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

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

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.)

A must have for dungeon masters who want to run AD&D. Even if you are running a different edition of D&D or even another RPG altogether, this is chock full of helpful advice, inspiration and info. This, plus the Player's Handbook and the Monster Manual for AD&D are great to have in a collection of classic RPG books. Great artwork, helpful charts and discussion.One word of caution when buying used books on Amazon though, especially books that can have possibly seen a lot of use like an RPG book. Do not be surprised if the book is in worse condition than what the pictures and descriptions show. Unfortunately, some sellers on here do not use pictures of the actual book they are selling and fail to properly describe the damage the book has in the text descriptions as well. I recently bought this book from a seller on here who said it had 'some tape on the spine' and 'a few scratches on the cover'. The spine was practically ruined and was barely held together with scotch tape. The cover was heavily dinged and damaged. Some pages were damaged from having metal paperclips used to bookmark them. I managed to make the book use-able by properly repairing the spine with book tape, but it was actually in less than acceptable condition when I got it. The seller refunded my money and apologized for the poor condition of the book after I gave them feedback about it. That was nice of them, but it would have been better to get a book in better shape to start with.

When I purchased this product I knew that it would arrive in less than pristine quality. There are several stains and minor tears in the product, as well as knicks and bruises on the cover. But for a product of its age, and at the price I paid, I am quite happy with it. The contents are all here and just as I remember from yesteryears. Its a refreshing look at old rules for the game, and its really incredible to see the depth that some systems that've since been completely scrapped were covered in. I still look at this edition as the highpoint of the series, in respect to imagination and vastness, so its a great starting point to use for inspiration. I wouldn't recommend playing an actual game using these rules, the newer systems are far more palatable especially to unfamiliar players, but if your looking for a wellspring of information then it won't hurt to throw a few coins in its direction.

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.

I bought a used version for around $4. The item description of "used" is accurate. Stickers, name in cover of book, highlighted areas, but I am by no means unhappy. There are a few pages that are pulling away from the spine, but not bad. My book was quality controlled with a bar code and operator. Thanks Afattahi.

Excellent Condition for almost 30 year old game book

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

This book " AD&D dungeon mastrer guide", is a true geek classic, it is a 1995 publication and it is in beautiful condition, almost pristine. It arrived quickly, which is good. I have adventures to plan.

Well, most of the DMG is suggestions and optional content but there are some useful tables and magic research and item rules so it's kind of a must have for any DM who still plays the 2nd Edition. Would have been better with the magic item prices included, so for now you'll need to look here for that information:

Questa è la Guida del DM della seconda edizione "revised" (del 1995) del gioco di ruolo più famoso del mondo....cos'altro bisogna aggiungere?!Si tratta dell'edizione originale americana, ma assolutamente di facile comprensione anche a chi mastica poco inglese, davvero ben fatta, ottima carta, pregevole impaginazione. le illustrazioni non sono sempre eccelse, ma l'importante sono le regole!Consigliato a tutti gli amanti del genere, senza riserve ma ovviamente solo a chi vuole diventare o è già Dungeon Master!

This revised version of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition Dungeon Master Guide is nicely illustrated, and feels less dated than the original 2nd edition product. It is hardcover and is a good book, for experienced DM's and new ones alike.

I like the Manics. This is not my favourite offering from them but it is good.