MortonStromgal

This is a loaded question. My son is not even one yet and I'm already thinking that he has to play D&D at leased a couple times to try it out but with so many version which one is the best. The Rules Cyclopedia/Dark Dungeon edition is very basic, its where Dwarf is a class. Despite some of the oddities this game is a thing of beauty from its simplicity. This is the 'rules lite' indie version of D&D if there is such a thing. AD&D 1e is well thought out, interesting choices (with unearthed arcana), and really feels like D&D. You have a mountain to climb and the DM certainly isn't going to help you. I would call this the 'Traveller' edition because much like the game Traveller there are sourcebooks and rules for everything. Next we have AD&D 2e this is the White-Wolf D&D game, it clams its a game thats rules lite with lots of roleplaying but honestly its strengths are in setting not in the rules. Especially if you get into optional rules, then your head starts spinning and you get lost in a pile of rulebooks. 3rd edition is the edition I met my wife playing, however if any D&D was going to be compared to GURPS this is it, so many options, rules that are basic at the core but with layers of complexity you can add on. 4th edition is often compared to WOW or board games, it is certainly the Battletech of D&D but I loved Battletech as a kid. We used to pretend to be our mechpilots and make up much works rules for roleplay than those found in D&D 4e.

So its up to me as a father and DM to decide what I want
Do I want simplicity? Cyclopedia
Do I want it to have that uphill battle? AD&D 1e
Do I want fantastic settings? AD&D 2e
Do I want a toolbox that I can create anything with? 3e
Do I want fantastic battles and a fun story? 4e

fortunately I have awhile to decide yet. If I had to pick today I would think AD&D 1e or perhaps the Cyclopedia wins.