I've recently been trying to get some of my friends into Descent, but I'm having trouble teaching it to them and leaving a good first impression. Do you guys have any tips on teaching newcomers the game?

I've taught Descent a number of occasions. I find the current points helpful:

1. Level with them up front. Explain it is not a traditional dungeon bash, they will never clear the dungeon and they will loose if they try it. Explain you are actively trying to kill them, but they should expect to die occasionally as they just keep re-spawning.

2. Make sure they understand how to use Fatigue. Remind them as they play, point out strategies relating to fatigue.

3. Ensure they win their first game, or at the least come close.

4. When teaching, allow them to "go negative" on conquest. Make it clear that this is a tool to help them learn the game, but once they know what they're doing, they won't need it.

5. Once they start getting the hang of it, cackle and laugh meniachally when things go wrong for them. Taunt and goad them into doing things that are obviously wrong. Give them normally phraised friendly advice.

Thank you for the advice! I'm actually teaching Descent to a few new people today, so I'll try what you said.