Dungeon Master Guide (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, 2nd Edition, Core Rulebook/2160) Hardcover – April 25, 1995

Book was packed carefully and was better than described imo. These are a few things that are important to me when ordering hardcover rpg books. Content was better than previous editions. Organized well, unlike the previous release.

This book brought me right back to High School! Weekends of marathon D&D over years!

Love the book!

I picked up the revised AD&D 2nd Edition books a while back, my only previous experience with tabletop roleplaying being the Pathfinder Beginner Box. After reading the Player's Handbook cover to cover, I moved on to this seemingly slim volume, and was blown away.First of all, this book is quite literally necessary if you're planning on running an AD&D 2e game. Some rather essential information that pertains to the players (level caps for demihuman races, spellbook construction rules, etc.) is only contained here; a few odd or optional rules (including two systems for aerial combat, and detailed facing rules) are also included in the event that they're needed. While this might have been a financially motivated decision, it serves to encourage buying the book, as without these, one might not read the other information contained within.Most of the book would be considered "fluff" by a highly experienced DM, but for one who's just starting out - no matter which edition of D&D they're playing - this book should be required reading. The things that seem fluffy at first begin to make sense when considered as a whole; things like the question of inflation (if PC's start throwing lots of gold around, said gold will start to decrease in value), raising armies/hiring mercenaries (most lords won't take kindly to strangers assembling an army from members of their town), and the importance of detailed timekeeping (seasons change, and it's important to develop a calendar).Suffice to say, these sections, while spread out rather irregularly throughout the book, are worth their weight in gold. The 2008 4e book Dungeon Master 4th Edition For Dummies had almost no such info, instead devoting its space to tips on snacks and mood lighting. From what I've heard, the 4e DMG also is guilty of this to a lesser extent.The book's slim size does not in any way decrease the amount of game-related info. A lengthy set of appendices (one of AD&D's hallmarks) gives treasure tables and a comprehensive list of magical items, ranging from the usual (belt of orc's strength) to the just plain bizarre (a lobster-shaped submarine with working claws).The illustrations range from great to okay to 'meh', but they generally fit the tone. The only real complaint I have about the book is that is doesn't come with any examples of gods (for priest characters), only vague archetypes such as an "agricultural" deity. I understand that the assumption is that DM's will come up with their own or used established ones from campaign settings, but since most of the spells and magical items use names from the classic Greyhawk setting (such as Tenser's Floating Disc), it would have been nice for a couple of Oerth deities to have been included.Overall, I highly recommend getting this book if you're even slightly interested in being a Dungeon Master. (And I also suggest you get it before the premium reprints of the 2e books come out in May, and the prices of the vintage books go up.)

2nd edition is a lot cleaner than 1st edition. When I found out that they went to a d20 only system at 3rd ed, I decided I'd stick with 2nd.

To me 2nd Edition AD&D is still the all time classic edition, faithfull to the origional concept without getting to bogged down in rule play rather than role play. Excellent to still be able to source the material and still excellent to play.

I received the item as expected in a timely manner and in good condition. I am pleased with my purchase.

Excellent Condition for almost 30 year old game book