Keeping a Dungeons & Dragons game moving at a good pace is essential for maintaining player engagement and enjoyment. Last week we talked about basic ways to keep the game moving. After ensuring the basics are in place, here are some advanced techniques to further enhance your game’s pacing.

Use Visual Aids and Props

Maps and Minis:

Battle Maps: Use detailed battle maps to help players visualize the environment and plan their actions. This can be as simple as a grid drawn on paper or as elaborate as a 3D terrain model. For example, a map of a dungeon with labeled rooms and corridors helps players navigate and strategize. 

Some of the best software for mapping a dungeon is DungeonDraft. It allows you to create encounter maps for everything from wilderness extents to dungeons, to the local tavern. You will be surprised how engaged your players become, when they can actually see where they’re at, and what they’re doing. Maps can be put into a large screen, or simply printed out. 

Miniatures: Use miniatures to represent characters, NPCs, and monsters. This helps keep track of positions and actions during combat. For example, placing miniatures on a battle map allows players to see at a glance where everyone is and who is in range for attacks or spells. 

Dynamic Terrain: Incorporate dynamic terrain elements, such as movable walls or traps that can be added or removed as the scene evolves. This keeps the game engaging and visually stimulating. For example, use small props to represent a collapsing bridge or a rising tide of lava during a dramatic moment.

Handouts:

Visual Handouts: Provide handouts with key information, such as letters, maps, or drawings, to enhance immersion and keep players engaged. For instance, give players a hand-drawn map of a treasure island or a cryptic letter from an NPC. 

Prop Documents: Create physical documents, like aged scrolls or parchment, to hand out during the session. This adds a tactile element and makes the information feel more significant. For example, hand out a weathered scroll detailing an ancient prophecy or a royal decree. If you want to go all out, you can buy sealing wax and stamps (https://nostalgicimpressions.com/) to make an official document look actually official. 

Quick Reference Sheets: Provide quick reference sheets for commonly used rules, spells, or abilities. This helps players find information quickly without disrupting the flow of the game. For example, a cheat sheet with the rules for grappling or a list of frequently used spells can be invaluable.

Visual and Auditory Elements: 

Scenery and Backgrounds: Use backdrops or digital displays to set the scene. For example, a printed backdrop of a forest or a digital display showing a bustling cityscape can help immerse players in the setting. 

Sound Effects and Music: Incorporate sound effects and background music to enhance the atmosphere. Use apps or online resources (such as LoreScape Audio) to find appropriate sounds for different scenes. For example, play ambient forest sounds during a wilderness exploration or dramatic music during a battle. 

Visual Effects: Use lighting and visual effects to emphasize important moments. For example, dim the lights for a suspenseful scene or use colored lights to represent magical effects.

Digital Tools: 

Virtual Tabletop Software: Utilize virtual tabletop (VTT) software like Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, or Foundry VTT to manage maps, tokens, and combat. These tools offer a range of features to streamline gameplay and enhance visualization. For example, dynamic lighting and line-of-sight tools can make exploration more immersive. 

Character Management Apps: Encourage players to use digital character sheets and management apps like D&D Beyond. These tools help track stats, spells, and equipment, reducing the need for manual updates and lookups during the game. 

Online Resources: Use online resources to find and display visual aids quickly. Websites like Pinterest or DeviantArt can provide inspiration and ready-made maps or character portraits. You can also do a Google search for what you are looking for, then click the Image tab.

Physical Props: 

3D Printed Models: Use 3D printed models for characters, monsters, and terrain features. This adds a tactile element and can make encounters more engaging. For example, a 3D printed dragon perched atop a treasure hoard can be a stunning centerpiece for a climactic battle. If you have a 3D printer, the filament is cheap and will print thousands of minis. If you don’t have a 3D printer, you can have minis printed for a small charge. 

Costumes and Accessories: Incorporate costumes or accessories for major NPCs or events. For instance, wearing a cloak and a crown when playing a king can make role-playing scenes more immersive and memorable. It may feel silly, but if you enjoy role playing, really getting into character will absolutely change how your games run. 

Interactive Props: Use interactive props like puzzle boxes or locked chests that players can physically manipulate. This adds a layer of interactivity and can make solving puzzles or finding treasure more exciting. For example, a wooden puzzle box that players must solve to reveal a hidden clue.

