What is the point of gaming sets?

Quote from JakhmolaKasim >> 

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.

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

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

Quote from DnD_Super_Fan >>

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.

Quote from Myntrix2 >>

Quote from DnD_Super_Fan >>

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?

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?

Quote from Character77006 >>

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.

Quote from Character77006 >>

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?

 Yeah you can do that

Quote from GMboxSMG2 >>

Quote from Character77006 >>

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?

 Yeah you can do that

You can't add the proficiency bonus twice, if that's what you're saying. See my post above yours.