Dyson Logos wrote:Don't explain it. THAC0 is a pointless exercise in trying to make the game simpler by using math instead of tables. Stick to the tables and let it ride. The best character sheets have a full "to hit" progression on them for the standard ACs from 9 to 0 or lower. Just tell them that they have to roll to hit based on that table on their character sheet, and if ACs are below 0, then the AC number is applied as a penalty to the attack roll. Or something.
Personally, I don't explain it. I just point to the hit progression on the sheet and give them an AC to hit.
I have my own custom character sheet for OSRIC, but I do the "to hit" progression bar at the bottom of the 1st page. It does work the best in my opinion. I use THAC0 only for monster stats on the adventures I create...but that is for my use. I don't mind telling the players the armor class of the monster...and then they reference their "to hit" bar themselves. Just makes combat move along quicker.
- Djeryv