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Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 01:00 PM
Can't find that rare (or not so rare) die?

Ever wonder what a wierd die is used for?

Just want to talk about dice?

Then this is the thread for you ...

I have been gaming and collecting dice since 1977 and am the current
Guinness World Record Holder for the Largest Collection of Dice

so fire away if you need dice info

Eldred
2007-07-13, 01:10 PM
Oookay... what's the largest number of sides you have on a dice?

How many dice do you have? :smalleek:

Is a d2 just a coin? Is a d1 even possible?

valadil
2007-07-13, 01:18 PM
I doubt coins count as dice even if they are d2s. Otherwise anyone with $250 in pennies would have more dice than Mr. Cook here.

Do you even use them all or just collect 'em? How much space does that many dice take up?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 01:21 PM
LOL ... I get these all the time ...


Oookay... what's the largest number of sides you have on a dice?

D120 (http://www.dicecollector.com/PAPER_D120_MY_DESIGN_DISDYAKIS_TRIACONTAHEDRON.jpg )


How many dice do you have? :smalleek:

More than 20414 as I am entering the mass of new ones from Origins ... and this does not even count my duplicates (5000+)


Is a d2 just a coin?

Pretty much ... I can think of a couple of variants though ... a sphere with opposing flat spaces .. just to name one


Is a d1 even possible?

Yes ... a sphere


I doubt coins count as dice even if they are d2s. Otherwise anyone with $250 in pennies would have more dice than Mr. Cook here.

Guinness doesnt allow duplicates except under certain circumstances


Do you even use them all or just collect 'em?

I dont get much time to game now ... but I do when I can


How much space does that many dice take up?

A bit more than THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/HOUSED.HTM)

Arbitrarity
2007-07-13, 01:43 PM
D1's can also be Klein Bottles, or Mobius Loops.

SpikeFightwicky
2007-07-13, 01:48 PM
A bit more than THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/HOUSED.HTM)

2nd row, 2nd pic.... Is that a Wayne's World board game on the second shelf from the bottom?

Are there any dice you're looking for now?

Eldred
2007-07-13, 02:24 PM
Yes ... a sphere

I deserved that - I can't believe I didn't think of that :smalltongue:

Fenix_of_Doom
2007-07-13, 02:35 PM
How big is the biggest dice you have?
and of course how small is the smallest dice you have?

do duplicates include same dice different colour?

TheThan
2007-07-13, 02:47 PM
Ok I’m game.

What is your favorite type of dice?
What style of dice do you think is the “best”? (as in curved corners, pips vs numbers, etc)
What is the most expensive die you have?
what's the smallest dice you have?

Ceres
2007-07-13, 03:34 PM
Cool, a record holder. I'm very impressed. So, could I ask a few questions?

How did you get into dice-collecting?

How much time/money does it take? Do you feel it has been well spent?

What is the reason you collect dice? Now that you already have the record, what is your goal?

Sorry if I'm a bit too inquisitive, but I'm studying psychology, and these sorts of things interest me :smallsmile: A unique chance to understand the mentality of a record holder.

Oh, and have you ever found a use for the d34? :smalltongue:

Ryacko
2007-07-13, 03:57 PM
Have any D16s?

de-trick
2007-07-13, 04:03 PM
how did you collect that many dice and how much money did you spend? Also did you go to a gaming store and buy assorted dice then get rid of the copies?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 04:50 PM
Ok ... here goes


D1's can also be Klein Bottles, or Mobius Loops.

Correct


2nd row, 2nd pic.... Is that a Wayne's World board game on the second shelf from the bottom?

Yes


Are there any dice you're looking for now?

Yes ... anything I dont already have :)

But seriously ... the MTG Spindowns missing from THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) page are my current quest


How big is the biggest dice you have? and of course how small is the smallest dice you have?

Both in one place ... Click Here (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_SMALLEST_AND_LARGEST.html)


do duplicates include same dice different colour?

Duplicates get complicated ... but no .. if the dice are different color ... they are not duplicates ... and some duplicates are permitted ... like dice in sets


What is your favorite type of dice?

THANK YOU ... a question I have never been asked ... I get "What is your favorite die?" all the time ... and my answer changes from day to day

Now to your question ... My favorite type of die is something that has a unique shape ... I have created several of such shapes ... but still come across them every so often ...


What style of dice do you think is the “best”? (as in curved corners, pips vs numbers, etc)

I personally am old school ... I use Gamescience or Armory sharp edged dice with numbers ... except for d6's where I use pipped


What is the most expensive die you have?

I think it is This die (http://www.dicecollector.com/STONE_D20_CRYSTAL_CASTE_METEORITE_02.jpg) at $100 made by Crystal Caste from a named Meteorite


How did you get into dice-collecting?

I think I pretty much covered that on THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_history.html) page ... if not ... feel free to ask and I will update the page with additional info :)


How much time/money does it take?

Time ... initially a great deal ... now about 10 hrs a month on an average month

Money ... I think I have crossed $40 K ... I need to total my reciepts to be sure (on my to do list)


Do you feel it has been well spent?

Yes ... I like to categorize things ... and I really enjoy doing the animations for the site


What is the reason you collect dice?

Interesting ... another new question ...

I suppose this could be partially answered by the page mentioned above (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_history.html) but I dont go into my motivation

Hmmm ... I suppose it is because I have a hoarding nature ... somewhat obsessive but not compulsive as I do not feel the need that I MUST HAVE every die I see that I do not already own

As to why DICE ... I suppose it is because I like the geometry of dice ... that is what got me into designing/building my own dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_built_by_me.html)


Now that you already have the record, what is your goal?

And another new question ... I love this board :)

I really dont set goals ... as Wayne Dyer says ... if you are constantly setting goals ... you will always be striving ... and never at the point of No Limits ... as a student of Psychology ... you should understand :)


Oh, and have you ever found a use for the d34? :smalltongue:

The D34 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D34_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID.jpg) was originally used for the Dutch Lottery ... or so Chessex Corp says :)


Have any D16s?

Lots (http://www.dicecollector.com/DUNUSUAL.HTM) including the rare Metascape D16's (http://www.dicecollector.com/D16_OPAQUE_SHARP_SOLID_METASCAPE.jpg)


how did you collect that many dice

Thru time and persistance ... and ebay :)


how much money did you spend?

< Answered above >


Also did you go to a gaming store and buy assorted dice then get rid of the copies?

No ... as the local gaming stores get new dice 6 months to a year after I do ... any new dice come directly from the dice companies themselves

For example ... I am now in the process of entering into the database ... and photographing the new 2008 Chessex Gemini colors

Dice are often like cars and comics ... they actually release them before the date on the item

This is the most number of questions I have EVER done in one day ... Thanks for asking :)

Yakk
2007-07-13, 04:55 PM
Which is your 2nd prettiest die?

What sides of dice do you own?

Which manufacturer makes the best dice? Worst dice?

Fax Celestis
2007-07-13, 05:05 PM
Are there any particular dice you're looking to trade for or acquire?

Cryopyre
2007-07-13, 05:09 PM
Personally, I'm interested in purchasing a D3 just for collecting reasons, are there any D3 that you know have a unique shape and are fairly cheap (under $5.00)

AwfulLawful
2007-07-13, 05:40 PM
I've got a D33, but have never met a game where i could use it. Do you know any?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 05:47 PM
Which is your 2nd prettiest die?

2nd? ... What is my most pretty die?


What sides of dice do you own?

I knew this one would come eventually :) ... The answer is HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_how_many_shapes.html)

Note .. not all of these are mine ... but most are


Which manufacturer makes the best dice?

Best is a relative term

Most prolific maker of different designs - Chessex (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CHESSEX.html)

Most Precise Polyhedrals - Gamescience (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_GAMESCIENCE.html)

Most Innovative Shapes - Gamescience (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_GAMESCIENCE.html) followed closely by Crystal Caste (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CRYSTAL_CASTE.html)

Most Innovative Designs on a standard Poly - Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html)

Best Handmade Dice - For all types Bear Cub Machine (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_BEAR_CUB_MACHINE.html)

For Standard d20's Cave Badger (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CAVE_BADGER.html)

Best Newcomer to the Industry - Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html)

I can keep going on like this all day :)



Worst dice?

Again ... a relative term

When they first started Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html) had some quality problems and produced warped d20's ... now they produce some the most accurate dice available

I can say there are couple of companies ... that produced nothing but poor quality dice

Diamond Dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_DIAMOND.html) had a good mold ... but used low cost materials

Jerry Alexander (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_JERRY_A.html) ... just look for yourself


Are there any particular dice you're looking to trade for or acquire?

FROM ABOVE:

the MTG Spindowns missing from THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) page are my current quest


Personally, I'm interested in purchasing a D3 just for collecting reasons, are there any D3 that you know have a unique shape and are fairly cheap (under $5.00)

Try HERE (http://gamestation.net/category/1003.1007.1035.1250/)


I've got a D33, but have never met a game where i could use it. Do you know any?

A D33!?? Please show me ... as I only know of one way to make a D33 and even I have not made one of those yet

Ceres
2007-07-13, 06:00 PM
Thank you for answering my questions, Kevin. It has been most enlightening.

And good luck on your quest :smallsmile:

AwfulLawful
2007-07-13, 06:01 PM
A D33!?? Please show me ... as I only know of one way to make a D33 and even I have not made one of those yet

Sorry I meant a D30, my bad (it's late here in Denmark, and my brain went to sleep hours ago :smalleek: )

Ivius
2007-07-13, 06:05 PM
All those d4s have to make an awesome security system.

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 06:07 PM
Thank you for answering my questions, Kevin. It has been most enlightening.

And good luck on your quest :smallsmile:

You are very welcome Ceres ... I am happy to answer where I can :)


Sorry I meant a D30, my bad (it's late here in Denmark, and my brain went to sleep hours ago :smalleek: )

Not a problem ... I understand lack of sleep ... I work for Oracle Support :)

Ah ... the D30 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D30_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_FAMILY_LEARNING_01.jpg) ...

The Armory came out with a 30 sided Die Character and I believe Adventure system ...

Button Men uses dice of all number of sides

Thats about all I have seen ... professionally done ... many people come up with their own tables though


All those d4s have to make an awesome security system.

