Roll 1d20: A Beginner's Guide to Dice Rolling
The phrase "Roll 1d20" is a common term in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). But what does it actually mean? Let's break it down:
- 1d: This signifies a single die (the "d" stands for "die").
- 20: This indicates that the die has 20 sides.
So, "Roll 1d20" simply means to roll a single 20-sided die.
Why Roll 1d20?
In TTRPGs, rolling a 1d20 is often used to determine the outcome of actions. For example, you might roll a 1d20 to see if your character successfully hits an enemy in combat, or to determine the result of a skill check.
How to Roll a 1d20
You'll need a 20-sided die, also known as a d20, to perform this action. You can purchase these dice from game stores or online. To roll a 1d20, simply toss the die and observe the number facing up.
Understanding the Results
The result of rolling a 1d20 will be a number between 1 and 20. Each number has a 1/20 chance of being rolled.
Example: Using a 1d20 in D&D
In D&D, a player might roll a 1d20 to determine the outcome of an attack. Here's a simplified example:
- The player's character wants to attack an enemy.
- The player rolls a 1d20 and gets a 15.
- The player's character's attack is successful.
In this scenario, the player's character successfully attacked the enemy because their roll of 15 was high enough to meet the requirements for a successful attack. The exact rules for how to use a 1d20 to determine attack success, skill checks, and other actions will vary depending on the specific game system you are playing.
Tips for Rolling a 1d20
- Use a proper dice rolling surface: A dice tray or a flat surface will help ensure a fair roll.
- Roll the die with force: Don't just flick it; give it a good roll to ensure it lands randomly.
- Don't cheat! Rolling a 1d20 is a game of chance. Be honest and respect the results.
Beyond 1d20
While rolling a 1d20 is the most common action in TTRPGs, other dice are also used. You might encounter rolls like:
- 1d6: A single six-sided die.
- 2d6: Two six-sided dice.
- 1d4: A single four-sided die.
- 1d8: A single eight-sided die.
- 1d10: A single ten-sided die.
- 1d12: A single twelve-sided die.
Each of these dice is used for different purposes within the game system.
Conclusion
Rolling a 1d20 is a fundamental action in TTRPGs, allowing players to determine the success or failure of actions. Understanding how to roll 1d20 and interpret the results is essential for enjoying these games.