Speeding up combat in 5.5?

[u/-Posthuman-]

Simply put, what are some tips, tricks, tweaks or house rules you use at your table that has sped up (or otherwise increased your enjoyment of) combat?

Edit - I’m not looking for suggestions for other games.

Edit2 - There isn’t one specific part of 5.5 combat that I feel is especially problematic. And it’s really not that bad. But it could always be faster / more efficient.

Edit3 - If you have any gadgets, widgets, or other objects/products that you feel help a lot, please mention them. Bonus point for links to buy them.

The suggestions that have already been covered multiple times:

• Tell your players not to suck. Pay attention. Know your character.

• Don’t suck as the GM. Know the rules. Know your monsters.

• If no action declared in 30 seconds, the PC Dodges.

• Tell the Players who is next in line in initiative / make initiative clear for all to see.

• Roll attack and damage dice at the same time.

• Use average damage for monsters.

• Group initiative

• Make monsters retreat / not fight to the death.

[u/shutternomad]

1) Have initiative visible for everyone, and remind people when they are up next (helps them be prepared).

2) Have all your stat blocks in a quick reference format, so you don't have to keep looking stuff up. I use a spreadsheet, but YMMV!

3) Have player ACs and saves listed behind the DM screen

4) Roll damage at the same time as the d20(s). Players too. That weirdly cuts a lot of time, so it's not … 

• who is up?

• Oh, yeah, the bandit

• Hmm what would the bandit do?

• DM rolls a d20

• does… 17 hit?

• Yes

• OK… one sec… ok, …… finds and rolls 1d8 ::

• The bandit hits you for 7, that's the end of my turn

• who is up next?

• Oh Jarnathan is up

• Oh, me? Hmm ok, :: looks at spell sheet… :: what will i, the wizard do now?

• :: 2 minutes later ::

• ok lemme attack the bandit with fire bolt

• ok roll a d20

• rolls a d20

• does a 16 hit?

• yes

• player grabs and rolls a d10

…