Especially if you can get ahold of a lot of the old original AD&D boxed set d4's (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_dnd_cheapo.jpg) they were razor sharp when new

Krellen
2007-07-13, 06:19 PM
Are there any "sets" you have that aren't entirely complete (say, for example, you had dice for Wraith, Vampire, Werewolf, Mage, but not Changeling) - and if so, how much does it bother you?

As another question: how much do gold dice cost? And are they solid, plated or some lower carat-weight? Are they purely ornamental, or actually useable (and balanced)?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 06:26 PM
Are there any "sets" you have that aren't entirely complete (say, for example, you had dice for Wraith, Vampire, Werewolf, Mage, but not Changeling) - and if so, how much does it bother you?

The aforementioned MTG spindowns need to be complete

I need the original packaging for the original Vampire from White Wolf (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WHITE_WOLF.html) which bothers me only because I used to game with Garth one of the founders of WW and now I cant get the time of day from them

Otherwise ... having incomplete sets ... only give me something to hope to someday own :)


As another question: how much do gold dice cost? And are they solid, plated or some lower carat-weight? Are they purely ornamental, or actually useable (and balanced)?

COST ... I suppose it depends on how much gold is in them

Some are plated ... Some I am told ... are solid

All seem to be usable

Spiryt
2007-07-13, 06:28 PM
When they first started Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html) had some quality problems and produced warped d20's ... now they produce some the most accurate dice available



Well, I quite recently bought some of they dices, and they still have some problems...

"Mechanically" they appear all OK, but numbers on more fine ones ( d20 mostly), can be blured and little indistinct. It's OK, but they don't look as good as they could.

Still I think they'r cool, I really like transparent ones.:smallbiggrin:

It looks like Q-W is really known around the world. Good to know.

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 06:37 PM
Well, I quite recently bought some of they dices, and they still have some problems...

"Mechanically" they appear all OK, but numbers on more fine ones ( d20 mostly), can be blured and little indistinct. It's OK, but they don't look as good as they could.

Still I think they'r cool, I really like transparent ones.:smallbiggrin:

It looks like Q-W is really known around the world. Good to know.

Strangely enough ... I think the color blur is due to something that happens to them in shipping ... as I have seen them before they are shipped and they dont have this problem ... if you notice ... there is a very malodorous smell when you open the shipping container ... I suspect the dice are subjected to somewhat high heat somewhere along the shipping line

I see you are in Poland ... Have you seen them without shipping?

TO_Incognito
2007-07-13, 06:46 PM
Are you aware of any companies that sell fairly good-looking d7's in the true style (IE: not obviously elongated)? What about innocuous-looking d20's or d6's weighted towards the higher numbers?

Thanks for coming here, sir!

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-13, 07:10 PM
Are you aware of any companies that sell fairly good-looking d7's in the true style (IE: not obviously elongated)?

There are very few companies that make D7's ... the longer ones sometimes called Long Lawrence's (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_d7_2.jpg) ... are the oldest designs ... the pentagonal 'faced' ones (http://www.dicecollector.com/D07_OPAQUE_SHARP_SOLID.jpg) came later ... I dont even know who makes these .. but a of people sell them


What about innocuous-looking d20's or d6's weighted towards the higher numbers?

Chessex made Cheaters for d20's .. they had 2 20's ... as for actual weighted dice ... I dont know of anyone who has done that

Chessex also did d6's ... in the same set ... 1 with 2 6's ... 1 with 2 1's

There are many types of weighted d6's (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WEIGHTED.html) ... Mercury Tappers (http://www.dicecollector.com/D6_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_WHITE_TAPPERS_01.jpg) are the most rare



Thanks for coming here, sir!

Thanks for such a warm reception :)


OHIO ... Did you attend Origins this year? ... If so ... did you see a short fat guy with a leather tophat with a con badge on the front?

Cryopyre
2007-07-13, 07:32 PM
Here's one, what if you have an idea for a die, where do you take it.

By this I mean a new shape.

kjones
2007-07-13, 11:00 PM
Have you ever had a troublesome gamer whom you have forced to undergo the "Walk of a Thousand Four Siders"?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-14, 12:00 AM
Here's one, what if you have an idea for a die, where do you take it.

By this I mean a new shape.

New shape would be very tough as there are no blanks for them ... I am working on getting blanks made in a 3d Printer (Rapid Prototyper) ... but I have to find someone willing to work with me .. as I have developed many new shapes of dice


Have you ever had a troublesome gamer whom you have forced to undergo the "Walk of a Thousand Four Siders"?

No but is a good idea ... I will have to consider it for a gamer I know that regularly 'fudges' dice rolls

I think that is even better than threatening with the large metal d20's (http://www.dicecollector.com/METAL_COPPER_D20_01_CRYSTAL_CASTE_01.jpg)

Tack122
2007-07-14, 12:52 AM
Does guinness count the dice you made out of what appears to be paper?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-14, 12:59 AM
Does guinness count the dice you made out of what appears to be paper?

Yes ... I count them for Guinness and have it witnessed ... They do roll close to true ... and are not really that hard to make

Time for bed ... g'nite all

JackMage666
2007-07-14, 01:25 AM
Can I use your site as a reference to prove to my parents that I do not have a dice collecting problem? They think over 100 are too many. Pff.

Last_resort_33
2007-07-14, 02:28 AM
How many total sides do you have,
e.g. if I had a 2d10, 1d20 and a d4, I would have 44 sides.

how long would it take to calculate the above?

Cryopyre
2007-07-14, 02:59 AM
^ Dear god man, you don't have to pose some math problem on him ^

Exam question: I have a collection of d6s, d4s, and d20s. The total amount of dice I have is 37, the total amount of sides is 462, how many of each die do I own?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-14, 10:18 AM
Can I use your site as a reference to prove to my parents that I do not have a dice collecting problem? They think over 100 are too many. Pff.

LOL ... Fine by me :)

I am going to stop counting the new questions from this thread ... as is seems everyone has a new one !


How many total sides do you have,
e.g. if I had a 2d10, 1d20 and a d4, I would have 44 sides.

Yet still another new question ... you people/creatures are great !

Hmm ... never tired it :)


how long would it take to calculate the above?

It should not take long ... all that has to be done is multiply the # of sides times the number of dice of that number of sides then sum the totals of all the different sided dice

If anyone cares to use a bit outdated data ... feel free to use THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_collection_statistics_by_sides.html) page do it


^ Dear god man, you don't have to pose some math problem on him ^

Exam question: I have a collection of d6s, d4s, and d20s. The total amount of dice I have is 37, the total amount of sides is 462, how many of each die do I own?

Been too many years since graduation (20 to be exact) ... I think my math minor got lost in the mists of time :)

6x + 4y + 20z = 462
x + y + z = 37

Solve for x

x = 37 - y - z

Reinsert

6(36 - y - z) + 4y + 20z = 462

216 - 6y - 6z + 4y + 20z = 462

-4y + 14z = 246

-2y + 7z = 123

-2y = 123 - 7z

y = -(123 - 7z)/2

Reinsert

x = 37 + (123 - 7z)/2 - z

I think we need a 3rd equation

Arbitrarity
2007-07-14, 10:33 AM
19 20 siders, 5 6 siders, 13 4 siders. (380+30+52)
Or, 18 20 siders, 13 6 siders, 6 4 siders. (360+78+24)
Or,

Illegal problem. Too few equations. Particularly given that we have 2 equations, 3 variables, the fact that multiple answers rise is problematic.

Don't ask how I got that.

Let's see if I can explain. Ok, so

x+y+z = 37.
4x+6y+20z= 462.
2y+16z = 314 (-4(x+y+z) = -148)
y+8z = 157.
8z = 157 -y

Number of 6 sided dice must therefore be 5, 13, 21, etc. 21 doesn't work, as 136 > 16*8 (128). 13 and 5 do, as 24*8 > 152.

It's not a proof, but I haven't taken nough math (yet) to know how to properly solve this.

Skizac
2007-07-14, 11:24 AM
What is the rate of growth of your collection? Has the rate accelerated over the years, or is it slowing down now that you're reaching the limit of how many dice can possibly be collected?

Related question: What percentage of the maximum possible number of unique dice that could be collected do you think you own?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-14, 11:34 AM
What is the rate of growth of your collection? Has the rate accelerated over the years, or is it slowing down now that you're reaching the limit of how many dice can possibly be collected?

I have a PAGE (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_collection_statistics_by_year.html) for that as well ... with all the new dice being released ... I dont see a slowdown


Related question: What percentage of the maximum possible number of unique dice that could be collected do you think you own?

At a guess ... 50-60%

Cryopyre
2007-07-14, 02:19 PM
19 20 siders, 5 6 siders, 13 4 siders. (380+30+52)
Or, 18 20 siders, 13 6 siders, 6 4 siders. (360+78+24)
Or,

Illegal problem. Too few equations. Particularly given that we have 2 equations, 3 variables, the fact that multiple answers rise is problematic.

Don't ask how I got that.

Let's see if I can explain. Ok, so

x+y+z = 37.
4x+6y+20z= 462.
2y+16z = 314 (-4(x+y+z) = -148)
y+8z = 157.
8z = 157 -y

Number of 6 sided dice must therefore be 5, 13, 21, etc. 21 doesn't work, as 136 > 16*8 (128). 13 and 5 do, as 24*8 > 152.

It's not a proof, but I haven't taken nough math (yet) to know how to properly solve this.

I just put it in there as a joke, didn't test for multiple answers, didn't even think that people would bother answering.

LotharBot
2007-07-14, 02:28 PM
Do you have a mathematics background?

Does your geometry kick extend beyond dice (to products like zome (http://zometool.com/), or studies of polytopes or configurations)?

Yechezkiel
2007-07-14, 02:53 PM
When God does play dice with the universe, does he stop by to borrow some from you?

Cryopyre
2007-07-14, 03:04 PM
When God does play dice with the universe, does he stop by to borrow some from you?

lmao, that is hilarious

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-14, 03:19 PM
Do you have a mathematics background?

Yes ... I have a Bachelors in Computer Science and minor in mathmatics


Does your geometry kick extend beyond dice (to products like zome (http://zometool.com/), or studies of polytopes or configurations)?

