The Six-Sided Die

The average six-sided die has different symbols or numbers of each side in order to denote six equally probable outcomes. This is a wonderful mechanic for introducing one of a variety of events into a game. This gives a very random feeling to the outcome, since a specific outcome seems rather unlikely. Hoping for a specific result rarely results in satisfaction but, when it does, a sense of “good luck” is palpable.

If numerals denote at least some of die’s results, a modifier such as +1 or -1 can skew the results to one end of the scale or the other. This is useful for introducing bonuses or penalties on a roll due to other game conditions. Should the die land face-up on a symbol, the modifier can be discarded or have a meaning unique to that symbol—a potentially confusing situation that should be avoided.

If production costs are low, a single die can be custom-made to produce a wider range of results, as seen in the Figure 1, below. Before describing custom dice in detail, it is also worth pointing out that when customizing dice to yield non-standard results, one can also take this production process as an opportunity to skin the die to match the milieu better. More to the point, dots and numbers are not very evocative and make a game easier for a hobbyist to reproduce with spare parts from other games!

Note all the different ways a die can be used to generate different probability scenarios. Let's discuss each in excrutiating detail! Each color in the four graphs below denotes one row of the table to the left.

The “2 Result” Scenario

This scenario can deeply favor one of the results, greatly favor one of the results, or make the chance of either one exactly equal.

The “3 Result” Scenario

This scenario can create a situation where two of the results are equally likely while the third is considerably more likely. A situation can also be arranged where each of the three outcomes is considerably more likely, with one of the outcomes still being considered unlikely. Finally, it is possible to configure the outcomes such that each of the three results is equally likely.

The “4 Result” Scenario

This scenario cannot simulate a scenario where all outcomes are equally probably. However, it can simulate situations where three of the outcomes are equally likely but with a fourth being most probable. Perhaps most important is the configuration where there are two equally likely results that are exactly half the likelihood of the other two. In effect, this last configuration closely mirrors a “bell curve.”

The “5 Result” Scenario

This scenario can only be used to simulate a situation where four results are equally likely, with the third being more likely than any of the individual results, but still less than the chance of getting one of the other outcomes as a group.

 

Putting It All Into Practice (Trade Secrets!)

All this theory is well and good, but if you can't put these new probability curves into practice, the discussion is purely academic. Now, you could simple have "look up tables" which, after the die is rolled, the resulting number is looked up on table specific to the probability curve you are simulating. This can work very well, in fact, provided the table is easy to read, immediately available, and there aren't to many of them. This can also be more cost effective than producing the customized dice.

To the right is an example of a look-up table. It is an exceeding simple graphic treatment, but it illustates how a traditional die can be used to simulate different probability curves and different result sets. One can imagine, however, different treatments that conform more closely to a particular milieu or artistic direction. However, a look-up table has a very basic flaw that is unavoidable: a level of indirection. Forcing a player to look up a true result each time they roll a day puts that game mechanic at the forefront of the game experience. Game mechanics should support or celebrate the milieu being simulated, not overshadow it. That's a cardinal rule.

That being said, having customized dice does add value to the game-- it is crazy to think otherwise. So, what's the best way to feel the satisfaction of these customized dice at little cost to you, the prototyper or game designer? Cheap solutions can be found at places like The Dollar Store, Michael's, or Ben Franklin. Honestly, I have made out like a bandit at The Dollar Store.

But first, let's look at what you can get at Michael's, so grab your 50%-off coupons and get down there!

To the left, you'll see something called a "Value Pack!" Don't let it fool you, it is actually pretty expensive for what it is. Nonetheless, it is still a good place to start. All you really need is a marker to put the different array of numbers or symbols on it. But wait, you are going to run into a problem. Since all the dice are the same color, it will be difficult for you (or anyone playing your prototype) to grab the right die at the right time. Bum rolls can be a major distraction for both the roller and the people he or she is playing with. So, pick up some paint or die and do a color wash to disguish your dice from one another.

Applying washes or paints can be a little problematic and they add cost to the manufacturing of your prototypes. Which is why ever self-respecting game enthusiast needs to look high and low for materials to further your craft. Observe.

To the right, we see a collection of pre-washed wooden cubes. I am not entirely sure what The Dollar Store was thinking when it decided to stock these little babies, but I want to specifically tell them that they are my heroes for doing so. These may look a little familiar; if you play a lot of complicated board games, it is very likely that you've seen game pieces just like these. It is important to point out, however, that The Dollar Store carries randomly-composed bags with about six colors in each. You will have to buy multiple bags to compose a red collection like the one pictured here, but once you do, you will have a similar bag in each of the other colors, too : orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Whether you are a game designer or a bower bird, having so many brightly-colored things around is good for the soul.

Speaking of good for the soul, let us not forget the basic, simple, unassuming traditional six-sided die that has given us joy for thousands of years. A lot of game shops would like to exploit the love we have for our little buddy, but we are not going to let them pimp their over-priced dice any longer-- especially when we want a whole mess of them.

To the rescue, is Shipwreck Beads, the largest bead-seller around. You can visit their warehouse in Lacey, Washington (on the way, don't forget to hit the Super Buffet for $12.95 at Exit 118) or just order from them on-line. If you go in person, you'll see a lot of other things to inspire your creativity, so bring some cash!

Here, take a close look at the image to the right. It is pile of tiny six-sided dice-- without a stringing hole! I bought a bunch of them and it is quite likely that I will never need to buy another one, ever again. If you want, you can probably order them on-line in other colors, but I was fine with good old-fashioned white dice.

And with that, dear readers and fellow enthusiasts, I have nothing more to say about the six-sided die and all its various incarnations.

Perhaps you have some thoughts about dice that you wish to share?