How to Choose the Right Dice for Your Game

Quick Answer

Start by identifying the dice your game actually needs: standard six-sided dice (d6) for most family games, polyhedral sets for RPGs, and specialty dice for unique mechanics. Then consider readability, material feel, and storage to match your playing style.

Choosing the right dice can make a surprising difference in your gaming experience. Whether you're replacing lost dice, upgrading for better readability, or buying for a new game, understanding the basics helps you avoid costly mistakes.

This guide breaks down the main dice types, what to look for in quality, and how to match dice to your specific needs—without getting lost in the details.

Know the Dice Types

The most common dice are standard six-sided dice, or d6, used in games like Ticket to Ride and many family favorites. They're easy to read and roll, making them ideal for players of all ages. For role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder, you'll need polyhedral dice sets that include d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20 to handle various actions and damage rolls.

Some games use custom dice with symbols instead of numbers, such as those in Star Wars: Unlimited or Arkham Horror. These are designed specifically for the game's mechanics, so you can't substitute standard dice. Always check your game's rules or component list to see what type is required.

• Identify whether your game uses standard, polyhedral, or custom dice before purchasing.

Materials and Readability

Dice come in various materials: plastic, resin, metal, and even stone. Plastic dice are lightweight, affordable, and come in countless colors, making them a great all-around choice. Resin dice often feature intricate designs and are popular for RPGs, while metal dice feel weighty and durable but can damage tables and are louder when rolled.

Readability is crucial—choose dice with high-contrast numbers or symbols. If you play in low light or have players with vision issues, opt for larger dice or those with bold, engraved numbers. Some dice have painted numbers that may wear off over time, so consider the durability of the finish.

• Test dice readability by rolling them on the table you'll use most often.

Storage and Organization

Keeping your dice organized prevents loss and damage. Dice trays and tubes are excellent for storage, especially for polyhedral sets. A dice tray not only holds dice during play but also protects your table from scratches. For travel, a dice bag or tube keeps your dice secure and easy to carry.

If you have multiple sets, consider color-coding or using labeled containers to quickly find the right dice for each game. This is especially helpful when you have many games with different dice requirements.

• Invest in a storage solution that matches your collection size and how often you travel with games.

Decision Rules for Choosing Dice

• Game Requirements First: Always check the rulebook or component list to see if the game specifies standard, polyhedral, or custom dice. Using the wrong type can break game balance. Match dice type to your game's needs.
• Readability Over Style: Choose dice with high-contrast numbers and a size that's easy to read from across the table. Fancy designs are nice, but if you can't read the result, they're not practical. Test readability before buying.
• Consider Your Play Environment: If you play on hard surfaces, metal dice may damage tables; opt for plastic or use a dice tray. If you play in dim lighting, bright colors or large dice help. Think about where and how you play.

Dice Accessories That Help

• Playmat Tube: Red: Keep your playmats organized and protected. The Playmat Tube provides a secure storage solution for stitched and unstitched playmats in vibrant, semi-transparent colors. A hexagonal shape keeps the tube from rolling around on the table. The cap is made out of a flexible material and can be easily taken off, whilst still creating a tight seal to prevent the playmat from falling out accidentally. While not dice-specific, this tube is perfect for storing playmats that define rolling surfaces, ensuring your dice rolls stay consistent and your playmat stays damage-free.
• Ticket to Ride: USA 1910 Expansion: Ticket to Ride: USA 1910 is a card expansion for the original Ticket to Ride board game. It consists of 181 new large format cards that include 35 new Destination Tickets, a new GlobeTrotter bonus card, plus a complete replacement deck of all the cards from the original game deck. This expansion adds variety and new challenges to Ticket to Ride, but it doesn't change the dice requirements—you'll still need standard dice if you're playing the game's dice-based variant, highlighting how expansions can impact your dice needs.

Which Dice Should You Choose?

Best for

• Casual board gamers who need standard d6 dice for popular titles like Ticket to Ride and Catan.
• RPG enthusiasts who require polyhedral dice sets for games like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder.

Not for

• Players of games with custom dice mechanics, like Star Wars: Unlimited, where standard dice won't work.
• Those seeking ultra-durable dice for heavy table use without a protective tray.

Choosing the right dice doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your game's requirements, prioritize readability and material, and think about storage. With these rules in mind, you'll find dice that enhance your gameplay and last for years.