Other than for recreation ... no ... I have a LOT of Magnetix pieces that I build things with while I watch movies


When God does play dice with the universe, does he stop by to borrow some from you?

No ... but I suspect he just takes them and makes me forget that I ever owned them :)

<Hmmm ... lets see ... I like these>
<He will never miss them>

Matthew
2007-07-14, 08:10 PM
Hmmn. I have First Quest, Dragon Quest and Dragon Strike, with the original dice. I noticed that the sets are very similar, but not exactly the same. Do you know why?

I noticed recently that a 1D10 I had been using from Dark World is a deeper red than the conventional 1D10 of the same proportions. Any ideas why?

Do you have the 1D8 from The Key to the Kingdom?

lotofsnow
2007-07-14, 08:45 PM
It should not take long ... all that has to be done is multiply the # of sides times the number of dice of that number of sides then sum the totals of all the different sided dice

If anyone cares to use a bit outdated data ... feel free to use THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_collection_statistics_by_sides.html) page do it

164670 total sides.

Why is it, on your main page, the letter dice that spell out "Kevin Cook's Dice" link to a zip file?

adanedhel9
2007-07-14, 11:11 PM
Do you have any experience with blank dice? I'm thinking of getting some blank d20s to mark up on my own; do you know of any good companies for this?

Roog
2007-07-15, 12:39 AM
^ Dear god man, you don't have to pose some math problem on him ^

Exam question: I have a collection of d6s, d4s, and d20s. The total amount of dice I have is 37, the total amount of sides is 462, how many of each die do I own?

Using back of envelope method.

Dice substitution Eqn.
X, Y, Z = # of 4, 6, 20 siders

4X + 20Z = 6Y,
X + Z = Y,
X,Y,Z integers, >= 0

has unique (up to multiples) soln. (X=7,Y=8,Z=1)

ie (A) 1(d20) - 8(d6) + 7 (d4) = 0

So 1(d20) and 7(d4) is equivalent to 8(d8)

------------
Main Eqn.s
U, V, W = # of 4, 6, 20 siders
(B) U,V,W (integers) >=0

(C): 4U + 6V + 20W = 462;

soln.(1): (W=22, V=3, U=1)

(D): T(:=U+V+W) = 37

T1 = 26

Using (2) 1(d20) eqv to 5(d4), dT2=4
and (3) 2(d6) eqv to 3(d4), dT3=1

soln.(4) = soln.(1) + 3(2) - 1(3), T4 = T1 + 3(dT2) - 1(dT3) = 37

So soln.(4) (W=19, V=5, U=13), satisfies (B),(C),&(D)

Combining with (A) gives additional soln.:
soln.(4) + (A) = (W=18, V=13, U=6)
All other combination of soln.(4) and (A) do not satisfy (B)

Therefore you have either (13 d4s, 5 d6s, and 19 d20s) or (6 d4s, 13 d6s, and 18 d20s)

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-15, 08:34 AM
Hmmn. I have First Quest, Dragon Quest and Dragon Strike, with the original dice. I noticed that the sets are very similar, but not exactly the same. Do you know why?

I noticed recently that a 1D10 I had been using from Dark World is a deeper red than the conventional 1D10 of the same proportions. Any ideas why?

I cannot be certain as those modules/boxes/games were released about 16-18 years after I started gaming and as such ... I overlooked them ... so I am not sure which dice accompanied them

Assuming that they were what were later called Dragon Dice ... I can say they were made by differing manufacturers which could account for the differences

WHICH REMINDS ME ... that is another thing I am looking for ... the Original Dragon Dice Polyhedrals and AD&D Adventure Gaming Dice Set in their original blister packs ... released in the early 90's


Do you have the 1D8 from The Key to the Kingdom?

Based on This Picture (http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic152023_lg.jpg) it seems to just be a common d8 ... Am I incorrect?


164670 total sides.

Why is it, on your main page, the letter dice that spell out "Kevin Cook's Dice" link to a zip file?

That is the secure database for Guinness to download for verification purposes ... along with publications about the collection as well as witnesses ... that is what makes a Guinness claim


Do you have any experience with blank dice? I'm thinking of getting some blank d20s to mark up on my own; do you know of any good companies for this?

Yes ... Chessex (http://chessex.com/) is your best source at this time ... If you provide them with the graphics ... they will even custom laser engrave them for you! ... [email protected]



I have received a couple of direct emails / PM's from readers of this thread asking either to trade MTG (Magic the Gathering) spindowns or asking what spindowns I am looking for ...

At present ... this is what I am trading for / in need of

RED ONSLAUGHT
WHITE ONSLAUGHT

RED JUDGEMENT
BLACK JUDGEMENT

BLACK TORMENT
GREEN/BLUE TORMENT

RED ODYSSEY

RED APOCALYPSE
BLACK APOCALYPSE

Which brings up a question that you may be able to help me with ...

At Origins ... I was told by a MTG vendor that I am missing 2 entire series of spindowns from my collection of spindowns (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) ... Can anyone confirm this ... I know the series' that they say are missing but wont post them here ... as I would like to see if anyone else can confirm it unprompted

Matthew
2007-07-15, 08:40 AM
I cannot be certain as those modules/boxes/games were released about 16-18 years after I started gaming and as such ... I overlooked them ... so I am not sure which dice accompanied them

Assuming that they were what were later called Dragon Dice ... I can say they were made by differing manufacturers which could account for the differences

Hmmn, I did find some pictures somewhere, but I forget Have to look into it. What about the 'darker Red D10'?

[Edit]
Dragon Quest (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/44869)
Dragon Strike (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/3354)
First Quest (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/156982)

What threw me was their close similarity.


Based on This Picture (http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic152023_lg.jpg) it seems to just be a common d8 ... Am I incorrect?

Actually, that was a question for my own benefit, as I couldn't figure out which die belonged to the game. Thanks for finding that picture, now I know.

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-15, 09:00 AM
Hmmn, I did find some pictures somewhere, but I forget Have to look into it. What about the 'darker Red D10'?

Ok .. those are just common Chessex (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CHESSEX.html) dice ... as Chessex used at least 4 different manufacturers (http://www.dicecollector.com/CHESSEX_INSERTS.HTM) (England, Germany, Denmark, Taiwan) with 4 different molds (yes I know it is ANAL for me to record this infor ... but noone else will ... not even Chessex) ... This could explain the differences

Notice that THIS SET (http://www.dicecollector.com/MINT3_TSR_01.jpg) is also Chessex

Matthew
2007-07-15, 09:10 AM
Right, thanks for answering that. I could never figure out why the Black 1D10 was different, but I think that official Blister Pack answers that, they wer added onto a conventional pack! The Light Blue 1D8 from First Quest must be down to different manufacturers, as you say.

Any ideas about the Darker Red 1D10 from Dark World (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/28806)?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-15, 10:25 AM
Any ideas about the Darker Red 1D10 from Dark World (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/28806)?

That is a Koplow D10 (http://www.dicecollector.com/koplow.jpg)

Matthew
2007-07-15, 11:05 AM
Right, but all the Koplow Red Dice I own (and have seen) are a lighter shade than this 1D10; are there different shades of Red usually available or are they restricted to time period?

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-15, 04:29 PM
Right, but all the Koplow Red Dice I own (and have seen) are a lighter shade than this 1D10; are there different shades of Red usually available or are they restricted to time period?

I am sure it is just a manufacturing variance ... not every batch of color will ever be exactly the same ...

Koplow pretty much has 6 basic colors (http://www.dicecollector.com/D10_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_KOPLOW_02.jpg) which may vary slightly from batch to batch

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-16, 04:45 PM
Sorry I meant a D30, my bad (it's late here in Denmark, and my brain went to sleep hours ago :smalleek: )

another use for the d30 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Armorys-30-Sided-Dice-Gaming-Tables-8001-Book-Fantasy_W0QQitemZ110150030538QQihZ001QQcategoryZ44 111QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-23, 08:48 AM
Did the source of dice questions dry up?

I will post to this thread on a monthly basis ... a link to my Highlights for the previous month ... that usually generates some questions ... this month will be a big month as I have added 770 new dice already this month ... and there are more on the way

LongVin
2007-07-23, 11:21 AM
Kind of a stupid question, but after seeing your huge stacks of dice I just had to ask:

Is the threat of a being trapped under a landslide of dice your greatest fear in life?

metawidget
2007-07-23, 11:29 AM
D1's can also be Klein Bottles, or Mobius Loops.
To move from topology to elementary number theory, just as a d3 is a d6 (mod 3), a d1 is a dx (mod 1), where x can be any number of sides you have available.

Kevin_Cook
2007-07-23, 12:39 PM
Is the threat of a being trapped under a landslide of dice your greatest fear in life?

LOL ... I would think that would be a desired way to go (if old age ... or in your sleep ... are not an option)


To move from topology to elementary number theory, just as a d3 is a d6 (mod 3), a d1 is a dx (mod 1), where x can be any number of sides you have available.

True ... I never thought of that ...

So either of these dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/BAD_11_ALL6_ALL9.jpg) could be considered a d1 ... as they only have 1 degree of freedom?

Kevin_Cook
2007-08-01, 10:09 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_D6_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SWIRL_CHESSEX_CUSTOM_ZARI_0 1.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_JULY_2007.html)

Click on the 21000th die above for highlights of dice added in July 2007 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_JULY_2007.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns and am now offering bonuses for both trades and sales ... HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 9 left

As always ... If you have any dice questions ... post them to this thread and I will try to answer them for you

Leper_Kahn
2007-08-01, 11:39 PM
I've always wondered this:

Is there some sort of industry standard for balance in dice.
EDIT: Official "Gaming" (A.K.A. Gambling Industry) standard. I don't think there is one if I start making my own dice. <.< >.>

and

How can you make SURE a die is balanced.

BardicDuelist
2007-08-02, 01:26 AM
Does anyone other than WoTC make spindown dice? I am looking for a copper or brass one.

CockroachTeaParty
2007-08-02, 02:15 AM
Several of the very smallest dice you own were the Crystal Cast wee dice in those plastic tubes, which I recently purchased at Origins this year. I feel special now.

Kevin_Cook
2007-08-02, 06:44 AM
I've always wondered this:

Is there some sort of industry standard for balance in dice.
EDIT: Official "Gaming" (A.K.A. Gambling Industry) standard. I don't think there is one if I start making my own dice. <.< >.>

and

How can you make SURE a die is balanced.

