Who here plays D& D?

[Lady Freedom]

And if so, how should I go about learning how to play? Is there like a Dungeon and Dragons for Dummies out there?

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

1. I do And oddly enough, there is...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764584596/qid=1129244766/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-1401245-7141525?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

In addition: The other thing you'll need is a few more people to play with. There are a few groups out there (usually at game and hobby stores) and some of them are rather nice. You're going to find jerks in every hobby, however. Some game and hobby stores even have introductory sessions for new players, if you like.

One thing though, and I have no idea why, but there are a few "gamers" that don't...um...bathe on a regular basis. I wish this was just a myth about role-players, but it's not. (Nobody I regularly play with has bad hygene. It's one of my rules, actually. You have to acknowledge that you know what a bar of soap and shampoo is and use them regularly.)

[Eyeball Kid]

2. Ahem...

(nervously raises hand)

Player and confirmed geek from the age of twelve!

I would just start with the Player's Handbook, and go on from there. D&D is in its third edition now, though Wizards of the Coast, who publishes the game, now uses a software-like versioning system. That is, the most recent version is V3.5, I think.

Just pick up the PHB and read it, and see if you can get a feel for the system. If it's a little too complex, then it might be a good idea to buy Dungeons and Dragons for Dummies (yes, it exists!). I've only leafed through the Dummies book, but it's a big help for people who have no background in roleplaying games.

Regardless, you will eventually need the PHB for a reference.

Good luck!

(edited for clarity and, um, relevance)

[Strange Child]

3. *raises hand*

I've played for the last 6 years or so. IMO, the best way to learn is to find an understanding group and just kinda dive in. The basic mechanics are relatively simple, and you can create a pretty straight-forward character to learn on.

But since you asked.....

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/0764584596

[Eyeball Kid]

4. And for crying out loud,

only play with a group you would consider doing other things with. In other words, people you like. You're going to be spending a considerable amount of time with them (for my group, six to seven hours a week), so if they're not people you feel comfortable being around, you're not going to have any fun.

Just my experience.

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

5. I second this.

It's a lot more fun to play this game with friends.
It's kind of like a social hour. With dice.

[Strange Child]

6. Seconded

Most definitely be choosy with group members. There's nothing worse than staring across a table at someone for 8 hours trying to find reasons not to throttle them.

[Book Lover]

7. A few points

A) There are more RPGs than D&D out there. Though I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner, I generally play Rolemaster which allows for a more nuanced combat system IMO. Read the other books in the hobby shop, not just the D20 D&D ones.

B) Female gamers are no longer a rare bird, so if someone tries to lay that on you, poke him in the eye, hard.

Welcome to the club!

[no name no slogan]

8. Female gamers are in demand

About ten years ago, I played in a group that was three guys and one woman. I've also played in other groups that were evenly split, with a lot of success.

Most parties will gladly welcome a female gamer, mainly because playing with just guys can get a little old, IMHO. Women add a lot of nuance to the game and give a perspective a bunch of men just can't provide.

[cssmall]

9. I have played since I was 8.

I started out on D&D and then quickly moved to AD&D v. 1 The best way to learn is to read the handbook for players. It's boring as shit, but it'll teach you how to play. Of course, you need players to play with!