[BITD], [DC] New GM Questions (Player Numbers & Deep Cuts)

Hi Everyone,

I'm just about to start running my first BITD game (though I've been GM'ing D&D and Savage Worlds for about 7 years), and I have a couple of questions about Deep Cuts and Player Numbers.

  1. Is it reasonable (and narratively satisfying) to run with between 4 and 5 players in each given session (I normally have 5 players, but more often than not at least 1 can't make it)?
  2. I have read online that there are some balancing concerns around 5 players on a Score (e.g. much group stress, too small a payoff, a solution to every problem, etc.). Does Deep Cuts help to address some of these?
  3. I'll also tack it on here - what, if anything, do you wish you'd have known before starting to run BITD? What should I be wary of coming from D&D etc.?

Thanks in advance!