OH yes ... both balance and tolerance (1/5000th of an inch) are required by the different casino gambling commissions

Balance is tested with a Dice Balance Caliper (http://www.gamblersgeneralstore.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/551)

Tolerance is tested with a micrometer


Does anyone other than WoTC make spindown dice? I am looking for a copper or brass one.

KOPLOW (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_KOPLOW.html) makes iridescent plastic spindowns (http://www.dicecollector.com/D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_IRIDESCENT_KOPLOW_01.jpg) ...

Unfortunately I know of noone who makes them in metal ...

They would be quite useful if they did ... as it is much harder to 'accidently' knock over a large metal icosahedron (d20) :)


Several of the very smallest dice you own were the Crystal Cast wee dice in those plastic tubes, which I recently purchased at Origins this year. I feel special now.

Congrats

Should anyone wish to view the smallest (and largest) dice of each standard type ... I have a THEME (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_SMALLEST_AND_LARGEST.html) for that

Kevin_Cook
2007-08-10, 09:01 AM
For those attending Gen Con next week and wish to:

* Meet me (Like many have done)
* Have me roll your dice for luck for you (like at least 2 have done)
* Rub my belly for luck (like Buddha has done to him)
* Rub my head for luck (we wont go there)

Keep an eye out for a short round guy with either the large red D20 hat ... or the leather tophat

ChrisMcDee
2007-08-10, 09:51 AM
I've googled for an answer to this with no success so I'll try here.

A system I play works using opposed rolls. Each side rolls a number of dice (D6s) equal to the ability score in question, each of which varies from 1 to 8.

What I'm trying to get is a grid of results showing the percentage chance of success for each matchup.

As an extra, if either result doubles the other then it's a critical in their favour. A second chart showing the percentage chance of a critical for each of these matchups would be great.

Of course, if someone has a link to somewhere that would aid me in calculating these for myself that'd be great too!

Kevin_Cook
2007-08-10, 11:12 AM
I've googled for an answer to this with no success so I'll try here.

A system I play works using opposed rolls. Each side rolls a number of dice (D6s) equal to the ability score in question, each of which varies from 1 to 8.

What I'm trying to get is a grid of results showing the percentage chance of success for each matchup.

As an extra, if either result doubles the other then it's a critical in their favour. A second chart showing the percentage chance of a critical for each of these matchups would be great.

Of course, if someone has a link to somewhere that would aid me in calculating these for myself that'd be great too!

Not really a dice question per se ... more a math question ... but I can try

1) What you are proposing would seem to be a series of charts with the varying number of dice for each chart

EXAMPLE:

1 DIE VS 1 DIE
1 DIE VS 2 DICE
1 DIE VS 3 DICE
...
8 DICE VS 8 DICE

2) You can probably boil down the number of charts by reducing them to their differences ... ie the overall chances are the same with 1 die vs 1 die ... as they are with 8 dice vs 8 dice

You can also further reduce the number of charts / tables by only doing one side of the combinations ... for example you dont need to do 8 dice vs 1 die if you already have 1 die vs 8 dice as the combinations are the same

3) Here is a simple example done with 1 d6 each

Die
Rolls 1 2 3 4 5 6 <- Player A
1 T A A A A A
2 B T A A A A
3 B B T A A A
4 B B B T A A
5 B B B B T A
6 B B B B B T
^
|
Player B

In the chart ...

A indicates a win by A
B indicates a win by B
T indicates a tie

So we count up all the combos and come up with

A wins 15 of 36 times (or 41%)
B wins 15 of 36 times (or 41%)
Ties occur 6 of 36 times (or 18%)

You can take this out and do this for all the combos of each sets of dice ... Note ... you are going to have a LOT of tables / charts

ChrisMcDee
2007-08-10, 02:15 PM
Yeah, it sounds like a tough bit of work, that's why I was hoping there'd be a nice java applet or something that would do it for me :smallwink: Like you said, for something like 8 Dice vs 7 Dice it's going to be a LOT of charts.

Kevin_Cook
2007-08-31, 06:31 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_coc1.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_AUGUST_2007.html)

Click on the new Call of Cthulhu dice above for highlights of dice added in August 2007 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_AUGUST_2007.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns and am now offering bonuses for both trades and sales ... HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 8 left

As always ... If you have any dice questions ... post them to this thread and I will try to answer them for you

Chronos
2007-08-31, 10:11 PM
I'm glad I saw this thread on its monthly rise from the depths.

You say that old Q-Workshop dice sometimes had problems with their d20s? How would one know whether one has such a die? My first d20, bought some time around 1990, almost never comes up 20 (and yes, I have rolled and recorded enough to be statistically confident that it's not just bad luck). It's a translucent red plastic, and it came in a set with a green d4, a purple d6, a pink d8, a blue d10, and a colorless d12.

While we're at it on that set, the d12 has the 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 all clustered around the 12, which makes it relatively easy to gimmick-throw a high number on it: Aim for the 12, and even if you're off by one face, you'll still roll high. Is this a typical arrangement for d12s?

On a more general subject, do you have any opinions on dice with an asymmetrical shape (i.e., where not all faces are interchangeable), such as the pentagonal-prism d7 or the golf-ball d100? It seems like it would be impossible to guarantee the fairness of such a die, since the probabilities of the various sides might depend (for instance) on the surface upon which it's rolled.

Kevin_Cook
2007-09-03, 08:04 AM
I'm glad I saw this thread on its monthly rise from the depths.

You say that old Q-Workshop dice sometimes had problems with their d20s? How would one know whether one has such a die? My first d20, bought some time around 1990, almost never comes up 20 (and yes, I have rolled and recorded enough to be statistically confident that it's not just bad luck). It's a translucent red plastic, and it came in a set with a green d4, a purple d6, a pink d8, a blue d10, and a colorless d12.

The best way to know if a die is unbalanced is to spin it in a dice caliper ... the second best way is to spin it like a top on a hard surface ... if the die wobbles a lot along one or more axis ... then it is unbalanced


While we're at it on that set, the d12 has the 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 all clustered around the 12, which makes it relatively easy to gimmick-throw a high number on it: Aim for the 12, and even if you're off by one face, you'll still roll high. Is this a typical arrangement for d12s?

I am not sure what die you are looking at ... the CoC die has 3 7 8 9 11


On a more general subject, do you have any opinions on dice with an asymmetrical shape (i.e., where not all faces are interchangeable), such as the pentagonal-prism d7 or the golf-ball d100? It seems like it would be impossible to guarantee the fairness of such a die, since the probabilities of the various sides might depend (for instance) on the surface upon which it's rolled.

In general they are not fair ... but if you properly proportion the sides ... you can make rolls close to fair

BTW .... the d100 has 100 faces / extension member facets ... all with the same shape and area ... ie a circle ... the trick is ... arranging them on the sphere

Chronos
2007-09-03, 11:03 AM
The best way to know if a die is unbalanced is to spin it in a dice caliper ... the second best way is to spin it like a top on a hard surface ... if the die wobbles a lot along one or more axis ... then it is unbalancedAh, you're using the term "unbalanced" in a different sense than I was interpreting it. The test you describe would be for determining if the moments of inertia along the principle axes are the same, but I'm just referring to the fact that on my die, not all of the faces have the same probability (which is possible even if the die has a balanced moment of inertia). As in, over something like 500 test rolls, it's come up 20 only three times.

Gralamin
2007-09-03, 11:56 AM
I recently acquired a set of blue and black Dragon Dice (http://q-workshop.com/products.php?lang=EN&sell_type=DETAL&currency=EUR&category=Dragons%20Blue-black) from Q-workshop, And I've noticed that the d20's number arrangement is a bit odd.
If you turn the die to see the 20 face, and start moving it one side left, you get the numbers 19, 18, 17, and 16. The 15 and following numbers do not follow the spindown pattern up top. Conversely, starting at 1 and turning to the right will yield 2, 3, 4, and 5.
My Question is, Is this unusual, or just a style I've never encountered before?

Darkforge
2007-09-03, 12:14 PM
Do you know of any dice manufacturers that produce interesting dice which can ship to the UK? I

've been searching long and hard but figured that you or someone else here might know.

Gralamin
2007-09-03, 08:34 PM
Do you know of any dice manufacturers that produce interesting dice which can ship to the UK? I

've been searching long and hard but figured that you or someone else here might know.

I believe Q-Workshop (http://q-workshop.com/main.php?lang=EN&sell_type=DETAL) does.

Danin
2007-09-03, 09:47 PM
I happen to be in posession of a Black MTG Judgment die which appears to be missing from your collection. Well, to be more specific, my friend is, though I suspect he wouldn't have much of a problem with donating it to your cause. I didn't read through every other post so I applogize if this has been covered already. If you were willing to cover any mailing costs (If its under a dollar or two I don't mind covering it) I'm sure I could convince my friend to give it up and add to the horde.

Kevin_Cook
2007-09-04, 12:17 PM
Sorry for the delay ... In the process of moving a stained glass store ...


Ah, you're using the term "unbalanced" in a different sense than I was interpreting it. The test you describe would be for determining if the moments of inertia along the principle axes are the same, but I'm just referring to the fact that on my die, not all of the faces have the same probability (which is possible even if the die has a balanced moment of inertia). As in, over something like 500 test rolls, it's come up 20 only three times.

The end result would be the same ... if a die is unbalanced along one or more principal axis' ... then the odds of rolling one extension member facet (side / face) will be skewed


I recently acquired a set of blue and black Dragon Dice (http://q-workshop.com/products.php?lang=EN&sell_type=DETAL&currency=EUR&category=Dragons%20Blue-black) from Q-workshop, And I've noticed that the d20's number arrangement is a bit odd.
If you turn the die to see the 20 face, and start moving it one side left, you get the numbers 19, 18, 17, and 16. The 15 and following numbers do not follow the spindown pattern up top. Conversely, starting at 1 and turning to the right will yield 2, 3, 4, and 5.
My Question is, Is this unusual, or just a style I've never encountered before?

