4th Edition D&D mechanics are tight, smooth, and most importantly well balanced; everyone has something to do, and their success means overall success for the party; and the concept of party unity and balance in gameplay is a clear design choice. These things pervade almost all aspects of the game, including skill challenges. Players seem to either love skill challenges or or hate them, and if improperly implemented they will be a source of frustration for a party. You definitely need to have a plan and this mini-publication can tell you how to make one!