Which Title To Start With?

[Compass Rose]

Hello, I am brand new to the Munchkin series and I just picked up new copies of Munchkin Deluxe, Munchkin OZ Guest Artist Edition, Super Munchkin Guest Artist Edition By Art Baltazar, and Munchkin Legends Guest Artist Edition.

Which of the above versions of Munchkin would be advisable to start off playing so we can get a good and strong understanding of the game system without having to deal with alot of extra rules?

I feel that the less rules we have, especially starting out, the easier the learning curve will be providing a more enjoyable experience for all players.

Thanks

[draigthedm]

Any of them. those are all the base games

[Andrew Hackard]

I'd avoid Super Munchkin if you don't want to deal with extra rules right off the bat. It's a good game but it has a couple of wrinkles to it.

Munchkin Oz is pretty straightforward, but it has an unusual blend of classes and I don't think it would be my suggested gateway, either. It also has a large number of Allies, which have their own rules.

My recommendation would be Munchkin Legends -- it uses the same classes and races as original Munchkin, but the jokes may be more accessible to people who aren't hardcore roleplayers. That said, Munchkin Deluxe would also be fine if you wanted to go that route.

[Compass Rose]

Thanks for the detailed feedback.

I know these games are designed for 3+ players.

Would it be advisable to "kick the tires" a little bit, with only two people to get a feel of everything before playing with a group, or would you suggest "jumping head-first" and learn to play, for the first time, while with a group?

Thanks

[Andrew Hackard]

Munchkin really doesn't work well with only two players. I would hate for your very first experience to be negative.

Strategy/tactics tips:

Don't be too quick to start bashing on the other players. Semi-coop play until most players are mid-Level (5 or so) actually works much better and makes the game more competitive at the higher Levels.

It can be smart to run away from a tough fight rather than burning all your resources, especially when the monster is unlikely to hurt you badly.

Death isn't always bad. Sometimes, it's the best result possible, since you keep your Level and Class/Race and get a whole new hand of cards on your next turn.

Pay attention to your Class and Race abilities - they can get you out of tough situations.

Rules often forgotten by new players: you can sell Items (cards with Gold Pieces) for levels. You can play Items that you can't use sideways to show that you're carrying them but not using their abilities. But you can only have one Item labeled "Big" at a time, unless you have a way around that.

Have fun!

[Compass Rose]

Ok thanks for the quick responses and the tips.

Anything else that you think would be helpful, please feel free to send it my way.

Thanks Again!