[Opinions] Pocket Player's Handbook

[BSF]

I am soliciting your opinions/advice on Mongoose's Pocket Player's Handbook.

Here is my perceived problem:
I have several friends that like to play D&D. They are all reasonably smart folks, but they do not share the same passion for learning the rules as I do. (Mind you, that is not necessarily a bad thing.) As a result, they are often unclear on readied actions, AOO's, 5' steps vs movement actions, synergy bonuses, etc. They could read/reference the PHB to get all this information, but it doesn't seem like the information is presented in an easy enough, clear enough manner for them to quickly understand it. Ultimately, it is easier for them to ask me for rules clarifications.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am happy to clarify rules all day long. However, it is slowing our game down. I am beginning to wonder if the information might be presented in an easier to reference manner. I am beginning to wonder if a different book might provide a way to empower my friends to make decisions quicker and keep our game moving along at a good pace.

So, will Mongoose's Pocket Player's Handbook help in this regard? Is there a product that will?

 

[Ghostwind]

In the 'beginner' level game I run at the store where I work, I encourage players (right now we have between 8 and 12 players) to buy either the Mongoose book or the PHB. Many have went with the Mongoose one because of price and have done just fine with it for learning the rules, so I would say you would be fine recommending it to your players.

 

[Napftor]

I have been nothing but pleased with Mongoose's Pocket PH. In fact, at least two of my players use it as well (there might be another...haven't played for awhile so can't remember). By ripping out the fluff, your players can find these rules a bit faster. The index isn't the best it could be, but the easy organization inside the book allows you to at least find the page group.

 

[Umbran]

By ripping outthe fluff, it has perhaps been made into a reference book in which things can be looked up more quickly, yes. However, by ripping out that fluff, it seems to have been made into a very, very dry read. So, it isn't very good for reading to learn the rules.

A quick reference is good if you know the basics, but need clarification on details. A quick reference isn't helpful if you don't have a handle on what you need to be looking up. Thus - the pocket player's guide is better for answering the question, "What happens when I Bull Rush?" It is less useful for deciding, "I know I can attack, what are my options, and which is best?"

 

[RFisher]

I am soliciting your opinions/advice on Mongoose's Pocket Player's Handbook.

I love mine.

I am beginning to wonder if a different book might provide a way to empower my friends to make decisions quicker and keep our game moving along at a good pace.

Hmm. I don't know if it'll really be much different than the D&D PHB in this regard. Seems to me that most of the times when I look up something in my Mongoose PPHB & someone else looks it up in the D&D PHB, we end up reciting the exact same sentence.

 

[Buttercup]

I think that for learning how to make and equip a character, the PHB is better. For quick reference at the gaming table, I think the Mongoose book is better.

 

[dead]

Arguing over rules was slowing down my game so I banned reference to all rulebooks. Players now have to consult me for all information.

This has improved the game incredibly.

The only time I let them reach for their books is if there is a break in the adventure and they have advanced a level.

 

[MonsterMash]

If a player wanted a Handbook in my campaign I'd recommend the Mongoose Pocket Players guide as I don't use the Greyhawk gods, etc so the extra cost for the WotC PHB is less useful. The one thing I miss in the PPG is the lack of diagrams for the combat.

 

[Vindicator]

Is the Mongoose Pocket Player's Handbook (why does that title make me giggle and think of "Pocket Pool"? ) 3.0 or 3.5? If 3.0, does anyone know if they plan to release a 3.5 version?

 

[Napftor]

Is the Mongoose Pocket Player's Handbook (why does that title make me giggle and think of "Pocket Pool"? ) 3.0 or 3.5? If 3.0, does anyone know if they plan to release a 3.5 version?

3.5 all the way.