Keeping Players Engaged with Visual Aids and Props: 

Player Involvement: Encourage players to use visual aids and props to enhance their role-playing. For example, they can create and share their character portraits or craft items like potions or scrolls. 

Regular Updates: Regularly update visual aids and props to reflect changes in the game world. For instance, update a campaign map to show newly discovered locations or changes in territory. 

Variety of Aids: Use a variety of visual aids and props to keep the game fresh and interesting. Rotate between different types of maps, handouts, and props to maintain engagement and excitement.

Example of Using Visual Aids and Props: 

Battle Maps and Miniatures (10-15 minutes): Set up a detailed battle map with miniatures representing the characters, NPCs, and monsters. Use dynamic terrain elements to add interest and strategy to the encounter. 

Handouts and Prop Documents (5-10 minutes): Provide players with handouts, such as a map of the dungeon they are exploring or a letter from a mysterious ally. Use physical props like aged parchment or scrolls to enhance immersion. 

Sound Effects and Music (Throughout the Session): Play background music and sound effects appropriate to the scene. For example, use ambient sounds for a forest exploration and dramatic music for a climactic battle. 

Digital Tools (Throughout the Session): Use virtual tabletop software to manage maps and tokens. Encourage players to use digital character sheets and management apps to streamline gameplay. 

Interactive Props (5-10 minutes): Introduce interactive props like a puzzle box or a locked chest. Allow players to physically manipulate these props to solve puzzles or find hidden items.

By incorporating visual aids and props into your D&D sessions, you can enhance the gaming experience and keep players engaged. These tools help players visualize the game world, streamline gameplay, and add an extra layer of immersion and excitement. Whether using battle maps and miniatures, handouts and prop documents, or digital tools and interactive props, these elements can make your sessions more dynamic and memorable.

Keep Track of Time

Session Timer:

Use a Session Timer: Implement a session timer to monitor the overall duration of your game. This helps you stay aware of how much time is passing and ensures that you can manage the pacing effectively. For example, set a timer at the start of each session to keep track of the total playtime. 

Segment Timers: Break your session into segments, such as planning, combat, exploration, and role-playing. Use timers for each segment to help keep each part of the session on track. For instance, allocate 30 minutes for the planning phase and set a timer to signal when it’s time to move on to the next segment. 

Visible Timer: Use a visible timer that all players can see. This keeps everyone aware of the time and encourages them to stay focused and efficient. You can use a physical timer, a timer on your phone, or a digital clock on a shared screen. If you can find an hourglass, that will keep time as well as help immersion.

Breaks and Resets:

Scheduled Breaks: Plan for short breaks during your sessions to keep players refreshed and focused. For example, take a 10-minute break every 1.5 to 2 hours. This helps prevent fatigue and allows players to stretch, grab a snack, and regroup. 

Break Reminders: Use timers or alarms to remind you when it’s time for a break. This ensures that breaks are taken regularly and at appropriate intervals. For example, set an alarm to go off every 90 minutes to signal a break. 

Reset After Breaks: After a break, briefly recap what was happening before the break to help players reset and refocus. This ensures that the momentum of the session is maintained. For example, “Before the break, you were about to enter the dragon’s lair. Let’s pick up from there.”

Time Management Techniques:

Limit Discussions: Encourage players to keep discussions concise, especially when planning or strategizing. Remind them to focus on key points and avoid lengthy tangents. For example, gently prompt, “Let’s summarize the plan quickly so we can get back to the action.” Using a timer for discussions will keep things in track. 

Quick Decisions: Encourage quick decision-making during gameplay. Set a time limit for player turns, especially in combat. For instance, give each player 30 seconds to decide their actions during their turn. 

Action Summaries: Summarize player actions quickly to keep the game moving. For example, “You successfully disarm the trap and open the door. Inside, you see…”

Monitoring Progress:

Progress Check-Ins: Regularly check in with players to assess progress towards session goals. This helps keep the game on track and ensures that important plot points are addressed. For example, after each major encounter, ask, “How are we doing on our main objectives?” 

Adjusting Pacing: Be prepared to adjust the pacing based on player engagement and progress. If a scene is dragging, find ways to wrap it up and move on. Conversely, if players are highly engaged, allow some flexibility to explore the scene further. For example, if combat is taking too long, streamline enemy actions to speed it up.

