Exploring Why Not All Dice Roll the Same

Stepping into the warm embrace of a tavern, you find respite from your journey’s weariness amidst the flickering flames. An elf bartender, the sole keeper of this haven, acknowledges your arrival with a subtle nod, guiding you toward an unoccupied table.

As you settle in, the ambiance is alive with the anticipation of conflict, as local mercenaries teeter on the edge of confrontation. Yet amidst the brewing tension, there’s an unspoken invitation to partake in a timeless ritual: the roll of the dice.

Games, woven into the fabric of human culture, offer a sanctuary for critical thinking, creativity, and storytelling. Within this realm, the dice wield a unique power, each roll spinning a tale of its own. However, their allure lies in their capricious nature — not all dice yield the same outcome.

From imperceptible nuances to distinct variations, the trajectory of the dice roll is influenced by a myriad of factors. Whether it’s the friction against the tabletop, the initial placement, or the force applied by the roller’s hand, each element shapes the fate of the dice.

The Shape of Dice

A custom set of polyhedral dice assume various forms that diverge from the traditional 6-sided cube. Although these dice are most commonly seen as a mechanic of modern gaming, there is an established anthropological precedent. Dice of various shapes and sizes have been found in ancient archaeological digs.

The following dice each have their own probability distribution that can be altered and expanded depending on the number of dice rolled.

Tetrahedron

The four-sided dice’s numbers are arranged upright at the vertex. When played, the die is typically cast into the air rather than rolled in the traditional sense. Its shape makes rolling difficult. The upright number at the point is equivalent to the value of the roll. There are some four-sided dice that show the result at the base.

Cube

The most common die. The sum of the opposing faces of this six-sided die traditionally adds up to seven.

Octahedron

A polyhedral die composed of eight equilateral triangles resulting in eight sides.

Pentagonal trapezohedron

A 10-sided die whose face is a geometric shape that converges at two sharp corners. The even numbers tend to meet at the apex of one end and the odd numbers meet at the other end.

Dodecahedron

A-12 sided die. The sum of the opposing faces traditionally adds up to 13.

Icosahedron

A 20-sided die and a crucial piece of any D&D player’s toolkit. The sum of the opposing faces of this die traditionally adds up to 21.

It may be assumed that a dice roll is left to random chance. However, there can be factors that may slightly affect the outcome of your roll. The friction of the landing surface and the initial position of the dice can play a role in the results of the tossed dice. The small imperfections in the inking or carving of dice may also result in varying physical resistance. But unless the dice have been tampered with, these small variations would have a heavily muted, yet existent, effect.

The Initial Position

Although the shape and type of die can only slightly affect the outcome, the initial position of the die can alter the results significantly. From a conversation with mechanical engineer Tomasz Kapitaniak, Ben P. Stein reports upon the professor’s findings.

Professor Kapitaniak of the University of Lodz in Poland states that it is “The initial position of the die,” that is a considerable factor in the roll. To effectively use this to your advantage, the player should consider these factors. You may not be able to take this knowledge to the casino, but next time your Dungeon Master asks you to roll, maybe put the 20 on top. You never know.

Surface Friction

However, if you happen to be the Dungeon Master take into consideration the surface that the die is cast against. If you want to counter your player’s advantageous initial position, try a table that creates great friction. In Professor Kapitaniak’s report for the American Institute of Physics, he describes the importance of friction.

While other aspects of a roll, like air resistance, may be negligible, friction can have a greater impact. When considering why not all custom dice sets roll the same it is the environment and the starting condition of that die that can alter your results. Unless you know the exact surface roughness of your table, your rolls will continue to be functionally unpredictable.

Just a Little Bit of Luck

Now that we know that not all dice roll the same and that the probability of controlling your roll is quite low, we can appreciate the joy of randomness. While there is a natural urge to gain control over your fate, remember that the fun of a game comes from a little luck. However, if you start rolling back-to-back nat-20’s, then you’ll know who to thank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of dice is as diverse and intricate as the games they inhabit. From ancient origins to modern tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, each die shape carries its own unique probability distribution and quirks. While factors like initial position and surface friction may subtly influence the outcome of a roll, the essence of gaming lies in embracing the unpredictability and joy of randomness.

Whether you’re a player seeking that perfect roll or a Dungeon Master orchestrating the twists of fate, the magic of gaming resides in the dance between chance and strategy. So, as you gather around the table for your next adventure, remember that while not all dice roll the same, it’s the journey through uncertainty that makes the game truly memorable. Roll the dice, tell your story, and may luck favor the bold.