[RPG] How to have the players read before our first session ever

dungeon-worldnew-gmnew-playerssession

Our background:

I've wanted to play an RPG for several years, and I'm finally going to get to schoolmates friends of mine together for about 5-6 hours to try out Dungeon world. Originally I was interested in D&D 5e, and I have the PHB and Starter Set, but after a lot of reading, I think that Dungeon World is a better option for me to start on, given its focus on collaborative storytelling and simpler rules than D&D. None of us except for me have played any RPGs, and I've played very little, but I, as the GM and pretty well acquainted with the Rules.

My Question

So, what should I have my players read before they come? I've seen some people who have successfully started a group entirely new to DW as character creation goes, so is that the way to go? Keep in mind, while I have read the rules to Dungeon World many times (and also the Guide, alligator ritual, and 16 hp dragon), I've never GMed/played the game, and I've only tried (not successfully) to GM Dungeons and Dragons: in some regards, I'm as inexperienced as my players. I still have a week, and I think that it would be advantageous for my friends to not come in blind.

In conclusion, what materials should I point my players towards in order for them to have the best grasp of what to expect with this first session (a one-shot)? All of the SRD? Nothing? I'm interested in knowing what has worked for some of the people here.

Best Answer

My latest group is mostly longtime roleplaying gamers and one relatively new gamer. I emailed them this, a link to the play kit, and a private share of the pdf:

You don't have to read anything, but if you feel like reading something, read the Basic Moves (our bread and butter) and skim the classes to see what interests you.

The players who want to read rules can dive into the pdf. The players who are curious can pick a class. Everyone else will pick up the game pretty quickly in the first session. Review the Teaching the Game chapter of the book to remind yourself how to pitch the game and introduce Dungeon World to new players.