It doenst seem to be unusual ... the Celtic II (http://www.dicecollector.com/D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_Q_WORKSHOP_CELTIC_II_01.j pg) ... Nuke (http://www.dicecollector.com/D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_Q_WORKSHOP_NUKE_01.jpg) ... Runic II (http://www.dicecollector.com/D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_Q_WORKSHOP_RUNIC_II_01.jp g) ... Skully II (http://www.dicecollector.com/D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_Q_WORKSHOP_SKULLY_II_01.j pg) ... Mystic (http://www.dicecollector.com/D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_Q_WORKSHOP_MYSTIC_01.jpg) ... all seem to have this pattern


Do you know of any dice manufacturers that produce interesting dice which can ship to the UK? I

've been searching long and hard but figured that you or someone else here might know.

As was stated above ... Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html)


I happen to be in posession of a Black MTG Judgment die which appears to be missing from your collection. Well, to be more specific, my friend is, though I suspect he wouldn't have much of a problem with donating it to your cause. I didn't read through every other post so I applogize if this has been covered already. If you were willing to cover any mailing costs (If its under a dollar or two I don't mind covering it) I'm sure I could convince my friend to give it up and add to the horde.

Not only will I cover mailing costs ... I am willing to trade for them if he would like to trade for a more desirable spindown :) ... should it exist in my duplicates (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC_DUPS.html)

Darkforge
2007-09-04, 12:55 PM
I believe Q-Workshop (http://q-workshop.com/main.php?lang=EN&sell_type=DETAL) does.


[QUOTE=Kevin_Cook;3143459]
As was stated above ... Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html)
QUOTE]


Thanks for the help guys, I'll have to try them out...

One question for you...

On most die the opposite faces add up to the number of sides on the dice +1 (eg on a d6 you have 6+1, 5+2, 4+3 =7 on opposite sides) but a d10 is different to this (opposite sides add up to 9 as the numbers are 0-9) and the only d10's with the numbers 1-10 on haven't reordered the numbers so all opposites add up to 9 (you normally find the opposites add up to 9 except the 10 on one side and 9 on the other, adding up to 19)

so my question is: have you ever found a true d10 with numbers 1-10 (not 0-9) whose opposite sides each add up to 11? and if so where can i get one cos I am quite overly pedantic and have put way too much though into this

Kevin_Cook
2007-09-04, 02:55 PM
[QUOTE=Kevin_Cook;3143459]
As was stated above ... Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html)
QUOTE]


Thanks for the help guys, I'll have to try them out...

One question for you...

On most die the opposite faces add up to the number of sides on the dice +1 (eg on a d6 you have 6+1, 5+2, 4+3 =7 on opposite sides) but a d10 is different to this (opposite sides add up to 9 as the numbers are 0-9) and the only d10's with the numbers 1-10 on haven't reordered the numbers so all opposites add up to 9 (you normally find the opposites add up to 9 except the 10 on one side and 9 on the other, adding up to 19)

so my question is: have you ever found a true d10 with numbers 1-10 (not 0-9) whose opposite sides each add up to 11? and if so where can i get one cos I am quite overly pedantic and have put way too much though into this

I would have to locate them an compare

Fax Celestis
2007-09-04, 03:30 PM
What do you know about the statistical accuracy of "strange" dice, such as the d3, d5, d7, d14, d16, d24, or other atypically shaped dice?

Chronos
2007-09-04, 08:32 PM
What do you know about the statistical accuracy of "strange" dice, such as the d3, d5, d7, d14, d16, d24, or other atypically shaped dice?I can cover this. It depends on how the die is constructed. There's a semi-regular polyhedron for 24 (you stack a shallow pyramid on each side of a cube), which should be completely fair. For any even number of sides, you can either do two pyramids base-to-base (if it's a multiple of four), sort of like a d8, or two pyramids with a twist (if it's not a multiple of four), like a d10, and those are fair, too. And for any number of faces at all, you can make a prism shape with pointed or rounded ends so it can only land on a side, and that's fair, too. In all of these cases, every face is just like every other face, so barring an off-center weight inside or something, they'll be fair.

If you're talking about other shapes, though, then there's no such guarantee. As Kevin Cook already said on the topic,
In general they are not fair ... but if you properly proportion the sides ... you can make rolls close to fair Personally, though, I'm enough of a mathematical purist that I wouldn't trust them.

Accountant
2007-09-04, 10:25 PM
Do you have any dice that use roman numerals? I'd just like to see one.

TimeWizard
2007-09-05, 10:27 AM
All those d4s have to make an awesome security system.

Quoted for pure awesome.

Kevin_Cook
2007-09-05, 12:36 PM
What do you know about the statistical accuracy of "strange" dice, such as the d3, d5, d7, d14, d16, d24, or other atypically shaped dice?
The d3 d14 d16 and d24 should roll pretty fairly ... any die that has extension member facets (faces/sides) that are not the same shape and area ... runs the risk of not being able to produce equally random results

With that said ... there are many other shapes ... that are used as dice ... that do not roll fairly ... CLICK HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_how_many_shapes.html) if you wish to see the list of shapes I have found to date



If you're talking about other shapes, though, then there's no such guarantee. As Kevin Cook already said on the topic, Personally, though, I'm enough of a mathematical purist that I wouldn't trust them.
I agree .. I dont use them either ... for the same reason that I dont use D10's ... I still use the old method of using d20 numbered 0-9 twice as my d10 d20 and percentile :)

As a final note on the subject ... I assisted in design of some of those odd dice ... I know that at least 2 were tested in a machine designed by a Dr Dan Murry in Canada ... that rolled ... and recored the outcome of the roll for later analysis ... and it was found that the proportions were close enough for casual game play


Do you have any dice that use roman numerals? I'd just like to see one.
I have several ... CLICK HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_ROMAN_NUMERAL.html)

Fax Celestis
2007-09-05, 12:40 PM
I'm talking about this d5, in particular: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6926275-0-large.jpg

Kevin_Cook
2007-09-05, 01:30 PM
I'm talking about this d5, in particular: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6926275-0-large.jpg

The D5 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D05_CLEAR_SHARP_SOLID_GAMESCIENCE_02_ON_ON_WHITE.j pg) was one that was tested using Dr Dan's device and was found to be very close to fair

Kevin_Cook
2007-11-02, 12:37 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_STONE_D6_OPAL_LARRY1A_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_SEPTEMBER_OCTOBER_2007.html)

Click on the Genuine Opal Dice
dice above for highlights of dice added in September (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_SEPTEMBER_2007.HTM) & October (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_OCTOBER_2007.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am now offering bonuses for both trades and sales ...
HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 7 left

As always ... If you have any dice questions ... post them to this thread and I will try to answer them for you

Groblutsnak
2007-11-15, 04:44 AM
Upcoming Q-workshop designs:

Tri-color dice

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/1836/kelfpncvo3.jpg

Japanese dice

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1872/10japanesedicewq5.jpg

Jack Zander
2007-11-15, 04:52 AM
I need to generate a random number between 6 and 14 preferably with a bell curve. Can you help?

adanedhel9
2007-11-15, 07:07 AM
3d3+5? That ought to do it.

Also, the tri-color Q-Workshop dice look very cool. I've always thought their dice were too busy, too hard to read, but those look very legible.

Kantur
2007-11-15, 07:19 AM
4d3+2

Should do it...

(^ The only problem with 3d3+5 is the minimum's 8 intead of six)

KoDT69
2007-11-15, 10:06 AM
I can say there are couple of companies ... that produced nothing but poor quality dice

Diamond Dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_DIAMOND.html) had a good mold ... but used low cost materials

Jerry Alexander (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_JERRY_A.html) ... just look for yourself [/color]

I can attest to the Diamond Dice thing... they suck bad! They were to light due to the cheap cheap cheap plastic, and the points and edges were sharp. There were 3 bleeding injuries caused by them, 2 from just grabbing quickly, and one I threw at a player!

adanedhel9
2007-11-15, 10:21 AM
4d3+2

Should do it...

(^ The only problem with 3d3+5 is the minimum's 8 intead of six)

Yeah, that works. That's what I get for trying to do math first thing in the morning. Though the bell on that would be pretty tight. 2d5+4 (where 2d5 is 1d10/2+1d10/2, not 2d10/2) would give a more gentle curve and still fit the range.

Fhaolan
2007-11-15, 11:38 AM
Ah, you're using the term "unbalanced" in a different sense than I was interpreting it. The test you describe would be for determining if the moments of inertia along the principle axes are the same, but I'm just referring to the fact that on my die, not all of the faces have the same probability (which is possible even if the die has a balanced moment of inertia). As in, over something like 500 test rolls, it's come up 20 only three times.

I have a vague memory... hold on....

Yes. There is it. Chi-square tests for 'fair' die analysis. It was in an old Dragon magazine (#78). As I understand it, it examines the eveness of a distribution of numbers. The math is based on advanced statistics that is beyond me, and the test is tedious to perform. Very likely someone here has a better grasp of the math than I do and can comment. :smallsmile:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearson%27s_chi-square_test

WorthingSon
2007-11-15, 11:52 AM
Do defective dice count toward your totals? I have several d6 that have additional 1 sides instead of 3's and/or 5's.

Kevin_Cook
2007-11-15, 12:17 PM
I need to generate a random number between 6 and 14 preferably with a bell curve. Can you help?

As stated above

4d3+2 & 2d5+4 (using either d10 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D10.HTM) or d5 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D05_CLEAR_SHARP_SOLID_GAMESCIENCE_02_ON_ON_BLACK.j pg)) can do it ...

Here are some others

d9 + d2 + 4 (yes there are fair d9 ... this one (http://www.dicecollector.com/PAPER_D09_MY_DESIGN_ELONGATED_NONAGONAL_DYPYRAMID. jpg) or this one (http://www.dicecollector.com/D09_JASON_HUFF_01.jpg) and this one (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_d9_afsimkin.png) are all fair)
d8 + d3 + 4
d7 + d4 + 4
d6 + d5 + 4

d7 + 2d2 + 3
d6 + d3 + d2 + 3
d5 + 2d3 + 3
2d4 + d3 + 3

< See the pattern? >

Here is another ... but with no curve as it is only 1 die

d9+5


I can attest to the Diamond Dice thing... they suck bad! They were to light due to the cheap cheap cheap plastic, and the points and edges were sharp. There were 3 bleeding injuries caused by them, 2 from just grabbing quickly, and one I threw at a player!

