Understanding Dice Notation (e.g., 2d6+3)
If you're new to tabletop games, the language used for dice rolls might seem confusing. It's a simple shorthand called "dice notation" that tells you exactly what to roll.
Let's break down an example like 2d6+3:
- 2: The first number tells you how many dice to roll. In this case, two dice.
- d6: The "d" stands for dice, and the number after it indicates how many sides each die has. So, "d6" is a standard six-sided die. A "d20" is a twenty-sided die.
- +3: This is the modifier. It's a number you add to the sum of the dice rolls. Modifiers can also be negative (e.g., 2d6-1).
So, "2d6+3" means "roll two six-sided dice, add their results together, and then add 3 to that total."
Why Use an Online Dice Roller?
- Convenience: No need to carry physical dice. You can roll from your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Complex Rolls Made Easy: Rolling something like 18d8 by hand is tedious. An online roller does it instantly.
- True Randomness: A digital roller uses a computer algorithm to generate truly random numbers, free from the imperfections of physical dice.
- Perfect for Remote Gaming: When playing online with friends, a digital roller ensures everyone sees the same fair roll.
Applications Beyond Gaming
While perfect for D&D, Pathfinder, and other TTRPGs, a dice roller is a versatile tool. Use it for board games like Monopoly, educational purposes to teach probability, or even for making random decisions. The possibilities are endless! For more fun and useful tools, check out our other calculators.