It’s time I talk about GM screens. I’ve written a slew of posts about what goes on behind the screen. I keep showing a picture of one. I’ve even said I should write a post about them. So I am. You’re welcome.

See the standing cardboard thing with all the charts? That’s the screen.

What is a GM screen?

A GM screen is a device, typically cardboard, that stands between the GM and the players.It prevents the players of an RPG from seeing the GM’s maps and notes, and from seeing the results of the GM’s die rolls. They normally incorporate reference charts for the GM on one side, and inspirational artwork on the side the players see. Let’s look at each of these purposes in turn.

You can’t handle the truth!

GM’s have secrets. Their treasure maps are accurate. They have documents that detail the villain’s evil plans, as well as his strengths and weaknesses. It’s really important that the players don’t have access to this information until their characters have discovered it. Really, it’s more fun for the players to have their characters earn the treasure and figure out the villain’s plans for themselves.

While a screen won’t prevent a player from deliberately peeking at the GM’s notes, it will prevent an honest player from accidentally seeing information that would spoil their fun.

Sometimes the GM doesn’t want the players to see dice results either. For example, imagine a character searching for something that may or may not be present. Failing to find anything could mean there was nothing to find. On the other hand, it could mean that they overlooked something. The player shouldn’t know which is the case.

A Handy Reference

I’ve mentioned before that RPG’s tend to have a lot of rules. Having a reference to the most-used ones can be super convenient. Naturally, the exact content depends on the game. But every game has rules that aren’t super easy to remember, but used pretty often. And that’s what should be on the GM screen.

A GM screen for 1st edition AD&D. GM side.
Note that there are two screens here. That’s six pages of information. The screen is a little shorter than US letter size, and the panels are about the same width as letter size.

The above example is for 1st Edition AD&D. Those rules relied heavily on charts, so there’s a ton of them on this screen.

A GM screen for Quantum Black. GM side.
Quantum Black gets it done on three pages.

On the other hand, Quantum Black (above) relies on a simple mechanic that’s easily memorized. The information on the screen consists of common modifiers to the basic mechanic, and some step-by-step instructions for resolving some more complex actions.

The Player’s Side of the Screen

Not all of the good stuff faces the GM. The players are seeing the back of the screen, so they get some eye candy too. This usually consists of some artwork that evokes the setting of the game. That artwork can help players get into the mood of a particular game.

A GM screen for Sidewinder, a game set in the Old West. Player view.
This screen is for Sidewinder, set in the Old West
GM screen for Quantum Black, player view.
Quantum Black is set in the modern era. It’s about teams of investigators finding and fighting supernatural monsters.
GM screen for 1st edition AD&D, player view.
1st Edition AD&D screen. More charts, this time for the players, plus some nice fantasy-themed art.

Sometimes there are charts that the would be useful to the players printed on the player’s side of the screen. Again, the screen contents vary depending on the needs of the game system.

Do you really need one?

Strictly speaking, you don’t need to have a GM screen for the game you’re playing. It’s less convenient, but you could look up the charts in the rulebook. Folders will hide documents perfectly well, as long as you put them back when you’re done with them. And you could cup your hand around a die roll.

But the GM screen does all of these things and more, and does it very efficiently. In the end, skipping the screen is probably a false economy.

Where do you get them?

You can get them at your friendly local game store. Most game publishers make a screen for their games. There are a few exceptions though. In that case you can make your own, either by using a purchased “generic” screen with custom page inserts, or by going full-on arts and crafts and make your own.

The World's Greatest Screen, from Hammerdog Games.
A purchased generic screen. The front and back of each of the four leaves has an insert pocket, much like you see on some 3-ring binders. This allows you to customize your screen for each game you GM.

I purchased that one at Gen Con, but you can find similar things at your Friendly Local Game Store, or Amazon.

Player view, homemade 1st edition AD&D.
A homemade pair of screens for 1st Edition AD&D.

I made the yellow screen after I had used a purchased screen for a few years. I didn’t like the layout of the information on the commercial screen, so I decided to make my own.

GM view, homemade 1st edition AD&D.
The blank spaces and paper clips were to hold index cards with each PC’s basic stats and information.

I purchased the cardboard at an art store. After cutting it to size, I made the folds with a steel ruler. I photocopied the charts I felt I needed and taped them onto the cardboard in an arrangement I felt I’d like. I left some space on one of the screens for information about the PC’s. For the back I photocopied some cartoons from Dragon Magazine, along with some more inspirational art.

After a few sessions I was pretty happy with the layout and content of the charts and tables. So I laminated it with clear contact paper. I did all of this at least 35 years ago, and it’s still perfectly usable.

That’s all for today. Thanks for reading!