They also have the annoying feature of not having opposing sides add to n+1 (where n is the number of sides on the die)

WorthingSon
2007-11-15, 01:21 PM
It should not take long ... all that has to be done is multiply the # of sides times the number of dice of that number of sides then sum the totals of all the different sided dice

If anyone cares to use a bit outdated data ... feel free to use THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_collection_statistics_by_sides.html) page do it


Ok, so here is what I got:
172 265 (http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=2*5%2B3*18%2B4*924%2B5*36%2B6*14084%2B7*12%2B8*1 017%2B9*8%2B10*2213%2B11*1%2B12*1114%2B14*50%2B16* 37%2B18*2%2B20*1367%2B24*25%2B26*2%2B30*126%2B32*8 %2B34*7%2B48*2%2B50*5%2B60*1%2B100*59%2B120)

Jack Zander
2007-11-15, 03:42 PM
Thanks guys. I like the 2d5+4 method. I'm looking for a more gentler curve.

Chronos
2007-11-15, 05:02 PM
Two dice doesn't give you a curve at all; it gives you a triangle function. If you want a Gaussian (the classic "bell curve"), use as many dice as possible.

WorthingSon
2007-11-16, 08:28 AM
So wouldn't 4d3+2 be the best bet? Has the most dice in it of any combination I can think of.

Yakk
2007-11-16, 01:58 PM
The tightness of a curve is usually measured by the standard deviation.

As you use more dice, ratio between the spread of values and the standard deviation grows.

So "just use more dice" is not the right answer....

3d6 and 5d4-2 have the same min and the same max, but the curve on the 5d4 is tighter than the 3d6 case: 5d4 has a lower standard deviation than 3d6.

The 5d4 curve is also "smoother" in a sense, but the effect of the tightness of the curve has a larger impact on probabilities than the smoothness of the curve.

If you plot a cumulative distribution of dice probabilities (the % chance that the die roll is X or lower), and then fix the average and scale horizontally by the standard deviation of each roll, you end up with an interesting result.

First, that rolling 1 die looks way different than rolling 2 dice.

But once you roll 2 dice, the histograms start looking really really similar. Except that the more dice you have, the "longer the tail" of the distribution -- the curve at each "end" of the distribution changes far more than the curve around the middle.

Now, this isn't to say that adding more dice doesn't matter. It does: it changes the standard deviation. You can look at the standard deviation as a measure of "how much does a +1 or -1 modifier to the die roll matter".

If you want a "long tail" of stats, if you want to distinguish between two very unlikely events with lots of precision ("oh, that was a 1 in a million, while that was a 1 in 10,000, and the other was 1 in a billion"), you need more dice.

If you want to change the magnitude of modifiers to your roll, adding more dice makes each modifier have a larger impact on the relative "likelyness" of the result. Having fewer dice scales it down.

Another way you can do this is by increasing the size of the dice. The larger the size of the dice involved, the less each +1/-1 matters.

(2d3-4 has an average of 0. Adding +1 modifier has a huge impact on the result. 2d100-101 has an average of 0. Adding a +1 modifier is pointless, even though it boosts the average up to 1.)

Hope that helps. :)

SoD
2007-11-16, 02:44 PM
Roughly how difficult is it to find d3's? I mean, either a d6 with two 1's, two 2's and two 3's, or a three sided die. I've only seen one d6 with only 1, 2 and 3 on it...damn you Rhys.

Kevin_Cook
2007-11-17, 12:24 AM
Roughly how difficult is it to find d3's? I mean, either a d6 with two 1's, two 2's and two 3's, or a three sided die. I've only seen one d6 with only 1, 2 and 3 on it...damn you Rhys.

Not hard at all ... CLICK HERE (http://www.gamestation.net/category/1003.1007.1035.1250/)

Wooter
2007-11-17, 12:32 AM
Huh. I was just going to ask if d5s exist, but it looks like I don't have to.

Would braille dice be possible for the blind, or would the bumps make them not work correctly?

SoD
2007-11-17, 03:35 AM
Also, how much could I expect it to cost to have d3's shipped to Finland? Or Australia?

I'm an Australian in Finland, so they could either get sent here, or to Australia and forwarded on.

Kevin_Cook
2007-11-17, 09:20 AM
Huh. I was just going to ask if d5s exist, but it looks like I don't have to.

Yep ... they do indeed exist

Any time you are trying to find if a SHAPE/# of sides of die exists ... THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_how_many_shapes.html) is your best place to look


Would braille dice be possible for the blind, or would the bumps make them not work correctly?

Not if they are done line THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/D6_28.jpg) (leftmost die)


Also, how much could I expect it to cost to have d3's shipped to Finland? Or Australia?

I'm an Australian in Finland, so they could either get sent here, or to Australia and forwarded on.

I know they ship international ... I cant quote you a price though ... best bet is to ask

Kevin_Cook
2007-12-02, 07:23 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Ignore this post (http://youtube.com/watch?v=7Y7u_NXTQGc)

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_NUMBER_22000.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_NOVEMBER_2007.html)

Click on the 22000th die in the collection (above)
for highlights of dice added in November 2007 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_NOVEMBER_2007.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am now offering bonuses for both trades and sales ...
HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 8 left

As always ...
If you have any dice questions ...
post them to this thread and I will try to answer them for you

[Insert Neat Username Here]
2007-12-02, 08:41 PM
How well balanced are d5s like this (http://www.dicecollector.com/LOTTERY_05_D5.jpg)? I've been wondering this for some time, and only just now found this thread.

Blasterfire
2007-12-02, 10:30 PM
Do you know when the q-workshop tri-color dice are going to be available, or where I could get them now? Also, in your opinion, how cool are their glow in the dark dice?

Kevin_Cook
2007-12-03, 10:39 AM
;3604430']How well balanced are d5s like this (http://www.dicecollector.com/LOTTERY_05_D5.jpg)? I've been wondering this for some time, and only just now found this thread.

THAT particular die is not accurate at all ... but the Gamescience D5 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D05_CLEAR_SHARP_SOLID_GAMESCIENCE_02_ON_ON_BLACK.j pg) was tested and properly proportioned to roll each side ... close enough for gaming purposes


Do you know when the q-workshop tri-color dice are going to be available, or where I could get them now? Also, in your opinion, how cool are their glow in the dark dice?

It is my understanding that they are available now ... as Q-W has to meet their obligations to Alliance ... so they could be in your FLGS soon

I do note that they are not available on their website though :(

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-01, 08:27 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ...

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_METAL_ALUMINUM_D6_15_ERIC_KRUSENSTJERNA_HIDDE N_COMPARTMENT_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_DECEMBER_2007.html)

Click on Eric Krusenstjerna's (of Krusen CNC TECH Inc) custom die above
for highlights of dice added in December 2007 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_DECEMBER_2007.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 7 left

As always ...
If you have any dice questions ...
post them to this thread and I will try to answer them for you

Patashu
2008-01-01, 11:19 PM
For dice with a ridiculous number of sides, does it get hard to figure out exactly which side is the one facing up?

How do you make dice accurate when they have differently shaped and differently sized faces (ie d5s and d7s)?

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-02, 08:58 AM
For dice with a ridiculous number of sides, does it get hard to figure out exactly which side is the one facing up?

Define ridiculous ... I dont find D100's hard to read ... but others do ... the D120 I made is hard though


How do you make dice accurate when they have differently shaped and differently sized faces (ie d5s and d7s)?

Shape has a lot to do with it ... but bottom line ... as long as the rolling statistics are pretty even ... that is all that counts ... for the TYPICAL D5 and D7 ... the shape had to be manipulated in order to force the rolls to come out even

Nocturnum
2008-01-06, 08:32 AM
Alright, So I actually joined the forums just to ask this question...

I have always found the D100 to be difficult to tell which number is up, or at least the few i have personally rolled. My question is this; Would a transparent D100 filled 'nearly' with water, allowing for a bubble to form at the top-most number, still be a relatively fair-rolling die? I wasn't sure if the shifting weight of the water would dramatically impact the fairness or not. Probably a bit of a noob question, i realize, but i really know very little about this kind of stuff.

PS: Yeah, your D120 looked even harder to read than the D100's usually are for me. It's a beautiful model though.

PSS: I noticed awhile ago, while I was reading the whole thread, but I forgot that I wanted to say something. Your avatar is pretty awesome, I had to give it a second look.

Gorbash
2008-01-06, 09:37 AM
I have only one question - Why...?

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-06, 09:56 AM
Alright, So I actually joined the forums just to ask this question...

Cool ... welcome


I have always found the D100 to be difficult to tell which number is up, or at least the few i have personally rolled. My question is this; Would a transparent D100 filled 'nearly' with water, allowing for a bubble to form at the top-most number, still be a relatively fair-rolling die? I wasn't sure if the shifting weight of the water would dramatically impact the fairness or not. Probably a bit of a noob question, i realize, but i really know very little about this kind of stuff.

LOL ... I actually discussed this with Louis Zocchi ... the owner of Gamescience and inventor of the D100 ... I think we concluded that the idea is feasable .. and should not effect the roll ... the problem is ... manufacturing ... 1) the inner and outer shells of the D100 are not watertight ... and current manufacturing processes wont allow there to be water inside (the die is sonically fused) 2) the process that would be invoved in getting the exact amount into the die would cause the die to greatly increase in price

It is a good idea though ... I thought of it when I first found out that Magic 8 Balls had dice inside


PS: Yeah, your D120 looked even harder to read than the D100's usually are for me. It's a beautiful model though.

Thanks!


PSS: I noticed awhile ago, while I was reading the whole thread, but I forgot that I wanted to say something. Your avatar is pretty awesome, I had to give it a second look.

Thanks ... it has evolved over the years ... into its final config you now see


I have only one question - Why...?

Why what?

Nocturnum
2008-01-07, 02:47 AM
"LOL ... I actually discussed this with Louis Zocchi ... the owner of Gamescience and inventor of the D100 ... I think we concluded that the idea is feasable .. and should not effect the roll ... the problem is ... manufacturing ... 1) the inner and outer shells of the D100 are not watertight ... and current manufacturing processes wont allow there to be water inside (the die is sonically fused) 2) the process that would be invoved in getting the exact amount into the die would cause the die to greatly increase in price

It is a good idea though ... I thought of it when I first found out that Magic 8 Balls had dice inside"

Well, to be honest, I don't quite understand the reason behind the two-shells. And yeah, I figured that the manufacturing methods would negate the ability to do that, but I thought I would ask anyway. That's funny though, that's what I was thinking about when I thought of it as well.

