Safety Tools for Tabletop Gaming

Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable at the table. Safety tools are simple practices that help groups communicate boundaries and keep the focus on fun.

Whether you're a seasoned game master or joining your first session, safety tools create a shared language for boundaries. They're not about limiting creativity — they're about building trust so everyone can fully engage with the story.

Find Games

Before the Game

Set expectations before the dice start rolling.

Session Zero

A dedicated session before gameplay begins where the group discusses the game's tone, themes, boundaries, and expectations. It establishes a foundation of trust and ensures everyone is comfortable with the direction of the game. Session Zero is widely considered the single most impactful safety practice in tabletop roleplaying.

Lines & Veils

A tool for establishing content boundaries before and during play. "Lines" are topics that will not appear in the game at all (hard limits). "Veils" are topics that may happen but only off-screen or with a fade-to-black (soft limits). This framework allows players to communicate their comfort levels clearly without having to explain why.

Open Door Policy

A foundational safety practice that establishes an explicit policy: any player can leave the table at any time, for any reason, without judgment or questions. This removes social pressure to stay in uncomfortable situations and reinforces that the game is always voluntary.

During the Game

Tools you can use right at the table.

X-Card

Created by John Stavropoulos, the X-Card is a simple tool: a card with an "X" placed on the table. Any player can tap or hold up the card at any time to indicate that they want the current scene or topic to change immediately — no explanation required. The group moves on without questioning the request.

Created by John Stavropoulos. Learn more at tinyurl.com/x-card-rpg

X·No Card

An extension of the X-Card concept that adds a second card: the N (No) card. The X card signals "pause or change this" and the N card signals "I want more of this." This dual system gives players a way to express both boundaries and enthusiasm, creating richer communication during play.

Script Change

Created by Beau Jágr Sheldon, Script Change uses familiar movie ratings as a communication tool during play. Players can request "FF" (fast-forward — skip past this), "RW" (rewind — redo this differently), or "BR" (brake — slow down, build up to this gradually). It provides multiple levels of content adjustment beyond a simple stop.

Created by Beau Jágr Sheldon.

Breaks

Regular breaks during gameplay provide space for players to decompress, process emotions, and reset. Breaks can be scheduled at set intervals or called by any player at any time. They are especially important during intense or emotionally heavy scenes, and work well alongside other safety tools.

After the Game

Reflect and improve after each session.

Stars & Wishes

A reflective tool for the end of a session or campaign. Each player shares "Stars" — moments they particularly enjoyed or appreciated — and "Wishes" — things they'd like to see changed or explored in future sessions. This builds a positive feedback loop and helps the group calibrate ongoing play.

Debriefing

A structured post-game conversation that goes beyond casual feedback. Players discuss the emotional impact of the session, check in on each other's well-being, and address any lingering feelings from intense scenes. Debriefing is especially valuable after emotionally heavy gameplay and helps prevent negative experiences from compounding over time.

Getting Started

Start with Session Zero

The single most impactful thing you can do. Set aside time before your first game to discuss expectations, themes, and boundaries as a group.

Have an X-Card on the Table

Even if you never use it, knowing it's there gives everyone permission to speak up. Place a card with an "X" on the table and explain how it works.

Check In Regularly

Use Stars & Wishes or a debrief after sessions. Regular check-ins build a culture of trust and make your games better over time.

Using Safety Tools on Roundup

When you create a game or campaign, you can select the safety tools you plan to use. These are displayed on your game's detail page so players know what to expect before joining. You can also add custom notes about your safety approach.