The scene of our last DnD game was chaotic. Seven players and the DM crowded around the table in our small living room. When one player needed to take a break, three others had to stand up so he could get around the table. Dinner resembled a rock concert mosh pit. Had there been small children or animals in the room, they would have been stepped on repeatedly. For as crazy as this scene sounds, however, no one complained. In fact, the group had a blast.

J chose to run this adventure out of our apartment despite the small space. We underestimated the size of the group in relation to our five square feet of living room the first time. Because it seemed to work out okay, we went for round two. Sometime between the moment when my changeling sidestepped a rage attack from our minotaur and our paladin tried to lay Holy Strike on a lightening machine (the player is still finding his 4.0 legs), I realized that the game dynamic would probably be different if played somewhere else.

Location is just as important to a DnD game as the characters. Comfortable players are a must, especially when one session can last several hours. A good gaming area can make three hours feel like 30 minutes. A bad one can make it feel like three days. I've had marathon gaming sessions that have left me wanting to roll over and smoke a cigarette, but the effect is lost if something in the environment ruins my mojo.

The best game location is one that everyone agrees on from the start, and it's not a bad idea to have a backup in case the first choice doesn't work out. Several factors should be taken into account. Is the space available big enough? Will players be comfortable in the furniture? Are snacks allowed on the playing table? Will there be other distractions?

Personal residences are popular because of the flexibility. Dungeon Masters may choose their own homes because it allows them to prepare for the session ahead of time. There are generally fewer distractions, fewer restrictions on snacks, and fewer rules concerning group volume. Since you do run the risk of losing out on playing time if the host is out of town, a good back-up spot will allow the game to continue or let the players get together for alternate gaming if the host is also the DM.

Another option is a local gaming store. Ours has several tables specifically for various gaming groups. It gives all players a standard environment and takes the effects of an absent host out of the equation. If you're looking to get some exposure for your group or recruit fellow players for future campaigns, a gaming store may be your best option. Stores also sell dice, pencils, graph paper, and other supplies in case you left something at home, and many offer wi-fi for players who use a laptop. However, a DM who uses more advanced methods of running may not be able to use those methods at a public location. There's also the risk of distraction from other groups, and store rules may limit snacks and gaming hours.

A third option is a local bookstore, cafe, or restaurant. This option is best for a small group looking to dine and play at the same time. A campaign played without a battle mat is best for these locations since the tables are small. Public venues can be tricky. Other patrons may ask you questions. Food and drink can be costly (don't even think about bringing your own bag of chips into a restaurant). If you're there for too long, you may be asked to leave, especially if management thinks you're loitering. Still, groups with limited time find these to be convenient, and some places will let you sit there for hours as long as you order something, even if it's just coffee or soda.

Depending on your community, you may have some other options as well. Colleges and universities often have rooms for public usage, usually for free or at a lowered rate if students can take part. Some high schools will also rent space if they have it available. Ask a local comic book or special interest store if they have space for a gaming group to give them some cross-exposure. You can also break the “gamers in the basement” stereotype and find a local outdoor pavilion or picnic area to play when the weather allows.

As for our small space, it seems to bring out the best in everyone and makes the game more exciting. But with another group, that same dynamic might not exist. Find a location and give it a fair shot. Don't be afraid to try elsewhere if it's not right for you, and don't think that just because one place doesn't work for one group that it won't work for another one. All gaming groups have their own personality and their own “right” environment. Eventually, each finds its own utopia.

I'd like to know where you enjoy gaming, so leave a comment and tell me about your favorite...or least favorite...game location.