And I agree, the 2nd edition book doesn’t say anything about the 3.5e rules. In fact, it makes no mention of the rules at all. The rules are in the Core books, where they belgong!

But this is exactly my point. The core rulebooks can be very hard for a new player to understand, so they often are not ideal for someone who wants to learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons. “Dungeons and Dragons for Dummies” can fill exactly that role by providing a simplified guide to the rules.

I had a knee jerk reaction to it, and after taking the time to think about it, etc I decided that I can in fact see some use from a book that does what some of what this book purports to do. Now, like I said in the first comment:

“Seems kinda unnecessary. Although, I would have to flip through it to get a feel for exactly what it is trying to show people. But, I would imagine the D&D Basic Game should be a good primer for most gamers (if that is what this book is attempting to accomplish).”

Since, it is now apparent that this book attempts to cover topics not presented in the other D&D books, it may be worthwhile.

And I agree, the 2nd edition book doesn’t say anything about the 3.5e rules. In fact, it makes no mention of the rules at all. The rules are in the Core books, where they belgong!

Oh, and I did not discount libraries, I merely said it was getting harder and harder to find books at the library. The Copley location is gigantic, but local neighborhood libraries are not. And before you say it, remember that a lot of the libraries outside Boston don’t belong to the BPL program, and so getting inter-library loans are out. Quincy, for example, does not do inter-library loan with the BPL. Sad. Thankfully, however, ther is the good ole’ SRD. Yay!

So, although not for someone who has probably been gaming for a little while, it certainly may be worthwhile for someone who knows little about the game (which is where the “…for Dummies” title comes into play). What they need to do is include a set-of-dice (the standard multcolored set that Wizards uses) and a couple starter adventures. Maybe it already comes with this, in which case it seems like it could definitely be useful. But, I still hold to my contention that you would probably get your ass kicked walking the corridors of your high school with this book.

Also, of your other suggestions:

1. The AD&D Campaign Sourcebook will certainly *not* be a helpful reference to the 3rd Edition rules, a topic that I’d hope a book called “Dungeons and Dragons for Dummies” would cover.

2. The places that you’ve listed (FLGS, BG mailing list, library) are all good resources for someone looking for a game, but they won’t be much help for someone that wants to learn how to run a game. Things like organizing a gaming group, scheduling, etc., aren’t going to be covered by those sources. I don’t know that “Dungeons and Dragons for Dummies” does cover those topics (it lists “Becoming a Dungeon Master” as a topic, though), but the other sources you’ve listed do not.

Similarly, your FLGS is not a good place to learn appropriate game etiquette! I, for one, expect that the players whom I associate with will already *know* how to behave, or at least have some idea of what is appropriate.

Your sole piece of advice to “new gamers” seems to be, don’t buy this book because you’ll look like a geek…

This was turning into a good set of comments. Do you really want to start a flamewar?

a) Gaming stores. Yes, they exist, and are often a font of information. Pandemonium in Harvard Square and the Compleat Strategist on Massachussetts Avenue in Boston (across from the Christian Science Center) have message boards where people post looking for games and/or new players. Also, the staffs are friendly and knowledgeable.

b) The Bostongamers Group on Yahoo Groups. Another cool resource where you can certainly find players and games to meet up with.

c) Library. Though this resource has fallen into disuse for gamers (I haven’t seen too many libraries that carry gamer books anymore, sadly), you can still occasionally find some info.

I think I just dislike the concept of a ‘… for Dummies’ offering because it really does lend credence to the whole notion that gamers are so socially inept they require a ‘for Dummies’ book to even find a place to act out their supposed social ineptness! I say, beat pavement and get out there. Make new friends and explore. There will be nothing in this book that common sense and a little trip outside won’t be able to tell you.

But, I would still like to thumb through it and see exactly what its angle is. Like they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.

I’ll postpone judgement until I at least look over the book in person, if I even get a chance to do that. (^_-)

Oh, and DON’T buy D&D for Dummies.

First Chapter: Do not buy D&D for Dummies.

‘Finding a Game’
‘D&D Etiquette’

For anyone who plans on buying this book, please read this. I don’t deny it’s often hard to find a game. I don’t even deny that, sadly, some players could probably use a lesson in manners.

But for every person who laughs when they see someone holding a copy of ‘Dating for Dummies’, there will be three ready to laugh if you are seen holding this. Hide it. Keep it secret, keep it safe.