Player's Handbook by Skip Williams, Monte Cook and Jonathan Tweet (2003, Hardcover)

I love version 3.5 of the Players Handbook. It is in a great format and is relatively easy to understand. The rules are mostly straightforward, and there are some really nice illustrations. I tried to get into the 4th version, but it was just too different for me. I am not a fan of the tiefling and dragonborn being regular races and gnomes becoming monsters, among many other problems I won't get into. If you are new to Dungeons and Dragons, I would highly recommend playing 3.5. It is closer to the roots of the original game and, in my opinion, far more understandable, fun, and fulfilling.

Overall this edition is good. I like RPGs that use skills rather than just using attack and fighting skills the whole time. That said, my biggest qualms about the game are some of the character classes. First of all, one of the best classes in the history of D&D, the Ranger got totally jipped. They get d8 HP!? Wtf! now instead of being a specialized fighter like the past editions he/she is just just basically a dude who can use two swords w/ out having to take the two-weapon fighting feat and Track. Ooh....wow. Meanwhile the Druid has pretty powerful spells at first level (entanglement1?, even wizards/sorcerers don't get web until later levels), can get an animal companion at 1st level, can wear hide armor (which is better than leather) use a sword (albeit a falchion) AND has d8 HP. I have a character who is a ranger and one who is a druid in my campaign (I'm DM) and because the Druid PC just completely overshadows the Ranger PC (the druid can Track, use magic AND fight) the person who is playing the Ranger is about to quit b/c they're convinced their character sucks. The Druid PC can do everything the Ranger can do (almost) and gets an animal and spells before the Ranger. The Druid is too powerful and the Ranger not enough. I am mad that a measley Druid can entangle my Ranger and then just kill her if she wants. What gives? What happened to the Ranger as fighter? Why gods, why!? Next time I am giving the Ranger d10 HP. Forget the rules. I hate Druids....

Well, you need this book if you plan to play a 3.5e game of Dungeons and Dragons. Yes, the PHB is on the web for free (google "SRD20 3.5" to find it) under the Open Gaming License, but this is still needed at the table to play a game properly.

Information is layed out very well, relatively easy to follow and understand (though I recommend bookmarking the grapple rules - you'll need to refer to them if it ever comes up... same with concealment and cover), and overall well done. If you care about the art, it is very good in my humble opinion. But most importantly, this is the core book for players of DnD... ya just can't live without it.

It is duanting task to jump into the world of D&D. However, this task is amazingly fun! With the Player's Handbook you, the player, have all you need before you to start your monster slaying character and also learn all the basics of the game. It is filled with spells, items, gear, and information to aid you through your years of play! It is a great game and a great Core Rulebook!

This really is Core Rulebook #1. It has everything in there that you need to understand to begin playing D&D. I'd say just stick with this book until you truly get familiar with the game. Read the whole book too!! I skimmed it and understood the basics, but I was actually reading it and discovered a number of things that were extremely good to know. Have fun playing!