Firstly, run the game that you want to run. If you’re running a horror game because your players wanted you to, but you hate horror games, even the best GM is going to falter and probably not run up to his potential.

Also on that same point, be honest with your players about what you want to run and what you want out of the game. The same thing applies – if the DM ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

Granted, these may not be ‘golden’ rules, but they’ve certainly helped foster some excellent game times.

Fun is a shared responsibility. Your rule implies it is the duty/responsibility of the DM. Fun is not possible unless everyone is trying to have it.

The DM is not always right. Your byline is a far superior and accurate statement. “The Dungeon Master is the authority on the game. If the rules disagree, they are wrong.”

The one and only rule is “Treat your players (and your gamemaster) as you would like to be treated if the roles were reversed.”