This is a great introduction to the "why it is how it is" of old school gaming. I think any gamer that has only played "modern" D&D should consider this a must read, especially if they are considering checking out some of the older games.

Also, it serves as a fantastic reminder of just what made those games as great as I remember them. In fact, I just ran an introductory adventure in AD&D 2nd ed. last night for my girlfriend, and reading this today has really shed light on how much of the old flavor and style I have lost to today's rule-heavy, stat-centered games. I can't wait to run some AD&D after reading this fantastic primer/reminder.

Thanks to the author for writing this and making it available.

While it does an excellent job of achieving its goal of being an introduction to older style gaming for younger players, and does a good job of clearing up some of the misinformation about "old school" play, the Primer is also a brilliant read for someone like me, who has been playing rpg's for around 30 years. It shamed me for some of my slave-to-the-rules habits as a DM and greatly encouraged me to try a freer, more imaginative style. A great piece of work and well worth reading over and over.

This is a great introduction to old school gaming. The author is making a great job explaining the differences between present roleplaying trends and the beginning of the hobby. This intro is about the using of the rules, and it's for every roleplayer no matter what system he/she is using.

This primer provides some nice insight into the world of old-school gaming. I'd recommend it to anyone new to the genre, as well as anyone who is thinking of going back to their roots after playing a more modern form of Dungeons and Dragons. Finch's writing is funny and insightful, and his examples pretty accurately display some of the differences between new and old school gaming styles.