Player's Handbook

Players Handbook (1978)

Cover
Author	Gary Gygax
Cover artist	David A. Trampier
Language	English
Subject	Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition
Genre	Role-playing game
Publisher	TSR, Inc.
Publication date	June 1978
Publication place	United States
Media type	Print (Hardcover)
Pages	128
ISBN	0-935696-01-6
OCLC	13498304
Dewey Decimal	794 19
LC Class	GV1469.62.D84 G94 1980

The Player's Handbook (spelled Players Handbook in first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D)) is the name given to one of the core rulebooks in every edition of the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). It does not contain the complete set of rules for the game, and only includes rules for use by players of the game. Additional rules, for use by Dungeon Masters (DMs), who referee the game, can be found in the Dungeon Master's Guide. Many optional rules, such as those governing extremely high-level players, and some of the more obscure spells, are found in other sources.

Since the first edition,^[1] the Player's Handbook has contained tables and rules for creating characters, lists of the abilities of the different character classes, the properties and costs of equipment, descriptions of spells that magic-using character classes (such as wizards or clerics) can cast, and numerous other rules governing gameplay.^[2] Both the Dungeon Master's Guide and the Player's Handbook give advice, tips, and suggestions for various styles of play.^[3] For most editions of D&D, The Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual make up the core rulebooks.^[4]