How many D&D versions have there been?

[T. Foster]

For simplicity's sake (and to make the "3E" label make sense) I've decided to consider that there have been only 3 versions of D&D:

1) Dungeons & Dragons (1974-1994) (includes OD&D and various 'Basic D&D' editions culminating with RC and 'black box' set)
2) Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (1977-1999) (includes AD&D 1E and 2E)
3) Dungeons & Dragons, 3rd Edition (2000-present) (includes 3.5)

 

[Quasqueton]

OldD&D ain't a full game. It's concept notes put down on paper for early playtesting.

Quasqueton

 

[Zander]

OldD&D ain't a full game. It's concept notes put down on paper for early playtesting.

I haven't got white box D&D but that's my understanding as well. That's why I clumped it with Basic D&D.

 

[Staffan]

Skills & Powers and Alternity were the missing links in evolution here (I'm not going to call Alternity an edition of D&D, but from a game design perspective it's fingerprints are clear).

I really don't see much influence of Alternity in D&D. Definitely not as much as, say, Rolemaster or Ars Magica.

 

[JamesDJarvis]

the D&D games-

Chainmail with Dave Arnenesons notes
Chanimal with Gary Gygax notes after Dave telling him about his game
D&D
D&D with Greyhawk and later supplements
Basic D&D Holmes Edit (which was supposed to lead into AD&D)
AD&D
D&D Cook/Modlavy Edit (2 sets Basic and Expert)
D&D Mentzer Edit (5 sets - Basic, Expert, Companion, Master and Immortal)
AD&D with survival guide era books
AD&D Second Edition (Intro to AD&D is really just part of this)
AD&D Second Edition with Skills and Powers
3e D&D
3.5 D&D