I have some more questions though.

I have been looking at doubled dice (dice with smaller dice inside) and I was wondering if you have ever seen any with, for example, a D4 inside a D6? The only ones I have seen are just a D6 inside a D6...I could see these being fun to use, but I don't always have a need to roll two dice of the same number of sides.

My last question, for now, is simply a matter of preference. Since you are so familiar with dice, I was wondering if you prefer a particular resolution system. I know you said you don't game much anymore, but when you did...did you just use the D20 linear system? or did you play around with other, less-known resolution systems? As a gamer, I'm open to play nearly anything, but as a GM...I like to do everything entirely from scratch. I've spent a bit more time on the logistics of my newest game, and I've decided that the old system I was using wasn't realistic enough for my tastes. Hence, my question; What is your favorite resolution system, and why?

PS: I think it's cool that you don't mind just hanging out with us 'non-record holders' and you don't mind answering dumb questions from us :)

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-07, 12:23 PM
Well, to be honest, I don't quite understand the reason behind the two-shells.

I need to take pictures of one disassembled ... so it will be clear


The outer shell is clear ... and has the extension member facets (faces) ... the inner shell is opaque (usually ) and has the indicia ( numbers) printed on it ... it is held in place by 2 pins that prevent the inner shell from rotating and thus misaligning the numbers


I have been looking at doubled dice (dice with smaller dice inside) and I was wondering if you have ever seen any with, for example, a D4 inside a D6? The only ones I have seen are just a D6 inside a D6...I could see these being fun to use, but I don't always have a need to roll two dice of the same number of sides.

No ... I have not seen such a thing ... perhaps you should suggest it to Koplow ( the maker of the majority of double dice)

I just thought of another idea ... a D20 ... with damage dice inside ... so it becomes both hit and damage in one roll



My last question, for now, is simply a matter of preference. Since you are so familiar with dice, I was wondering if you prefer a particular resolution system. I know you said you don't game much anymore, but when you did...did you just use the D20 linear system? or did you play around with other, less-known resolution systems? As a gamer, I'm open to play nearly anything, but as a GM...I like to do everything entirely from scratch. I've spent a bit more time on the logistics of my newest game, and I've decided that the old system I was using wasn't realistic enough for my tastes. Hence, my question; What is your favorite resolution system, and why?

GREAT QUESTION ... I prefer percentage based systems as they are more readily understood ... and have finer granualrity ...

D20 is 5% granularity (100/20) ... whereas % based is 1%



PS: I think it's cool that you don't mind just hanging out with us 'non-record holders' and you don't mind answering dumb questions from us :)

LOL ... the only difference between a record holder and a non record holder is ... the non record holder knows when to quit ... where as the record holder is too dumb / stubborn ... to do so :)

Gorbash
2008-01-07, 12:35 PM
Why what?

Why did you bother collecting 20 000+ dices?

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-07, 02:06 PM
Why did you bother collecting 20 000+ dices?

LOL ... see my last answer above :)

Nocturnum
2008-01-08, 03:45 AM
I need to take pictures of one disassembled ... so it will be clear


The outer shell is clear ... and has the extension member facets (faces) ... the inner shell is opaque (usually ) and has the indicia ( numbers) printed on it ... it is held in place by 2 pins that prevent the inner shell from rotating and thus misaligning the numbers

A picture, I think, would help alot.


No ... I have not seen such a thing ... perhaps you should suggest it to Koplow ( the maker of the majority of double dice)

I just thought of another idea ... a D20 ... with damage dice inside ... so it becomes both hit and damage in one roll

Yeah, that is actually a pretty good idea. Perhaps with outer dice that are openable so you could put whatever needed die inside? I don't know how that would work while maintaining a proper inner surface for the dmg dice to roll on. Still a good idea though.


LOL ... the only difference between a record holder and a non record holder is ... the non record holder knows when to quit ... where as the record holder is too dumb / stubborn ... to do so :)

Fair enough, I suppose. :P

KIDS
2008-01-08, 06:25 AM
I only just stumbled upon this thread but your collection efforts are really awesome. Keep up the good work and thanks for maintaining your collection and this! :smallsmile:

Kantur
2008-01-08, 06:43 AM
Do you think you have enough dice, or are you like the rest of us who still 'Never have enough dice'?

And when you're gaming, do you have a few sets of duplicate dice to game with, or do you spend hours looking through the collection to find the dice you want to use?

Gorbash
2008-01-08, 07:09 AM
LOL ... see my last answer above :)

Lol, good enough answer I suppose. But how did you come by that idea to collect dices? I've got 30 D6s for my warhammer purposes, 2 sets of D&D dice, and so far I didn't have any sudden urges to start making a hoard out of them, so I'm just trying to understand your reason(s)...

Second of all, do you get paid for being the record holder? I mean, I guess some of those rare dices you posses are expensive, and having 20 000+ of them can amount to serious amount of money, so what makes you keep collecting them?

NaYoN
2008-01-08, 08:50 AM
the MTG Spindowns missing from THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) page are my current quest





I have the green beatdown d20, PM me if interested

Brauron
2008-01-08, 09:43 AM
I just want to say, Kevin, thanks for posting this and for the inspiration! I'm relatively new at dice collection, having a "mere" 196 dice to my name (It'll hit 200 in a couple weeks when my gaming club holds it's annual convention, we're having custom dice made this year with the club's logo).

I'll have to show my housemates your site the next time they tell me I have too many dice!

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-09, 10:13 AM
I only just stumbled upon this thread but your collection efforts are really awesome. Keep up the good work and thanks for maintaining your collection and this! :smallsmile:

Thanks for the recognition ... I really like this forum as it is so active ... and somehow manages to come up with new dice questions for me ... even after 30+ years of collecting


Do you think you have enough dice, or are you like the rest of us who still 'Never have enough dice'?

I think enough is relative ... I have enough ... I WANT more :)


And when you're gaming, do you have a few sets of duplicate dice to game with, or do you spend hours looking through the collection to find the dice you want to use?

When I game ... I use a majority of my original set of dice ... mix of clear Armory 1st ed and Gamescience (no G) dice ... these are not part of the collection


Lol, good enough answer I suppose. But how did you come by that idea to collect dices? I've got 30 D6s for my warhammer purposes, 2 sets of D&D dice, and so far I didn't have any sudden urges to start making a hoard out of them, so I'm just trying to understand your reason(s)...

A fair question ... HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_history.html) is the answer


Second of all, do you get paid for being the record holder? I mean, I guess some of those rare dices you posses are expensive, and having 20 000+ of them can amount to serious amount of money, so what makes you keep collecting them?

No ... I dont get paid ... except in satisfaction

As to why I keep collecting ... I suppose it is the desire to be the best at something ... or it could be OCD :)


I just want to say, Kevin, thanks for posting this and for the inspiration!

Thanks ... is is nice to know that someone looks up to me (for those of you who havent met me at GenCon ... I am only 5 feet 2 inches (157cm for you metric types) tall :)


I'm relatively new at dice collection, having a "mere" 196 dice to my name (It'll hit 200 in a couple weeks when my gaming club holds it's annual convention, we're having custom dice made this year with the club's logo).

Cool ... any chance of sending a pair my way?


I'll have to show my housemates your site the next time they tell me I have too many dice!

LOL ... I have heard THAT ONE before ... mostly for showing wives :)

Nocturnum
2008-01-14, 02:25 AM
Another question. I just went and replaced my poly's cuz i seem to have misplaced my old ones. I also picked up a D24 and D30, but i was sad to find that Gamescience doesn't produce any D30's...why not? I don't suppose you know?

Icewalker
2008-01-14, 02:55 AM
I don't know whether this has been asked (only read 2 pages of thread, it's late...)

There are companies that make unique dice, I believe. You send in what you want and they make it (it may only be for differently marked sides on common shapes, but nonetheless) how would this count towards the Guinness records? Only one of each shape? Not at all?

If a die from something like this became part of a widely packaged and sold game, would it count? ((Specifically, an eight-sided die with a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h on it.))

Glyphic
2008-01-14, 03:52 AM
I suppose this is a good place as any..

I would like a little math craft. A fellow player was trying to discover a method of using a d6 and a d10 to replicate a d30 roll.. as I don't have my d30+- just yet.

MammonAzrael
2008-01-14, 05:00 AM
Plastic is obviously the most common material to make dice from, but what, have you found, is the best? Which is the most balanced? The most durable? The most likely to retain it's balance after years of service? Is there any material you prefer personally? What is the most unusual material you've seen/own/heard about?

What is the most unusual geometric design for a die you've seen?

Is there any sided die that doesn't exist that you think would see use if it did?

Do you have a single, favorite die? Is there a die that is the bane of your existence?

raygungothic
2008-01-14, 05:15 AM
Glyphic - sorry, know I'm not the guy you asked, but 'tis not difficult.

0 on the d10 is considered to be 10 throughout.

Roll d6:
On 1-2: result is straight d10 (=1-10)
On 3-4: result is d10 + 10 (=11-20)
On 5-6: result is d10 + 20 (=21-30).

This gives an even distribution of any number from 1 to 30, just as a d30 does.

Patashu
2008-01-14, 07:20 AM
I've googled for an answer to this with no success so I'll try here.

A system I play works using opposed rolls. Each side rolls a number of dice (D6s) equal to the ability score in question, each of which varies from 1 to 8.

What I'm trying to get is a grid of results showing the percentage chance of success for each matchup.

As an extra, if either result doubles the other then it's a critical in their favour. A second chart showing the percentage chance of a critical for each of these matchups would be great.

Of course, if someone has a link to somewhere that would aid me in calculating these for myself that'd be great too!
I have a program, made by a friend, which calculates all the possible values rolling a bunch of dice can give you and the probability with which they'll come up.

I'll upload it in case that helps.