Efficient Use of Time in Different Game Phases:

Combat: Streamline combat to keep it fast-paced and exciting. Use pre-rolled initiatives, average damage, and batch rolling for enemy attacks. For example, roll all attacks for a group of goblins at once to save time. 

Exploration: Keep exploration engaging but concise. Use narrative descriptions to move through less important areas quickly. For example, “You travel through the forest for several hours without incident, arriving at the ancient ruins by nightfall.” 

Role-Playing: Focus on key role-playing interactions that drive the story forward. Summarize less critical conversations to maintain the pace. For example, “After a brief discussion with the innkeeper, you learn that the artifact you seek is rumored to be in the haunted mansion.”

Example of Keeping Track of Time:

Session Timer (Throughout the Session): Set a visible timer at the start of the session to monitor the total playtime. Break the session into segments with specific time allocations, such as 30 minutes for planning, 45 minutes for combat, and 30 minutes for exploration. This one is less effective in practice, but it can help move things along. 

Scheduled Breaks (5-10 minutes): Plan for a 10-minute break every 1.5 to 2 hours. Use timers or alarms to remind you when it’s time for a break. After the break, briefly recap the situation to help players refocus. 

Time Management Techniques (Throughout the Session): Encourage players to keep discussions concise and make quick decisions. Set time limits for player turns during combat and use action summaries to maintain the pace. 

Monitoring Progress (Throughout the Session): Regularly check in with players to assess progress towards session goals. Adjust the pacing based on player engagement and progress. For example, streamline combat if it’s taking too long or allow more time for highly engaging scenes. 

Efficient Use of Time in Different Game Phases (Throughout the Session): Streamline combat with pre-rolled initiatives and average damage. Use narrative descriptions for less important exploration areas. Focus on key role-playing interactions and summarize less critical conversations.

By keeping track of time through the use of session timers, scheduled breaks, effective time management techniques, progress monitoring, and efficient use of time in different game phases, you can maintain a well-paced and engaging D&D session. These strategies help ensure that gameplay flows smoothly, players remain focused, and the overall experience is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Be Ready to Improvise

Last week I did a video on tips & tricks for How To Improvise as a DM.

Flexible Plot Points:

Prepare for Multiple Outcomes: Anticipate various player actions and prepare multiple outcomes for key plot points. This flexibility allows you to adapt to player decisions without slowing down the game. For example, if players decide to negotiate with an enemy instead of fighting, have dialogue options and possible negotiation results ready. 

Loose Story Framework: Create a loose framework for your story rather than a rigid script. This allows you to adapt the narrative based on player actions and interests. For instance, have key events and goals outlined, but be flexible with how players reach them. 

Branching Paths: Design branching paths for major story arcs. This ensures that players have meaningful choices that can lead to different outcomes, keeping the game dynamic and engaging. For example, players might choose between allying with a powerful wizard or a guild of thieves, each leading to unique plot developments.

Improvisational Notes:

NPC Details: Keep a list of NPC names, personalities, and motivations handy. This allows you to quickly introduce new characters or flesh out existing ones as needed. For example, if players decide to visit an unexpected location, you can quickly introduce a local merchant or guard with distinct traits. 

Random Encounter Tables: Use random encounter tables like the ones in Dungeon Master Tools, for various environments to quickly generate encounters when players go off the beaten path. For example, have tables for forest, urban, and dungeon encounters that you can reference on the fly. 

Location Descriptions: Prepare brief descriptions for common locations, such as taverns, markets, and forests. This allows you to quickly set the scene without lengthy preparation. For instance, if players decide to explore a new town, you can describe its bustling marketplace or quiet residential area with ease.

Embrace Player Creativity:

Encourage Player Ideas: Encourage players to contribute their ideas and incorporate them into the story. This not only makes the game more collaborative but also allows you to build on their creativity. For example, if a player suggests a hidden passage in a dungeon, consider adding it to the map and incorporating it into the plot. 

Yes, And…: Use the improv principle of “Yes, and…” to build on player suggestions. This keeps the story moving and makes players feel their contributions are valued. For instance, if a player proposes a bold plan to sneak into a guarded castle, respond with, “Yes, and you notice a loose grate that might allow you to enter the sewer system unnoticed.” 

