Beyond Success and Failure: The 3-Tier Skill Check Method

Ever had a player roll poorly and the game grinds to a halt? Dead-end failures kill momentum and deflate table energy, but they don’t have to. The 3-Tier Skill Check Method transforms missed rolls into moments of intrigue, keeping players engaged and the story moving. Whether they succeed, fail, or land somewhere in between, your players still get clues, hooks, and reasons to keep exploring. In this short guide, you’ll learn how to design checks that give every roll meaning and a ready-to-use handout to make it effortless at your own table.

This short guide shows you how to:

• Design skill checks with layers, so every result is meaningful.
• Keep tension alive even when the dice aren’t kind.
• Use the included ready-to-print handout to drop this method right into your next session.

Give your players reasons to lean in instead of tune out. The PDF is free to download. Ready to print, share, and use at your table tonight.