Dice Superstitions: How Players Try to Manipulate Luck

In the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the roll of the dice can decide a character's fate. Whether it’s landing a critical hit or surviving a deadly trap, dice hold tremendous power over a game’s outcome. It's no wonder, then, that players develop superstitions and rituals to ensure their dice roll in their favor. While these practices are often based more on belief than science, they’ve become a fascinating part of TTRPG culture. Let's explore some of the most common dice superstitions, the psychology behind them, and whether there’s any basis for their effectiveness.

Common Dice Superstitions Among Players

1. "Warming Up" Dice
   Many players believe that rolling their dice multiple times before the game “warms them up,” improving their chances of good rolls during the session. The idea is that if the dice are “getting out” their bad rolls early, the good ones will follow when it counts.

2. "Retiring" Bad Dice
   On the flip side, dice that seem to repeatedly produce low numbers might be “retired” from the game. Players often set these dice aside, sometimes permanently, after a string of poor rolls, believing they are “unlucky” or “cursed.”

3. Rolling in Specific Conditions
   Some players believe that rolling their dice in a specific way—such as in a dice tower or on a designated surface—can bring better results. Others will only roll with their “lucky” dice tray, convinced that changing conditions will disrupt their luck.

4. "Blessing" the Dice
   A common ritual is the "blessing" of dice, where players might physically or verbally "charge" their dice with good fortune. Some players have special phrases they say before rolling, or they might place their dice in specific formations to “align their energies.”

5. The "Punishment" of Dice
   When a die consistently underperforms, some players may punish it by placing it in “dice jail”—a separate area where it’s exiled from the rest of the set. This playful punishment is believed to rid the die of its bad luck before it can be used again.

Why Do We Have Dice Superstitions?

Superstitions are common in situations where chance and uncertainty dominate. Psychologically, they provide a sense of control in an environment where outcomes are unpredictable. In the context of D&D and other TTRPGs, rolling dice introduces a layer of randomness that can feel chaotic, especially when high stakes are involved—like determining whether your character lives or dies. By adopting rituals and superstitions, players can reduce anxiety and feel as though they have some influence over the randomness of the game.

This behavior is consistent with illusory control—a cognitive bias where people believe they can control or influence outcomes that are actually governed by chance. According to a study by psychologists Langer and Roth (1975), people often exhibit superstitious behavior when faced with tasks of high uncertainty, such as gambling or rolling dice .

Can Superstitions Impact Game Play?

While dice rituals are fun and part of the game’s culture, they have no measurable effect on the outcomes of dice rolls. Dice rolls are purely random, especially if the dice are fair and unbiased. However, engaging in these practices can improve a player's experience and confidence, which may in turn improve their decision-making during the game.

In competitive play, superstitions become a bit more controversial. Some believe that dice should be entirely neutral, with no attempts to alter their randomness. A discussion around “weighted” or “loaded” dice often emerges when players suspect that someone might be attempting to manipulate rolls beyond superstition, through physical means. But generally, for casual gameplay, these rituals are seen as harmless and entertaining.

Conclusion: The Role of Superstitions in D&D

Dice superstitions are a charming and harmless part of D&D culture, providing players with a sense of control and an added layer of fun. While these rituals won’t change the laws of probability, they can enhance the gaming experience by giving players a personal connection to their dice. In the end, it’s not about whether the dice are truly “lucky” or “cursed,” but how much enjoyment and immersion these superstitions bring to the table.

For those looking to test their dice for fairness, it's always good to employ scientific methods like rolling tests or float tests. Ultimately, whether you believe in dice superstitions or not, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the psychology of gaming and the timeless appeal of trying to tilt the odds in your favor.

References

1. Langer, Ellen J., and Jane Roth. “Heads I Win, Tails It’s Chance: The Illusion of Control as a Function of the Sequence of Outcomes in a Purely Chance Task.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1975.