I've recently been trying to give D&D another go after terrible experiences with 4e. I've been really enthralled with Curse of Strahd, and recently set up a group with which we plan on running an adventure in the Ravenloft setting.

Since I already own the Curse of Strahd book I've been wondering whether I should put my group through Death House first or just start with Chapter 1 of the scenario.

My group is new to D&D and will be running level 1 characters. Since people say Death House is really hard, I fear wiping them out in their first experience(There is also no Tarokka reading, seems like a great experience). I also hear Ravenloft in general is pretty hard.

So, taking in consideration our preferences, what is more advisable for a new group starting out?

1. Run Death House first.
2. Start running Curse of Strahd from Chapter 1: Into The Mists.
3. Run through the old boring Phandelvers first.

I've recently been trying to give D&D another go after terrible experiences with 4e. I've been really enthralled with Curse of Strahd, and recently set up a group with which we plan on running an adventure in the Ravenloft setting.

My group is new to D&D and will be running level 1 characters. Which of these would be a better introductory experience taking in consideration we plan on running Curse of Strahd and why?

1. Run Death House first.
2. Start running Curse of Strahd from Chapter 1: Into The Mists with level 3 characters.
3. Run through the old Phandelvers first.