able to predict encounters or outcomes just by glancing at your rolls or notes.

2. Enhanced Storytelling Control

With a screen, you have more control over when and how information is revealed. You can fudge dice rolls if necessary to keep the narrative flowing or to avoid an unlucky roll derailing a dramatic moment.

3. Organizational Benefits

Many DM screens come with useful reference materials printed on the inside, such as condition effects, rules summaries, and common difficulty class (DC) tables. This can make running the game smoother by reducing the need to flip through rulebooks.

4. Aesthetic and Thematic Immersion

A well-designed DM screen can help set the tone of the game, displaying evocative artwork that immerses players in the world of the campaign. It also establishes a distinct “DM space” at the table, reinforcing the DM’s role as the storyteller and world-builder.

The Case Against Using a DM Screen

1. Fostering Player Trust and Transparency

Rolling in the open ensures players know everything is fair. Some players feel more engaged when they can see the dice results, removing any doubt about whether rolls are being manipulated.

2. Encouraging Player Participation

Without a physical barrier, the game feels more open and collaborative. Players may feel more encouraged to ask questions, engage with maps or handouts, and contribute to the storytelling process.

3. Reducing the “Us vs. Them” Mentality

A DM screen can sometimes create an unintentional separation between the DM and the players. By eliminating the screen, the game may feel less adversarial and more cooperative.

4. More Space for Maps and Miniatures

For DMs who use physical battle maps and miniatures, a screen can take up valuable table space. Removing it allows for more room to showcase the tactical elements of combat.

The Best of Both Worlds

Ultimately, the choice to use a DM screen depends on your play style and the needs of your group. Some DMs opt for a hybrid approach—using a screen for organization and reference but rolling important checks in the open to maintain fairness. Others may start with a screen and gradually shift to an open style as trust with the players builds.

The best advice? Experiment and see what works best for you and your players. Whether you rule from behind the screen or sit openly at the table, the key is to ensure that everyone is engaged and having fun. After all, that’s what Dungeons & Dragons is all about!