Player-Driven Plot Twists: Allow player actions to drive plot twists and unexpected developments. This keeps the story dynamic and responsive to their decisions. For example, if a player character inadvertently insults a powerful noble, use this as a catalyst for future conflict and intrigue.

Quick Decision Making:

Make Quick Rulings: When players ask questions or propose actions, make quick decisions to keep the game moving. Use your understanding of the game world and characters to guide your responses. For example, if players want to attempt an unconventional tactic, quickly assess the likelihood of success and outline the potential risks and rewards. 

Use GM Discretion: Trust your judgment and make rulings on the fly when necessary. This keeps the game pace brisk and prevents bogging down in rule consultations. For instance, if a player wants to try something not covered by the rules, make a fair ruling based on the situation and keep the game going. 

Summarize Outcomes: For less critical actions, summarize the outcomes quickly to maintain momentum. For example, “You search the room and find a few coins and a rusty dagger.”

Improvised Challenges and Rewards:

On-the-Fly Challenges: Be ready to introduce challenges on the fly, such as sudden obstacles, surprise attacks, or environmental hazards. This keeps the game exciting and unpredictable. For example, if players take an unexpected route through the forest, introduce a sudden storm that makes navigation difficult. 

Spontaneous Rewards: Offer spontaneous rewards for creative solutions and role-playing. This encourages players to think outside the box and keeps the game dynamic. For instance, if a player uses a clever tactic to outwit an enemy, reward them with extra experience points or a useful item. 

Dynamic NPC Reactions: Adjust NPC reactions based on player actions and decisions. This adds depth to interactions and keeps the story responsive to player input. For example, if players save a village from bandits, the villagers might offer them discounts on goods and services.

Example of Being Ready to Improvise:

Flexible Plot Points (Throughout the Session): Prepare multiple outcomes for key plot points and design branching paths for major story arcs. For instance, have options ready for whether players choose to fight or negotiate with an enemy. 

Improvisational Notes (Throughout the Session): Keep a list of NPC names and details, random encounter tables, and location descriptions handy. This allows you to quickly adapt to player actions and decisions. 

Embrace Player Creativity (Throughout the Session): Encourage player ideas and use the “Yes, and…” principle to build on their suggestions. Allow player actions to drive plot twists and unexpected developments. 

Quick Decision Making (Throughout the Session): Make quick judgments and use GM discretion to keep the game moving. Summarize outcomes for less critical actions to maintain momentum. 

Improvised Challenges and Rewards (Throughout the Session): Introduce on-the-fly challenges and offer spontaneous rewards for creative solutions and role-playing. Adjust NPC reactions based on player actions and decisions.

By being ready to improvise through flexible plot points, improvisational notes, embracing player creativity, quick decision making, and introducing improvised challenges and rewards, you can maintain a well-paced and dynamic D&D session. These strategies help you adapt to unexpected situations, keep the game responsive to player input, and ensure that the story remains engaging and exciting for everyone involved.

Rotate the Spotlight

Ensure Engagement:

Individual Attention: Regularly shift the focus to different players to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute and shine. This helps keep all players engaged and invested in the story. For example, after a combat encounter, focus on a character’s personal quest or a role-playing scene involving another character. 

Balanced Screen Time: Monitor and balance screen time so that quieter or less assertive players get equal opportunities to participate. Encourage more vocal players to occasionally step back and let others take the lead. For instance, during a planning session, ask quieter players for their input first. 

Spotlight on Unique Abilities: Highlight each character’s unique abilities and strengths by creating situations where they can showcase them. For example, if a character is a skilled thief, include scenarios where their stealth and lockpicking skills are crucial.

Interactive Descriptions:

Vivid Descriptions: Use vivid and interactive descriptions to maintain player interest and make them feel more immersed in the game. Describe scenes in a way that invites players to ask questions and interact with the environment. For instance, describe the eerie silence of an ancient crypt, prompting players to investigate further. 

Sensory Details: Include sensory details in your descriptions to engage players’ imaginations. Mention sights, sounds, smells, and textures to create a rich and immersive experience. For example, describe the damp, musty smell of a forgotten library or the sound of distant chanting in a dark forest. 

Player-Driven Descriptions: Encourage players to describe their actions and surroundings from their character’s perspective. This not only engages them more deeply but also helps share the narrative load. For instance, ask a player to describe how their character prepares for a battle or interacts with an NPC.

