Why Everyone Hates Rules Lawyers

Written by Luke Hart

Today, we’re talking about rules lawyers in Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop roleplaying games. We’re going to define EXACTLY what a rules lawyer is—because there are actually two other player types that folks often confuse with rules lawyers—why they represent a dire problem for your game, and what you should do about them.

Watch or listen to this article by clicking the video below.

What Is a Rules Lawyer?

Now, there are two other player types that are often confused with Rules Lawyers, but they aren’t.

First, you have the Rules Sage. This is the person who knows the rules of the game as well as or better than the GM, and if the GM doesn’t know a rule, they can often recite it or quickly find it in the books. Now, a Rules Sage, is usually an amazing BENEFIT to the game. They help things move faster because they know the rules, and they are a great resource for a game master. You see, Rules Sages know the rules, but they don’t DEMAND that they be followed to the letter, and they recognize the value of the “rule of cool” and that the GM has the authority to make calls and exceptions.

Next, you have the Rules Devotee. They are similar to the Rules Sage in many ways, but they also want to PLAY BY THE RULES. They recognize the authority of the GM, but they also aren’t fans of “breaking the rules.” Rules Devotees would also rather have the GM look up a rule when in doubt instead of just making a call, which can slow the game down. They also might want things retconned when they realize later that a rule was broken. They may even interrupt the game to penalize themselves for previous actions because they realize they broke a rule and they feel guilty for it. Generally speaking, Rules Devotees are a benefit to the game, but they do have their downsides.

So then, WHAT EXACTLY is a Rules Lawyer? A rules lawyer is someone who knows the rules of the game and seeks to EXPLOIT them whenever it benefits them. You see, there is nothing wrong with players who know the rules and contribute that knowledge for the overall benefit of the game. However, a rules lawyer doesn’t do that; their motivations are completely self-serving.

Furthermore, a rules lawyer thrives on exploits and loopholes. They are, in fact, called “lawyers” because they want to LITIGATE EVERYTHING with the objective of maximizing their own personal benefit so they can WIN. However, it’s not always about winning the game; many times it’s just about winning THE ARGUMENT.

Another defining characteristic of rules lawyers is that they take advantage of the rules whenever it’s convenient for them, but they’re happy to FORGET the rules when those same rules would work against them. Furthermore, they are keen on remembering every rules call or rule of cool moment allowed by the GM so that they can exploit them later.

Rules lawyers often switch between “the letter of the rule” and “the spirit” of the rule based entirely on which interpretation benefits them at the moment. They don’t like to let go of an argument because they feel that pressing the issue incessantly will allow them to BERATE the GM into submission.

Rules lawyers LOVE the word “technically,” too. You’ll hear this a lot when they litigate their causes. And, by the way, the use of this word is a great way to tell the difference between a rules sage or rules devotee and a rules lawyer.

And perhaps most importantly, rules lawyers don’t care one lick about BEING FAIR, even if “that’s not fair” may be a refrain they frequently use. Remember, rules lawyers don’t care about being fair; they only care about themselves. They are first and foremost SELFISH. Rules lawyers seek to promote their own interests above that of the GM or the other players.

Why Are Rules Lawyers A Problem?

I suspect you’ll agree that IN THE SIMPLE DEFINITION of a rules lawyer we find a plethora of problems that will likely have negative impacts on the game.

However, rules lawyers are doubly destructive to the game because their desire to argue and win those arguments does a few things:

First, it slows down the game, preventing forward momentum, impeding good pacing, stymying the realization of goals, and just generally turns gameplay into a SLOG. And who wants to be in a game that goes nowhere fast?

Next, rule lawyering ALIENTATES other players who are just there to have fun and have ZERO INTEREST in witnessing these back-and-forth arguments instigated by the rules lawyer. There are GOOD players that leave games because of rules lawyers left unchecked.

Third, a rules lawyer can easily destroy a game master’s desire to even run the game. Think about it. If you were the game master, would you really feel excited about your game sessions when you know you have a player who is going to spend half the session ARGUING with you? I personally would dread such games, and if the GM dreads having their games, how long do you think it’ll last before they JUST. STOP. RUNNING. THE. GAME?

At the end of the day, rules lawyers almost always suck the fun out of games, and thus cannot be tolerated. Action must be taken.

What to Do About Rules Lawyers

Honestly, the solution is simple, and it’s the same solution as almost any problem you might have in your game. YOU TALK TO YOUR PLAYERS. Now, if it were me, I would have a one-on-one talk with the rules lawyer, ideally in person, or failing that, over the phone or a Zoom call. However, texting or messaging or emailing is a BAD IDEA. Problem resolution is best accomplished when both parties can see each other’s faces or AT LEAST hear the tone of their voices. So much is lost in written communication, and it can often lead to misunderstandings, potentially amplifying a problem.

The message you want to communicate is pretty basic. Describe the behavior the player is exhibiting; explain why that’s causing a problem in the game; and ask them to refrain from the problematic behavior. WHAT, WHY, AND PLEASE.

Now, this is best done as a conversation, rather than a monologue where you lay down the law. Try to be pleasant and kind, but firm. Hold your ground. I also suggest being direct. Beating around the bush and only alluding to the issue doesn’t do anyone any favors. You’re there to take care of business, so do it.

If after a good heart to heart, the rules lawyer persists, you might consider having a second talk. However, I wouldn’t go much further than that. If they are unwilling to change, then it’s probably time to remove them from the game.

What’s the Deal with All the Missing Rules for 5e?

Are you frustrated that there are some big gaps in the 5e core game system since entire rulesets seem to be missing?

Believe me, we feel your pain. That’s why, in the Big Ruleset Bundle, we have created several lightweight rulesets to fill in the gaps that the 5e designers left behind:

• Mass Combat
• Sieges
• Hexcrawls
• Points of Interest
• Advanced Poison
• Hexes
• Curses
• Crafting
• And more

Remember, these rules are lightweight, meaning it won’t take you and your players ages to read and learn them!

So, if you’re tired of having to homebrew your own rules or make on-the-spot adjudications when these situations arise, pick up the Big Ruleset Bundle. Don’t spend another second wondering why it isn’t in the core rulebook.

Also, if you’re looking for information on running Skill Challenges in 5e—another mechanic oddly missing from the game—check out our article on How to Run Skill Challenges in D&D 5e.