So you’ve picked up your first set of tabletop role-playing dice — seven strange shapes, all different sizes, and a lot of numbers. If you're feeling confused, you're not alone!
Unlike the classic six-sided die used in Monopoly or Yahtzee, TTRPGs (tabletop role-playing games) like Dungeons & Dragons use a full set of polyhedral dice — each with a distinct role in storytelling, combat, and chaos.
Let’s break them down one by one, so you can start rolling with confidence.
🎯 d4 — The Little Pyramid of Pain
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Shape: A tiny pyramid (four sides)
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Used for:
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Daggers, claws, and other small weapons
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Minor healing spells (like Cure Wounds at low levels)
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Tip for beginners: Reading a d4 can be tricky — most often, the number at the bottom (or repeated on three sides) is the result.
🎲 d6 — The Classic You Already Know
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Shape: Cube (six sides)
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Used for:
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Weapon damage (like shortswords or magic missiles)
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Ability score rolls and skill checks in some systems
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Why it matters: The d6 is the most intuitive die and often used in quick rolls or multiple-dice damage spells.
🛡️ d8 — The Balanced Powerhouse
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Shape: Eight-sided, like two pyramids base-to-base
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Used for:
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Weapon damage (longswords, warhammers)
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Class features (like bardic inspiration or smite)
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Fun fact: Many martial classes use d8s as their hit dice, representing medium durability.
⚡ d10 — The Precision Roller
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Shape: Ten-sided (often looks like a spinning top)
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Used for:
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Medium-to-high damage spells or weapons
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Calculating percentages with percentile dice
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Important: A single d10 rolls 1–10; two d10s can roll 1–100 (more on that below).
🐲 d12 — The Underrated Heavy Hitter
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Shape: Twelve-sided
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Used for:
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High-damage weapons (like greataxes)
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Barbarian hit dice
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Reality check: You won’t roll this one as often, but when you do — it’s usually epic.
🧠 d20 — The King of the Table
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Shape: Twenty-sided sphere of destiny
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Used for:
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Attack rolls
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Skill checks (stealth, persuasion, etc.)
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Saving throws
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Why it rules: The d20 determines success or failure in most major actions — it’s the heartbeat of D&D and other d20-based systems.
Rolling a natural 20 (a “nat 20”) often means critical success. Rolling a 1... not so lucky.
🎯 Percentile Dice — For When You Need 1 to 100
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What it is: A second d10 marked in tens (00, 10, 20, etc.)
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How to use it: Roll it alongside a regular d10 to generate results from 01 to 100.
Example:
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d10 rolls a 7
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Percentile die rolls a 60
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Total = 67%
When it’s used: Rarely, but some games use it for loot tables, random events, or chance-based mechanics.
🧙 So… Why So Many Dice?
Each die has a role to play, just like your character. Once you understand what they’re used for, it all starts to click. And the best part? Most polyhedral dice sets include all seven, so you're ready to dive right into your first session.
Pro tip for new players: Keep a cheat sheet handy (or use a dice tray with labeled sections), and don't be afraid to ask at the table. Everyone was a beginner once.
🚀 Ready to Roll?
Now that you’ve met the dice, it’s time to let the adventures begin. Whether you’re healing a fallen comrade, striking down a goblin, or convincing a noble to fund your quest, these tiny polyhedrals will be your best friends (and worst enemies).
So grab your set, roll a d20, and welcome to the world of TTRPGs — where the only limit is your imagination (and maybe the dice gods).