It Matters Who Rolls

In a game with the unfortunate name of Fudge, it is of the utmost importance that trust be established between the GM and the players. (Fudge is a fun and whimsical name to be sure, but unless one knows that it is derived from the verb and not the noun, and unless one knows that it refers to the act of improvising and not cheating, then its very name, especially in the gaming hobby, can itself be a source of distrust from players unfamiliar with the game.) In aid of this, I urge all GMs to adopt these practices:

• Roll in full view. Whenever you are rolling for an opposed action, let the players see your roll, and make sure you see theirs. This is especially relevant in combat. Naturally, if anyone is using a trait that involves detection, the GM must roll it in secret. The same is true of rolls on encounter tables and other secret weapons for GM eyes only. Whenever there is conflict or the use of an observable trait, however, the GM should roll in full view.
  
• Allow players to make their own attack rolls. Do not deprive your players of the joy of rolling dice. The suspense caused by the very act of rolling dice will do much of the work for you in making the game exciting for everyone.
  
• Roll all random hit locations. Unless a player character makes a called attack against a specific hit location (and suffers the resulting increase in difficulty), then it's in the hands of the gods. The player has relinquished all responsibility for where the hit lands and it is up to the GM to represent the fickle finger of Fate. You can rule in accordance with GM's whim as is your right, or you can roll for a random hit location. Just remember to roll in full view.
  
• Allow players to make their own skill rolls and attribute rolls. Don't make the novice mistake of requiring a roll for every use of a skill. Fudge is about making educated judgment calls. However, if the circumstances dictate that a roll should be made, let the players roll for their own characters. They should be able to witness the result of their own actions (unless, of course, it involves detection).