Here are my four rules of GMing:

1. You know the story. There must be guidelines to player character creation to make it work. Work with the players to create a character you are both happy with. In the beginning, you as the GM only know where you want your story to go, what will be the most fun, and what will get in the way of that fun.

2. Don't expect anything from your players. This means both expect the unexpeted and don't rely on your players for any part of the game or narrative. Some players will only roll their stats and try to beat up things. That's OK. That's how they play and how they have fun. If you want something for or from their character, you make it up. Also never expect them to put the charcter in a situation where their character is at a disadvantage.

3. Remember, you do not know how you are going to lose but you ARE going to lose. You're charcters are going to die, your challenges will be overcome. You cannot orchestrate anything the players are going to do. You can only prepare and react. Any and all grand ideas you may have can and will be dashed in play.

4. Characters can do WHATEVER they want. Both yours and theirs. Do whatever you need to with whomever you need to to have a good time. You can come up with why later, if ever.

My four rules for players.

1. Trust and respect your GM. He's trying to make the game as fun as possible for everyone and it takes a lot of work. Don't ride him for plot holes and remember he has his reasons for everything.

2. Don't expect anything from your GM. You may need to lead the game, give your GM some hooks to work with, and maybe even find your own adventures. Alas, your GM may break the setting, break the rules and play favorites. Be ready and willing to create your and everyone elses fun.

3. Remember, you might not win. Not this time, not next time. You may spend an hour creating a character who dies in minutes. Don't take it personal. You can't really win anyway so you should have fun with your failures too.

4. Your Characters can do whatever you want. Remember, you are also responsible for everyones good time. If you work against your GM or other players it's not fun. "It's in character" is not an excuse. You control your character and he/she does whatever you want.

Those are my rules...Gamers, whaddyathink?