Contested rolls in Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary

Explanation

Contested rolls compare two outcomes directly. They’re best used when the fiction is a direct contest, not when you just need a DV/DC.

Examples

Example: direct contest

Use opposed rolls when two actors directly compete (chase, grapple, deception vs insight). Resolve it quickly and move on.

Example: avoid unnecessary contests

If the opposition is passive (a lock, a cliff), use a DV/DC instead of rolling twice.

Common mistakes (smallest fix)

Mistake: Using contests for everything. Fix: Use contests only for direct opposition; use DV/DC for passive obstacles.
Mistake: Re-rolling until someone wins. Fix: One contest should change the situation enough to move the scene forward.

Explanation