It’s so true—tools in 5e often feel like the forgotten stepchild of proficiencies. I think part of the issue is how vaguely they’re handled in the core rules; they don’t get the same spotlight as skills or combat mechanics. Players overlook them because the system doesn’t prompt their use often enough.
You kind of have to fish for it, but you can use a gaming set for more than just making some money on the side. Of course, the best way to make money is still to play here https://rynok.biz/, because there are great bonuses and other privileges, but that's not what we're talking about here. Like... let's say you're trying to figure out what kind of person someone you're working with is, but you're not proficieient in insight... see if you can instead challenge them to a game, and mechanically that would just let you make an insight check with proficiency, although the DM might limit what you learn to what could reasonably be picked up in the game you're playing. If you really push it you might even be able to, say... use your Dragon Chess proficiency to get you some bonuses to making tactical decisions... like if you're preparing to infiltrate a bandit camp and you know there are 3 points of entry, you might be able to use your gaming proficiency as insight to get a better idea of which entry point will be the least guarded.
Using Dragon Chess proficiency as a way to analyze tactical situations makes sense, especially if you frame it as your character drawing on their strategic experience from the game. I also like the idea of tying games to insight checks.
Years ago, gambling was a profession. Individuals would travel with a gambling set to bars, saloons, pubs, etc and run games. So for some characters it could be a source of income.
It is a tool that can be used to mingle and interact in an environment. If the party needs to make contact with a group of bandits then instead of awkwardly walking up to them in the bar, now you can run a game at the table that entices them to come in.
Talk to the DM offline and see if they will allow scenarios where the NPC offers a game of chance to obtain information (and if you are a DM, channel you inner Goonies and use a game set as a way to avoid a trap or reveal a secret)
Maybe use the game to make insight checks to determine if the NPC you are playing against is playing aggressive, conservative, relying on bluffing, etc. This can be a way to learn about a character.
Or when you have a scene where two characters are role playing, then do some side rolls with another PC for copper pieces to pass the time.
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I agree that incorporating games of chance in this context is a great opportunity for socializing and interacting between characters, and overall, it makes the game more dynamic.
I'm starting a new campaign and am building a professional gambler. Your insight into Carousing gave me an idea. I intend to get my DM to allow me to adjust the random Carousing roll by +/- 10 for each Gaming set proficiency to make money during downtime.
Just keep in mind that those skills come with a price - assuming you’re winning regularly because of the skill you’re also more likely to have to deal with sore losers. So be prepared for knife fights and gambling hall brawls
I totally agree - using gaming sets for more than downtime really brings depth to sessions. It’s kind of like how strategy games can become more immersive when you understand their mechanics and stories behind them. I recently came across https://pokieslab1.com/free-online-pokies/lightning-link/ which has detailed reviews of themed games - the Lightning Link one, for example, explores how design and pacing affect engagement. It reminded me how much nuance even “simple” games can have when viewed as storytelling tools.
My best guess would be for roleplaying, but I can't think of any other reasons why these exist. Gaming sets in D&D really remind me of the kind of fun you can have in a casino, where strategy and luck collide. Just like in blackjack or poker, it's not all about the roll of the dice—there’s a certain skill to reading your opponents and making the right moves at the right time. Imagine playing a high-stakes game of cards with a rich NPC, trying to bluff your way to a win. This sort of tension, similar to what you’d feel playing roulette or even slots, can really elevate a campaign. And if you’re looking for a way to enjoy some online gambling fun while taking a break from your D&D sessions, check out energycasino- It’s got a great variety of games, including slots, poker, and even live dealer games, giving you a real casino vibe right from your couch.
Gaming sets in D&D 5e aren't just about rolling dice - they're tools for immersion, roleplay, and adding depth to your character's background. If you're proficient with a gaming set, you can add your proficiency bonus to ability checks made to play a game with that set. This means you can use your skills in a more narrative context, like bluffing in a card game or reading an opponent's tells.