Character Development:

Character Arcs: Develop character arcs that provide individual players with personal growth and storylines. This keeps them invested in their characters and the campaign. For example, create a subplot where a character seeks redemption for past actions or discovers their true heritage. 

Personal Quests: Integrate personal quests and backstories into the main plot. This gives each character moments to shine and contributes to the overall story. For instance, weave a character’s search for a lost family member into the campaign’s primary objectives. 

Emotional Stakes: Create scenarios that involve emotional stakes for different characters. This deepens their engagement and adds layers to the narrative. For example, introduce an NPC from a character’s past who needs their help, creating a personal dilemma.

Encourage Player Interaction:

Group Challenges: Design challenges that require collaboration and input from all players. This promotes teamwork and ensures everyone is involved. For example, create puzzles that need different skills to solve or battles that require strategic planning from all members. 

Role-Playing Prompts: Use role-playing prompts to encourage interaction between characters. This helps build relationships and keeps the game dynamic. For instance, prompt a character to share a story from their past around a campfire or to negotiate with an NPC on behalf of the group. 

Shared Goals: Establish shared goals that require cooperation and collective effort. This ensures that all players feel they have a stake in the outcome. For example, set a mission where the group must work together to protect a village or retrieve a powerful artifact.

Dynamic NPC Interactions:

Personalized NPCs: Create NPCs with connections to different characters, providing opportunities for individual interactions and character development. For instance, an NPC might be a mentor to one character and a rival to another, creating different dynamics within the group. 

Rotating NPC Focus: Rotate the focus of NPC interactions to engage different players. Ensure that various NPCs have meaningful interactions with each character. For example, have an NPC seek out one character for advice on a matter, and later, another NPC asks a different character for help with a personal issue. 

Interactive Dialogues: Use interactive dialogues where NPCs address multiple characters, prompting responses from different players. This keeps the conversation dynamic and inclusive. For instance, an NPC might ask the group for their opinions on a pressing matter, encouraging each player to contribute.

Example of Rotating the Spotlight:

Combat and Strategy (15-20 minutes): During a combat encounter, focus on different players’ actions and highlight their characters’ strengths. After combat, shift to a planning session, asking quieter players for their input first. 

Role-Playing Scene (10-15 minutes): Create a scene where an NPC with a connection to one character interacts with the group. Encourage that character to take the lead in the conversation, but involve others by having the NPC ask for multiple perspectives. 

Personal Quest (10-15 minutes): Integrate a personal quest into the main story. For example, if a character is searching for a lost artifact, include a clue that ties into the current mission, giving that player a moment to shine. 

Group Challenge (15-20 minutes): Design a puzzle or strategic challenge that requires input and collaboration from all players. Ensure each character’s abilities and skills are needed to solve the problem or achieve the goal. 

Emotional Stake Scene (10-15 minutes): Introduce an NPC with an emotional connection to a character, creating a personal dilemma that engages that player deeply while involving the group in the resolution.

By rotating the spotlight through individual attention, interactive descriptions, character development, encouraging player interaction, and dynamic NPC interactions, you can ensure all players remain engaged and involved in your D&D sessions. These strategies help maintain a balanced and dynamic game, where each player feels valued and has opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the story.

Use Cliffhangers and Tension

End on a High Note:

Dramatic Cliffhangers: Conclude sessions with dramatic cliffhangers that leave players eager to find out what happens next. This could be the appearance of a powerful enemy, the discovery of a crucial clue, or an unexpected twist in the story. For example, end a session with the party standing at the entrance of a dragon’s lair, hearing the creature’s growl from within. 

Unresolved Questions: Pose unresolved questions at the end of a session to create anticipation for the next one. For instance, end with a mysterious message from an unknown sender, leaving players wondering who it’s from and what it means for their quest. 

Imminent Threats: Leave the session with an imminent threat looming over the characters, such as an advancing army or a ticking time bomb. This ensures players are excited and anxious to return and resolve the situation.

Create Urgency:

Time-Sensitive Challenges: Introduce time-sensitive challenges that require quick decision-making and action from the players. For example, set a time limit for defusing a bomb or rescuing a hostage before it’s too late. 

Countdowns and Timers: Use countdowns and timers to add tension and urgency to situations. This keeps players on their toes and drives them to act quickly. For example, a collapsing cave might require players to find an exit within a certain number of turns. 

