Written by Jim Ziegler

One of the design features in Dungeons & Dragons is Action Economy, which limits the number of actions that a character can perform in a turn. In general, each character gets four actions per round: they can move up to their maximum movement distance, take an Action or Magic Action, and then they get a Bonus Action. The fourth action is the Reaction, which is normally taken as an attack of opportunity.

Players building their characters are often tempted to take multiple options that give them new Actions and Bonus Actions that they can take in combat. A Rogue or Monk may be tempted to select Harengon as their race in order to get the Rabbit Hop ability, which allows them to move as a Bonus Action without provoking attacks of opportunity. But then they’d need to choose between moving and attacking with their off-hand weapon, which can be a major source of damage.

While it’s good to have options, investing too heavily into collecting different action options means that you’ll be unable to use most of them at any given time, and you’ll probably find one or two that you rely on while the rest just take up space on your character sheet.

Of course, there are ways to squeeze some extra actions in. If a character has mastery with a Nick weapon, like a dagger, they can take an off-hand attack as part of their normal attack Action instead of as a Bonus Action. A Rogue that combines this with their mastered Vex weapon, like a hand axe or short sword, can even use that as their Sneak Attack.

Another trick to get around the Action Economy is to note abilities that have a specific timing restriction, but aren’t directly linked to a specific Action. Sneak Attack is another good example: A Rogue may only use one Sneak Attack per turn, but the rules don’t say on THEIR turn. So a Rogue can get a Sneak Attack on their own turn, then take another one as part of their Reaction if an enemy triggers one.

One outlier in the Action Economy is the “Free Action,” which doesn’t take any action slot, but should be kept within reasonable limits. Talking, for example, is a Free Action, but you should assume that means you can yell “Duck!” or “Get him!” without spending an action, not that you can recite a Shakespearean sonnet in six seconds. The Player’s Handbook also clarifies that you can interact with a single object as a free action on your turn, like opening an (unlocked) door while walking or drawing your sword as part of an attack.

Action Economy is important for DMs to plan around, as well: Eight guys beating up one BBEG can feel underwhelming, but add in some low-level minions, a Lair Action or two, or mind control one of the player characters (or NPCs) and suddenly the game is much more dynamic. 

IN THE WORLD OF POKÉMON

Pokémon TCG Standard Constructed Tournament

Sunday, 3:00 PM

Best of 1 format, 30 minute matches, age divisions honored as much as possible based on participation. Prizes include packs, promos, and other Pokémon merchandise. Entry fee: $10.00

Pokémon League Casual Play

Monday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, Sunday at noon

Receive a pack of your choice from any in the store, as well as a promo pack. Participants are entered into the end-of-season prize pool. Entry fee: $10

Pokémon Day 2025

Thursday

Gam3Escape is excited to host the 2025 Pokemon Day event! 

Learn how to play from 4pm to 5:30pm

Pokemon GO Scavenger Hunt 3pm to 9pm. Entry: $5.00

Pokemon BINGO 5:30pm. Entry: $10.00

Standard Tournament at 6:30pm.  Tournament Entry: $10.00

Prize support for this very special Pokemon Day 2025 include Pokémon plushes, product, Illustration Contest promo cards, as well as booster packs and promo packs, and other items.

All participants in events will receive a set of Illustration Contest promo cards and a 2025 Pokemon Day Sylveon promo.  Tournament participants to receive special prizes and DOUBLE promo packs for this event.

GATHER FOR MAGIC

Magic RCQ Round 3 Standard Constructed

Saturday, 12:30 PM

It’s the Regional Championship Qualifier, Round 3! Deck lists must be submitted no later than 12:00 PM, and doors open at 11:30 AM. All participants will receive a borderless Mayhem Devil, while Top 8 will receive a special full-art Force of Despair. Entry fee: $20

Partner Commander-ish League

Thursday, 6:00 PM

Build a deck with two commanders and only commons and uncommons in the 98, then play against other decks with the same restrictions! Can you break the board without breaking the bank? Three colors minimum. Entry fee: $10

Casual Commander

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 PM

The most popular format in Magic, Commander, is back on the table. Bring your favorite deck, or playtest a new one against other magicians. No entry fee: These battles are for honor, not prizes!

TIME TO DUEL! Yu-Gi-Oh!

Advanced Constructed Tournament

Wednesday & Friday, 7:00 PM, Saturday, 2:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn booster packs and OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

STAR WARS: UNLIMITED

Casual Play League

Tuesdays, 6:00 PM, Saturdays, 1:00 PM, Sundays 5:00 PM

Whether you’re an aspiring Jedi, a sinister Sith, or a bounty hunter looking for your next score, Star Wars: Unlimited has all the excitement of your favorite space opera in cardboard form. 

THIS MEANS WAR(HAMMER)!

Casual Warhammer

Friday & Sunday, 5:00 PM

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. At Gam3Escape, there is only Warhammer! Whether it’s a Tyranid terror or a Blood Angel battalion, stage your army and prepare for battle at the weekly Casual Warhammer event. 

CARDFIGHT! VANGUARD!

Divinez Constructed Tournament

Monday, 5:30 PM

Bring your cards and get ready to fight! Cardfight! Vanguard is back with weekly tournaments, every Monday night. Entry fee: $10

Check out Jim's articles at The Gamer: https://www.thegamer.com/author/james-ziegler/ and like, follow, and subscribe to his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Alolan_Professor and his Twitch Channel: 

https://www.twitch.tv/alolan_professor