My best guess would be for roleplaying, but I can't think of any other reasons why these exist. Gaming sets in D&D really remind me of the kind of fun you can have in a casino, where strategy and luck collide. Just like in blackjack or poker, it's not all about the roll of the dice—there’s a certain skill to reading your opponents and making the right moves at the right time. Imagine playing a high-stakes game of cards with a rich NPC, trying to bluff your way to a win. This sort of tension, similar to what you’d feel playing roulette or even slots, can really elevate a campaign. And if you’re looking for a way to enjoy some online gambling fun while taking a break from your D&D sessions, check out energycasino - It’s got a great variety of games, including slots, poker, and even live dealer games, giving you a real casino vibe right from your couch.
Gaming sets in D&D 5e aren't just about rolling dice - they're tools for immersion, roleplay, and adding depth to your character's background. If you're proficient with a gaming set, you can add your proficiency bonus to ability checks made to play a game with that set. This means you can use your skills in a more narrative context, like bluffing in a card game or reading an opponent's tells.
I have seen this mentioned a few times in this thread, "you can add your proficiency bonus to ability checks ".
So if you are proficient with dragon chess, what skills can be used and based on https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/br-2024/equipment#OtherTools you can do a wisdom bonus, plus the proficiency bonus. What (else) would be needed to determine if you roll for advantage?
Depends on what your aiming for but Skills like Insight, Deception, Slight of Hand could all be relevant to a a character playing a game. Or wasnt that what you were asking?
Funny you resurrected a thread from last year to make this comment. Tools now have a lot more clear uses in the newest PHB. https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/free-rules/equipment#Tools
Canto alla vita
alla sua bellezza
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ogni sua carezza!
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To pain and to strife, but all that dances through me
The rise and the fall, I've lived through it all!
Using Dragon Chess proficiency as a way to analyze tactical situations makes sense, especially if you frame it as your character drawing on their strategic experience from the game. I also like the idea of tying games to insight checks.
I agree that incorporating games of chance in this context is a great opportunity for socializing and interacting between characters, and overall, it makes the game more dynamic.
I'm starting a new campaign and am building a professional gambler. Your insight into Carousing gave me an idea. I intend to get my DM to allow me to adjust the random Carousing roll by +/- 10 for each Gaming set proficiency to make money during downtime.
Just keep in mind that those skills come with a price - assuming you’re winning regularly because of the skill you’re also more likely to have to deal with sore losers. So be prepared for knife fights and gambling hall brawls
Wisea$$ DM and Player since 1979.
I totally agree - using gaming sets for more than downtime really brings depth to sessions. It’s kind of like how strategy games can become more immersive when you understand their mechanics and stories behind them. I recently came across https://pokieslab1.com/free-online-pokies/lightning-link/ which has detailed reviews of themed games - the Lightning Link one, for example, explores how design and pacing affect engagement. It reminded me how much nuance even “simple” games can have when viewed as storytelling tools.
Gaming sets in D&D 5e aren't just about rolling dice - they're tools for immersion, roleplay, and adding depth to your character's background. If you're proficient with a gaming set, you can add your proficiency bonus to ability checks made to play a game with that set. This means you can use your skills in a more narrative context, like bluffing in a card game or reading an opponent's tells.
I have seen this mentioned a few times in this thread, "you can add your proficiency bonus to ability checks ".
So if you are proficient with dragon chess, what skills can be used and based on https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/dnd/br-2024/equipment#OtherTools you can do a wisdom bonus, plus the proficiency bonus. What (else) would be needed to determine if you roll for advantage?
Depends on what your aiming for but Skills like Insight, Deception, Slight of Hand could all be relevant to a a character playing a game. Or wasnt that what you were asking?
Thank you, myself being an unimaginative tool, I was trying unsuccessfully to figure what other skills can be used.
So has an example to get a roll on a d20 to determine success, Using dragon chess
wisdom bonus
Proficiency +
Skill either history (for knowing previous maneuvers) or insight understand the opponent's style)
Add those three +/- and add to the roll.
I saw a mention of an advantage on rolls, so how is that determined for a tool/game?
Would it always be a DC (win = 20)? Can the DM roll for the opponent and high score wins?
Can/should the DC be modified to account for the opponent?
If you have proficiency with both the skill and the tool, you don't add the proficiency bonus twice. You add it once, and roll with advantage.
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