High-Stakes Situations: Present high-stakes situations where the outcome significantly impacts the story or characters. This could involve the potential death of a beloved NPC or the loss of a valuable artifact. For instance, a powerful enemy might threaten to destroy a village unless the players intervene immediately.

Tension in Combat:

Unpredictable Enemy Tactics: Use unpredictable enemy tactics to keep combat exciting and tense. Enemies might have secret abilities, reinforcements, or escape plans that surprise the players. For example, an enemy commander might call for reinforcements halfway through the battle, changing the dynamics of the fight. 

Environmental Hazards: Incorporate environmental hazards into combat encounters, such as collapsing structures, raging fires, or unstable terrain. These elements force players to adapt their strategies and add an extra layer of tension. For instance, a fight on a narrow bridge over a chasm adds the risk of falling. 

Boss Fight Phases: Design boss fights with multiple phases, each with different challenges and tactics. This keeps the encounter dynamic and prevents it from becoming monotonous. For example, a dragon might start the fight with ground attacks, then take to the air and use breath weapons in later phases.

Suspenseful Role-Playing:

Secrets and Betrayals: Introduce secrets and potential betrayals within the group or from NPCs to create suspense. This can lead to tense role-playing interactions as players try to uncover the truth. For example, an NPC ally might turn out to be a spy, leading to a dramatic reveal and confrontation. 

Mysterious NPCs: Add mysterious NPCs with hidden motives and ambiguous allegiances. This keeps players guessing about their true intentions and creates a sense of unease. For instance, a helpful stranger might offer assistance but refuses to reveal their identity or reasons. 

Moral Dilemmas: Present moral dilemmas that force players to make difficult choices with significant consequences. This adds depth and tension to the story. For example, players might have to decide whether to save a village from a plague or pursue the villain escaping with a powerful artifact.

Building Tension Over Time:

Foreshadowing: Use foreshadowing to hint at future threats and challenges. This builds anticipation and keeps players engaged as they try to piece together clues. For instance, scattered references to a looming prophecy can create a sense of inevitable confrontation. 

Recurring Threats: Introduce recurring threats that grow in intensity over time. This creates a sense of escalating danger and urgency. For example, a rival faction might start with minor skirmishes but escalate to full-scale attacks as the campaign progresses. 

Gradual Revelations: Reveal information gradually to build tension and keep players invested in the story. This could involve uncovering pieces of a larger mystery or conspiracy. For example, players might find cryptic notes and symbols that slowly reveal the existence of a secret cult.

Example of Using Cliffhangers and Tension:

Ending on a High Note (5-10 minutes): Conclude the session with a dramatic cliffhanger. For example, the party finds the kidnapped prince, but as they prepare to escape, they hear the footsteps of approaching guards. The session ends with the guards bursting into the room. 

Creating Urgency (Throughout the Session): Introduce a time-sensitive challenge, such as disarming a magical trap that will unleash a deadly curse if not deactivated in time. Use a visible timer to add real-time pressure. 

Tension in Combat (15-20 minutes): Design a combat encounter with environmental hazards. For instance, a battle in a crumbling temple where sections of the floor collapse, forcing players to constantly reposition and adapt their tactics. 

Suspenseful Role-Playing (10-15 minutes): Introduce a mysterious NPC who offers vital information but demands a favor in return. The NPC’s ambiguous motives create tension as players decide whether to trust them. 

Building Tension Over Time (Throughout the Campaign): Foreshadow a major threat by including references to an ancient prophecy in scattered texts and NPC dialogues. Gradually reveal more details, building anticipation for the final confrontation.

By using cliffhangers and tension through ending on high notes, creating urgency, adding tension in combat, incorporating suspenseful role-playing, and building tension over time, you can maintain a well-paced and engaging D&D session. These strategies keep players on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what happens next and fully immersed in the story.

Remember, the point is to have fun. If everyone is having fun, there is no need to use any of these in your game. These are for the times when unruly players cause issues, or the entire group gets sidetracked from the game. Pick and choose what you want to use. No one uses all of these. That would make for a a very ridged and boring game. 

Use this as a resource of things you can do, if your game starts getting bogged down, and you just don’t know what to do.

So, what do you do to keep your game flowing? Tell us in the comments below.