I am talking about SQL Server emergency administration tasks when the SSMS gui is not functioning.... You never want to be in that situation but i have found myself...

I would add to this understanding of not only GUI interface but also command line. not having command line skills i think can be a weakness when the chips...

I completely agree!!! a foundational understanding of the structures within SQL Server and then the ability to figure out the rest of what you dont know... I have...