Where to Have Your DnD Game

Not every group can or wants to simply play at the DM's home (or another player's home). Sometimes a home isn't suited for D&D meetings (such as being a small apartment or dorm). Sometimes, group members live on opposite sides of town, and you need a common meeting place. It can also be difficult to clean up after a party with four to eight people every week.

When picking an alternative place to hold a tabletop game, the first thing to think of is how many people are going to come. With larger groups, this limits the options. The second thing to think of is player preferences/needs. Not everyone is good at focusing, so busier places might not work.

Here are a few options, with their benefits/detractions:

1. A public park

Benefits: Since parks are public, they can't turn your group away. They typically have tables of the right size or grassy places to sit, and minimal noise and distraction.  

Detractions: Parks aren't an option in the winter (in most places). It's impossible to play late, and if leaving after dark, safety can be an issue.  Make it every player's responsibility to make sure everyone gets to their cars safely. Weather can be problematic, canceling or ending a game early. 

2. The local library

Benefits: Many libraries have a grassy area to sit in the summertime, and conference rooms you can reserve.  If you choose to sit outside, there's an alternative in case of bad weather, and there's usually internet.

Detractions: Libraries are quiet places.  If you're outside, this is fine, but if you're inside, the group may have to curb its usual noise level by a lot.  No food is allowed inside as well.

3. A restaurant/cafe

Benefits: If you want food, you won't have to make your own or clean up afterwards.  It spreads the cost burden of food.  Depending on where you choose, it could bring your gaming group into more of a community aspect.

Detractions: The food can be more expensive than providing it at home.  It can also make it hard on members of the gaming group with less money.   Restaurants and cafes can tell you to leave, during peak hours they'll be noisy, and the type of food served isn't going to be as game-conducive as the usual snacks.

4. The local gaming store

Benefits: Like a restaurant, this can bring you closer to the community- but specifically, the gaming community, which brings its own benefits.  Unlike a restaurant, gaming stores want this (for the most part), and often have areas for you to meet.  It could even connect your group to new players.

Detractions: These places can be noisy or distracting, too.  Depending on the venue, food may or may not be allowed.  It can be difficult to uninvite disruptive players from the group, and certain props might not be feasible.

5. For students only: University Campus

Benefits: I would recommend this option for all student games.  There's a vast variety of locations, so you'll be able to find one that suits your group.  Almost everyone is likely to live on or near the campus, so it makes for a great middle ground (and is convenient).  

Detractions: You will of course have to learn the rules for any place you pick on campus, and it might not be possible to select a place that has everything that you want.

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