Simplest but maybe best advice I can give for DMing – As a DM, your job is to provide questions to players that don't have a correct answer.

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) July 18, 2017

Ties into what makes RPGs unique – RPGs treat stuff that other genres see as set dressing or framing elements as the actual game.

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) July 18, 2017

That coat rack is just a setting detail, until the PCs use it to bar a door to delay the guard and make their escape from Castle Thornwind.

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) July 18, 2017

The key is that you as DM made that a setting detail, and the players then transformed it into the answer or a tool to deal with something

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) July 18, 2017

Unless the PCs obsess over WHY DID YOU MENTION THAT COAT RACK GOD WHY

— adam koebel (@skinnyghost) July 18, 2017

I see we have GMed the same people – not sure if I love or hate it when players conspiracy theory the stable boy into the ULTIMATE EVIL! https://t.co/izZCzToWma

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) July 18, 2017

Could you please give a few examples of what you mean?

— Serg (@SergerBurger) July 18, 2017

Here's one: Lawful neutral king does not want to become involved in war vs. orc, his Lawful Evil brother pledges alliance. Who do you back? https://t.co/1Ey26AB0Oh

— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) July 18, 2017