What To Know
- For example, if you roll a 5 on the 0-9 D10 and a 30 on the 00-90 D10, your result is 35.
- When rolling for numbers between 1 and 100, you might encounter a 00 on the 00-90 D10.
- In this case, treat the 00 as a 100, so a roll of 00 and 5 would be a result of 105.
The D10, or ten-sided die, is a staple in many tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) and board games. It’s a versatile tool for generating random numbers, adding an element of chance and excitement to your games. But for newcomers, figuring out how to read a D10 can be a bit confusing. This guide will walk you through the basics of reading a D10, from understanding its markings to mastering the nuances of rolling multiple dice.
The Basics: Understanding D10 Markings
Unlike standard six-sided dice, D10s have two sets of numbers: 0-9 and 00-90. The most common D10 has the numbers 0-9 printed on its faces, while the other set is represented by the tens place (00, 10, 20, etc.). This seemingly simple distinction is key to understanding how to use D10s in your games.
Reading a Single D10
When rolling a single D10, the number you see on the top face is your result. It’s as simple as that. For example, if you roll a 3, your result is 3. However, things get slightly more complex when you need to generate numbers beyond 10.
Generating Numbers Beyond 10
To generate numbers from 1 to 100, you’ll need to roll two D10s: one with the 0-9 markings and the other with the 00-90 markings. Here’s how it works:
1. Roll both D10s.
2. Read the number on the 0-9 D10. This will be your ones digit.
3. Read the number on the 00-90 D10. This will be your tens digit.
4. Combine the digits. For example, if you roll a 5 on the 0-9 D10 and a 30 on the 00-90 D10, your result is 35.
Adjusting for 00 and 0
When rolling for numbers between 1 and 100, you might encounter a 00 on the 00-90 D10. In this case, treat the 00 as a 100, so a roll of 00 and 5 would be a result of 105. Similarly, if you roll a 0 on the 0-9 D10, it represents a 0. So, a roll of 0 and 40 would be a result of 40.
Rolling for Specific Ranges
While generating numbers from 1 to 100 is common, some games require different ranges. Here’s how to adjust your D10 rolls for these scenarios:
- Generating numbers from 1 to 20: Roll a single D10 and multiply the result by 2. If you roll a 10, you get a result of 20.
- Generating numbers from 1 to 6: Roll a single D10 and divide the result by 2, rounding down. If you roll a 7, 8, 9, or 10, you get a result of 3.
- Generating numbers from 1 to 100, but excluding 100: Roll two D10s as described earlier. If you roll 100, simply reroll until you get a different result.
D10 Variations and Special Cases
While the standard D10 is the most common, there are variations that can further expand your game’s possibilities:
- Percentage Dice: Some D10s have the numbers 0-9 printed on both sides. These are often referred to as “percentage dice” and are used to generate random numbers from 1 to 100 by rolling two of them.
- D10s with Different Markings: You might encounter D10s with different markings, such as letters, symbols, or even custom designs. These are often used in specific games or for unique character abilities.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced D10 Techniques
For experienced players, there are advanced D10 techniques that can add even more depth and complexity to your game:
- Rolling Multiple D10s: You can roll multiple D10s and add the results together to generate larger numbers. This is a common technique used in games with high-level characters or complex mechanics.
- Using D10s for Multiple Actions: D10s can be used to determine the outcome of multiple actions in a single roll. For example, you could roll a single D10 to determine the success or failure of three different tasks.
- Creating Custom D10 Tables: You can create custom D10 tables for specific events, items, or abilities. This allows you to add unique elements to your game and tailor it to your specific needs.
Mastering the D10: Tips and Tricks
- Practice Rolling: The best way to become comfortable with D10s is to practice rolling them regularly. Pay attention to the results and how they affect your game.
- Use a Dice Tray: A dice tray helps keep your rolls contained and prevents them from rolling off the table.
- Experiment with Different D10s: Try out different D10s with different markings and designs. You might find some that you prefer over others.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative: D10s are versatile tools. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ways to use them in your games.
The Final Roll: Embracing the Randomness
D10s are more than just tools for generating random numbers. They are a key element of the unpredictable nature of tabletop games. They introduce a sense of excitement, surprise, and even a bit of chaos that can make your games more engaging and memorable. So, embrace the randomness, learn to read your D10s, and enjoy the thrill of the roll!
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between a D10 and a percentage die?
A: While both are ten-sided dice, a standard D10 has numbers from 0-9 on one side and 00-90 on the other, while a percentage die has 0-9 on both sides.
Q: Can I use a D10 for other dice rolls, like a D6?
A: Yes, you can use a D10 to simulate other dice rolls. To roll a D6, roll a D10 and divide the result by 2, rounding down.
Q: What are some popular games that use D10s?
A: D10s are used in many popular tabletop RPGs, including Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu. They are also used in board games like Settlers of Catan and Risk.
Q: Can I use multiple D10s to generate numbers larger than 100?
A: Yes, you can roll multiple D10s and add the results together to create larger numbers. For example, rolling three D10s can generate numbers from 1 to 30.
