AD&D 1E Three Things that can't be Fixed in 1e AD&D

[Lanefan]

hmm. Did people actually use the random % chance to know a spell rules? From what I remember back in the 1E gaming days, we pretty much let starting mages pick the spells they wanted (they already had a difficult start). I don't think we used the % chance of adding a new spell either.... if they found a scroll, they could copy it in, no problem. I don't remember how we did 'adding new spells when you gained a level', although I think it was just 'add one of whatever you want'....

We do it that the DM randomly rolls what spells they start with (using the DMG as guidance).

We also use the chance-to-learn rules, meaning you have to roll to learn anything new. Exception: the spell you get at training is automatically learned, but rolled at random (in-fiction rationale: that's what your trainer decided to teach you).

That sais, Mages with money to burn can always go to guilds and try to buy access to spells.