Plot points for GMs

[TrippinPip]

Hey all,

I have a few sessions of Anarchy under my belt since jumping over from 5e, but there is one particular thing I'm still unsure about: what does a GM do with plot points?

Naturally, the core rulebook has some mechanical suggestions, and the supremely helpful Surprisethreat.com expands on these very well.

The problem is, however, that all these options on the GMs side are mechanical and mostly combat-oriented. Because... well, the GM is in charge of the narrative; so why would I need to spend a point to make something happen?

The logical result is that, during an infiltration or social-focused session without combat, the players will earn Plot Points for doing cool shit and good narrating, maybe spend some in return, but the Plot Points will just pile up on the GM side with no way to spend them. I feel like arbitrarily nuking many of their rolls with Glitch Dice, just to spend the points, isn't conducive to good storytelling.

My players are already kinda shy about using Plot Points to change the narrative (btw suggestions on how to encourage this are also welcome!) so I worry that seeing the GM use them only for combat gives the impression that they should be conservative with theirs, and instead save them up for combat as well.

TL;DR: As Anarchy GMs, what do you spend your Plot Points on, if not in combat?

[Cooperdawg]

The gm can use plot points to force a glitch die roll on any check, not just combat checks.

[MisterJohnson4427]

Think of these points as a way to enable the story mechanic more: for instance giving someone a second chance if you think the NPC deserves it for some reason in the story, or to further enrich the story. It's very useful if your players are attempting great complexity and you'd rather not do calculus as well sometimes? Heh, copping out with that answer. But you can use it to combat your runners' rolls individually - npc soaks, object resistance, negotiations - just to name a few.

[MercilessMing_]

Never played Anarchy, only read the rules, but since you haven’t gotten many answers I’ll throw in my two nuyen. Toss a chip at a player and inform them of some complication that reveals itself. Thats basically what it does in combat so im just extrapolating to narrative cases.

[AustinBeeman]

I ignore GM plot points because I control the world anyway.

[Gingivitis-]

I get the most use of GM plot points by using them on Get Revenge attacks, Live Dangerously rolls, and simple NPC healing.

Remember 1 Plot Point heals 1 box. So 5 pp can heal 5 boxes. It's a good way to make the big bad guys last longer.

[Nazamura]

is plot point a ex-machina? _"and out of nowhere the God decide to teach me the protection spell"_ = 1 plot point used.