One of those weeks - all three of the games I run have new people that want to join and/or players that want to invite somebody new.

Six players is my happy place - enough interaction to make it entertaining, not too big to handle, and bards can really make a difference.

Seven... I might need to ride herd on them a bit more. I've run much bigger games, but six is where I feel the most comfortable. (The first game that I ran had eight players....)

Oddly I am more inclined to say yes on this with the teens game. (The kids are more disciplined than their parents....)

The fellow that wants to join my adult Pathfinder game may want to flirt with a player that used to be a coworker of his - I have sent her an e-mail on the subject. (It wouldn't bother me - she makes me nervous, having sat on my lap at the pagan retreat. Someone else distracting her would be fine, if she is okay with it.)

Thoughts?

The Auld Grump

Sounds like a variation of the at work here.

The Auld Grump Principle:
RPG groups tend to expand until there are more people in the group than is ideal for enjoyment of the game. This principle is based on the fact that successful RPG groups tend to attract additional players. Players will continue to join the group until it exceeds the ideal size (for that GM/group) at which point the enjoyment drops and it stops attracting further players. As a result of this principle, RPG groups tend to settle on a size that is not ideal for the players or the GM.

Personally, I'd be inclined to stick with your sweet spot - that will be more fun for them and you, and far more likely to be sustainable in the long run.

I've gotta give the nod of agreement with Zenguy. It ain't gonna be a fun game for long if the GM isn't enjoying himself for the long-haul.

GM call for sure. I personally like about 6. I have 8 current players, but it isn't a great group for attendance and we usually have 4-5 with one showing up late. It is all about streamlining and staying on topic (whatever topic that is) to get much done. I can still get through 2-3 combats and a decent chunk of RP in a typical session with a full house.

I say as long as the primary reason for wanting to join the group is to role-play then go for it.

I prefer 4 since I deal with many immature players. My best and most mature player is also the most long winded. My worst is oddly intelligent. Its hard for me to keep the story on track and the players entertained.

So... that's what its about. Can you personally keep your group on track and the story rolling.

Yeah, I have pretty much decided to stay with 6 players.

Now I just have to worry that I will suddenly decide to run another game.... (I seem to have a hard time saying 'No' to folks wanting to play.)

The Auld Grump

If they are totally different groups you could run the same setting/stories = double your pleasure double your fun. You've already put all that wonderful hard work into the game - be like watching the DVD movei a second time 'Course that won't work if you have a player (regardless of same character or not) on both groups.

I prefer between four to six - there's enough time in an evening to make everyone feel wanted with six, and it doesn't descend into indulgent storytelling as having four can do.

All depends entirely on personalities, Keeper happiness and the story ahead. Agree with the no joing to stalk other players comments above.

Of course, there's always the Reality Horror Show option, where you let the seventh player join, on the understanding that one of the group is to be eliminated... and sacrificed to Yog Sothoth

I vote to keep the GM happy, but I find it is the quality of player that is more important than the number. My favorite group was seven, while my next favorite group was five. The way the players interact is very important in how the group functions.

Some groups do not function because one player is unable to focus and when it is not his turn he will talk to someone, anyone until forced to refocus on the game. Then it is ten minutes while they get back to speed and poll the group for instructions on what their character should do.

So pick your players to form the group. Let them know they are on probation until you decide if they are a match for the group. Then just don't tell them if they pass muster. As the Gm and because it is your house, you decide if they continue to play of stay home.