I'm a B/X and BECMI/RC guy. I got my start with the 1991 D&D Introductory Set a.k.a. "black box" and graduated to the D&D RC a few months later. So I'm naturally inclined to suggest Labyrinth Lord.

To be honest, though, maybe you should just pick up the prettiest book you find, with non-horrible rules. Hell, maybe the Pathfinder Beginner's Box is the best choice, with its pared-down d20 rules and shiny new school art. Never underestimate the power of shiny.

Thanks all - good advice gratefully received. I think my instinct would be to go with the advice to start with Basic (Moldvay 1981?), and leave the door open to jump off into an Advanced edition.

I did find that digging around to work out what edition to run with just left me a bit bemused, as there are plenty of sites and blogs that enumerate the specific rules difference between them but it's hard to tell if it matters.  I gather that maybe 3e/PF look like different games with all sorts of extra stuff and complexity (e.g. feats) I probably wouldn't care for - but is there really any difference between 1e and 2e so far as I'd be concerned? If migrating up from a BECMI to AD&D is it a bigger step to 2e than 1e? I only ask as it's possible 2e books might be cheaper/better condition and easier to get or might serve as an errata'd version of 1e?

I wouldn't choose based on the rules differences, which are subtle (unless you drift off into the games that are more inspired by D&D than actual D&D). The only caveat is that if you think you are likely to move toward an in print game like Pathfinder, it will be easier if you start with something recent, like the Pathfinder boxed set.

I'd just stick with RQ, because you're so comfortable with it... minimize the setting/cultural stuff you don't think they'd get... turn on any options (I'm not up on RQ6 but BRP has various switches) that make combat less deadly.

Quote from: Iron Simulacrum;747033I gather that maybe 3e/PF look like different games with all sorts of extra stuff and complexity (e.g. feats) I probably wouldn't care for - but is there really any difference between 1e and 2e so far as I'd be concerned? If migrating up from a BECMI to AD&D is it a bigger step to 2e than 1e? I only ask as it's possible 2e books might be cheaper/better condition and easier to get or might serve as an errata'd version of 1e?

There is basically no difference between the core rules of AD&D 1e and 2e, though 2e has more rules expansion supplements. But again, I think any version of AD&D is too complex for under-10 year olds.

The full games of 3e/PF are more complicated than AD&D, but the Pathfinder Beginner Box is about the same complexity as earlier D&D Basic Sets, and has pretty clear and colorful instructions. I chose the Pathfinder Beginner Box in part for the nice components (full color cardstock figures and maps), and in part because Pathfinder is currently the most popular version of D&D, so by learning it, the kids would have an easier time in the future finding games/players.

I am personally fond of Castles and Crusades for younger players as the most streamlined version of AD&D I know that still retains much of its original vibe.

Quickstart can be found here for free as a PDF: http://www.trolllord.com/cnc/ccqs.html or purchased from Noble Knight Games for $6: http://www.nobleknight.com/ProductDetail.asp_Q_ProductID_E_2147384312_A_InventoryID_E_2147633872_A_ProductLineID_E_2137423876_A_ManufacturerID_E_237_A_CategoryID_E_12_A_GenreID_E_

The Quickstart has enough material for PCs of 4 classes, 3 races, up level 4.

The Players Handbook and Monsters and Treasure (the two core books needed for the full version of the game) are readily available.

Alternatively, B/X D&D is great too. I recommend Basic Fantasy as a slightly streamlined (and combined) form that is readily available in print: http://www.lulu.com/shop/chris-gonnerman/basic-fantasy-rpg-core-rules-2e-perfect-bound/paperback/product-14254311.html

When I've run games for my kids and their friends, they are hardly aware of what system (if any) is being used. I'll just sort of 'teach by doing' when it comes to the mechanics attacks and so forth, and talk to them informally about the sort of character they want, while filling in a character sheet to more or less match what they are saying. I think it starts things off on the right foot to not really even have rule books out on the table, and just let the referee/grown up handle all that jazz. The kids are just dealing with the figures and dice and conversation. With this approach, it really doesn't matter what you pick as a game system, so long as it doesn't require too much mechanical decision making from the players.

Copies of B/X D&D can be found fairly easily. However, some of the better modules, like B10 Night's Dark Terror, may be tougher to find in hard copy.

If you want to wait until August, the next version of D&D (5E) is being targeted at lapsed players looking for something easier to run than the last two editions (3E and 4E). Judging from the playtest, it will be easier to introduce new players to than AD&D. And the release will include an introductory boxed set.

Keep in mind that this forum is pretty hostile to WotC, but there are merits to running an in-print, commercially supported game.

I have found that Tunnels & Trolls is much more engaging for young kids. It's simple, fun and deadly and involves throwing a handful of dice to quickly chop up the enemy. And its "easy math" of adding numbers which enforces grade school skills too.

For ease of play. Moldvay BX D&D. PDFs are officially still for sale for about 5$ each I think so get Basic and Keep on the Borderlands and see of it works, then move to eXpert and proceed. Then you can try more advanced stuff later.

If you think a light PA setting would work then 2nd Ed Gamma World is very easy to get into and does not have the bleak tones of later versions. Harder to come by though.

BX and Gamma World 2nd ed were pretty much THE family games for us for RPGs

Quote from: Spinachcat;747071I have found that Tunnels & Trolls is much more engaging for young kids.

Oh yeah! T&T would be a fun option. As I recall the names of the spells are a lot more whimsical too... the whole thing is less 'serious'.

Is your son a gamer? Or are you wanting to make him a gamer?

Try a different gateway drug: Fighting Fantasy game books, or something like that. THEN go for an RPG.

As for the RPG.... I'm going to buck the trend. Go and get something D&D Next related. Strip out all the guff, roll high, play quick and simples.

Use it for a dungeon crawl pulled from Dragonsfoot.org or a WoTC reprint. That way you can go forward with the "old school crawl" idea and prep the kid for the latest iteration of D&D. From there he can decide to bloat the rules out with feats, minis, and all the rest or keep it low key.

Quote from: Iron Simulacrum;746980B/X
BECMI
AD&D 1st; or 2nd?
3E, or Pathfinder?

I'd recommend the Pathfinder Beginner Box to start with, it's the best fantasy intro RPG on the market. Has 5 levels so you have flying, fireballing wizard PCs at the high end. After that, hard to say. Personally, right now I'm into the OSRIC retro-clone of D&D - plenty of class options, clearer presentation than the original books, free pdf and cheap to buy a hardcopy off (currently) rpgnow. Or if you like more complex games, transitioning to Pathfinder could work - I've been running it with my nearly-7-yr-old, but basically handling the rules stuff for him; which I've found is a lot easier than my Pathfinder group where the players handle their own PCs!

Quote from: Larsdangly;747063With this approach, it really doesn't matter what you pick as a game system, so long as it doesn't require too much mechanical decision making from the players.

Agreed - kids can roleplay fine without having to know the mechanics. My son likes playing Wizards and it makes little difference if it's B/X or Pathfinder - he casts Charm Person. In fact I've seen him think outside the box and do cool stuff that a rules-bound player wouldn't have thought of.

Quote from: Benoist;746981Now that said, the answer to your question is "whichever D&D you feel most comfortable with." Generally, the one you started with and/or had the most fun with is the one you should use, because that enjoyment is what you want to communicate to the newbie.

This may be the best answer I have read on this site.