EDIT: http://download.yousendit.com/9C55943A666E7E4B

Make sure to go to the command prompt first before running it, otherwise XP will close it the instant it finishes, preventing you from looking at the results

SoD
2008-01-14, 11:14 AM
What has a better average, 1d3, or 1d4-1?

raygungothic
2008-01-14, 11:26 AM
SoD:

d3: mean (colloquial "average") 2.

d4: mean 2.5.

d4-1: mean 1.5

So one would expect the long-term result of a large number of d3 rolls to exceed the long-term result of a large number of (d4-1) rolls. This is not terribly surprising, as d4-1 can roll 0,1,2,3 with equal probabilities and d3 can roll 1,2,3 with equal probabilities.

(d5-1 would have the same mean as d3, but more variance.)

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-14, 12:13 PM
I just went and replaced my poly's cuz i seem to have misplaced my old ones. I also picked up a D24 and D30, but i was sad to find that Gamescience doesn't produce any D30's...why not? I don't suppose you know?

That is a very good question ... I can only speculate as to the answer ... My guess is that back when d30's were first made ... only The Armory made them ... and based on Lou Zocchi's (owner of Gamescience) experiences ... he didnt want to infringe on Armorys area ... I am not sure why he didnt start making them after they went out of business ... other than he had a large backstock of them


There are companies that make unique dice, I believe.

There are MANY companies that make unique dice ... depending on your definition of unique :)


You send in what you want and they make it (it may only be for differently marked sides on common shapes, but nonetheless) how would this count towards the Guinness records? Only one of each shape? Not at all?

I count each die ... as a die with an eagle instead the 1 side ... is different from a die with a Megatron for the 6 pip

There are now several companies that now custom engrave dice

CLICK HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/DICELINKS.HTML) and see Custom Dice Manufacturers for a full list


If a die from something like this became part of a widely packaged and sold game, would it count? ((Specifically, an eight-sided die with a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h on it.))

Yes ... but would only count as one die .. unless there are other configurations ... ie pip orientation ... or base color etc


I suppose this is a good place as any..

I would like a little math craft. A fellow player was trying to discover a method of using a d6 and a d10 to replicate a d30 roll.. as I don't have my d30+- just yet.

Easy

D6 1-2 = +0 ... 3-4 = +10 ... 5-6 = +20
combined with
d10 ... is 1-30

Sorry if this is already answered ... am answering these in the order in which they were submitted



Plastic is obviously the most common material to make dice from, but what, have you found, is the best?

Plastic


Which is the most balanced?

Plastic ... this is why the Casino Gambling industry uses Celluloid Acetate


The most durable?

That is debatable ... I would have to say Metal or Stone as we know that plastic degrades over time


The most likely to retain it's balance after years of service?

Probably metal


Is there any material you prefer personally?

Not really


What is the most unusual material you've seen/own/heard about?

Uranium (http://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/consumer%20products/dudice.htm)


What is the most unusual geometric design for a die you've seen?

I dont consider any to be unusual really ... as I have seen and designed so many (106 shapes to date)


Is there any sided die that doesn't exist that you think would see use if it did?

It all depends on how you define USE

For example ... I could design a 28 ... 29 and 31 sided dice for those wanting to roll the day of the month ... I just could not say how much use it would see


Do you have a single, favorite die?

No ... I have too many favorites

[URL=http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_SPECIAL.html]HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_how_many_shapes.html) are some examples


Is there a die that is the bane of your existence?

Not really ... 30+ years have taught me to be patient


...EDIT: [url]http://download.yousendit.com/9C55943A666E7E4B

Thanks for the link

Chronos
2008-01-14, 04:31 PM
SoD:

d3: mean (colloquial "average") 2.

d4: mean 2.5.

d4-1: mean 1.5That depends. In many contexts where one might encounter 1d4-1, the minimum is assumed to be 1 (that is, if you roll a 1, the result is still 1). In that case, you can get a 1, 1, 2, or 3, for an average of 1.75. Since the worst result is overrepresented, it's still worse, in general, than the d3.

Icewalker
2008-01-14, 09:29 PM
But if there are companies that will produce personalized dice by request, and different ones count, can't you just get huge numbers of different dice from them?

raygungothic
2008-01-15, 05:28 AM
Kevin_Cook - Depleted uranium dice - words fail me. Wow.

Chronos - good point, mean 1.75 if d4-1 is a damage roll or something that is minimum 1. That explains why he asked the question, too. I'd been wondering that. Still worse than d3 though.

SoD
2008-01-15, 05:32 AM
That depends. In many contexts where one might encounter 1d4-1, the minimum is assumed to be 1 (that is, if you roll a 1, the result is still 1). In that case, you can get a 1, 1, 2, or 3, for an average of 1.75. Since the worst result is overrepresented, it's still worse, in general, than the d3.

Because I'm thinking of the Apelord, who can summon once per day, either 1d3 dire apes, or 1d4-1 normal apes. My first thought was that the 1d3 dire apes sounds much, much, much better.

Chronos
2008-01-15, 01:44 PM
That looks to me like a typo for 1d4+1, then. For comparison, the Summon Monster spells all let you get 1 monster off of the same-level list, 1d3 from the next-lower list, or 1d4+1 from the list two levels lower. 1d4+1 is obviously better than 1d3, so in that case it becomes a question of whether you want more small things or fewer big things. Reading it exactly as written, it would make no sense at all to summon regular apes.

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-15, 04:31 PM
Not sure what happened to the first post I made on these ... something seems to have deleted them


But if there are companies that will produce personalized dice by request, and different ones count, can't you just get huge numbers of different dice from them?

Correct ... but given that the minimum number of dice with one graphic ... is 10 ... I doubt any of the dice companies would be willing to engrave 1000's of images ... on just 10 dice each


Kevin_Cook - Depleted uranium dice - words fail me. Wow.

Yea ... that one blew me away as well ... I would love ot have a set of those ... even found a lead box to put them in

They are as elusive as the Former worlds smallest dice (http://www.tanomi.com/limited/html/00048.html) I have sent them several emails trying to purchase one ... but have had no luck

The current smallest (http://www.tanomi.com/limited/html/00048.html) are just nuts ... I would have to purchase an electron microscope to show them off ... 200 microns

raygungothic
2008-01-17, 09:55 AM
Kevin_Cook - Good luck with the uranium dice, make sure you keep the lead box in a well-sealed airtight tub in your cellar. Dust and contact are more dangerous than the emitted radiation; distance is a good protection from both.

Looking at 1mm on my ruler, a 1/3mm dice like you linked to should be readable through a big magnifying glass. Bit pricey though.

Do you have any nontransitive dice sets? Any non-d6 nontransitives?

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-18, 06:30 AM
Do you have any nontransitive dice sets?

Yes (http://www.dicecollector.com/MINT11_GAMESTATION_01_SICHERMAN_DICE.jpg)


Any non-d6 nontransitives?

Not that I know of

raygungothic
2008-01-18, 08:37 AM
Ah, those weren't what I was thinking of when I said nontransitives (I was thinking of the set of 4 seen here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nontransitive_dice
) ...but they are very cool and I want some!

WorthingSon
2008-01-18, 09:25 AM
Back when I was younger my father used to play D&D with my brother and I. He had a set of critical hit and critical fumble d6. Do youhave a set of these? If not, I would be willing to send them your way (as long as you don't mind paying shipping).

P.S. Assuming I can find them.

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-20, 11:20 AM
Back when I was younger my father used to play D&D with my brother and I. He had a set of critical hit and critical fumble d6. Do youhave a set of these? If not, I would be willing to send them your way (as long as you don't mind paying shipping).

P.S. Assuming I can find them.

Sorry for the delay ... I have been trying to reply for 2 days ... but the server keeps timing out

Flying Buffalo makes Fumble / Critical Hit dice ... when you find yours ... send me a pic and I can tell you if they match my set

mroozee
2008-01-24, 02:04 AM
Any asymmetric dice with (theoretically) uniform distributions?

note: the link to Sicherman Dice is incorrect when it says,

"Any game that you can play with a normal set of two dice can also be played with a set of Sicherman Dice, with no difference in the outcome."

A counter-example would be Monopoly (a game played with a normal set of two dice). The odds of rolling doubles is normally 1 in 6... with Sicherman Dice it is 1 in 9. Rolling doubles has numerous effects in the game. Another counter-example would be Backgammon and a third would be craps (which gives different odds depending upon how you make your point).

Talic
2008-01-24, 03:09 AM
Got any edible dice? If not, have you seen or heard of any?

WorthingSon
2008-01-24, 09:08 AM
Sorry for the delay ... I have been trying to reply for 2 days ... but the server keeps timing out

Flying Buffalo makes Fumble / Critical Hit dice ... when you find yours ... send me a pic and I can tell you if they match my set


Cool, I'll send you a pic when I fnd them (that might take a while, as I realize that my old AD&D stuff I got from my father is in North Carolina and I'm in Nebraska).

Also, I asked before, but I think it got lost in the waves of questions; do defective dice count? I have a friend that has several d6's with extra or missing pips on some sides.

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-24, 11:33 AM
Any asymmetric dice with (theoretically) uniform distributions?

Yes ... the Gamescience D5 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D05_CLEAR_SHARP_SOLID_GAMESCIENCE_02_ON_ON_WHITE.j pg) and D7 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D07_OPAQUE_SHARP_SOLID.jpg)


Got any edible dice? If not, have you seen or heard of any?

Yes ... Candy Dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CANDY.html)


Cool, I'll send you a pic when I fnd them (that might take a while, as I realize that my old AD&D stuff I got from my father is in North Carolina and I'm in Nebraska).

Thanks ... NE and NC ... 2 places near where I have lived/live ... I moved to CO from NC :)


Also, I asked before, but I think it got lost in the waves of questions; do defective dice count? I have a friend that has several d6's with extra or missing pips on some sides.

I count them ... but as you can see (http://www.dicecollector.com/BAD.HTM) I dont take advantage of it

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-31, 06:05 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_D01_INFINITY_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_JANUARY_2008.html)

Click on the D1 / D<INFINITY> above
for highlights of dice added in January 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_JANUARY_2008.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 7 left

Fax Celestis
2008-01-31, 06:32 PM
I have a pair of sterling silver d6s now. :smallbiggrin:

Gralamin
2008-01-31, 06:38 PM
<Math Dice>
You used Bleen, a completely fake number, but not Graham's Number (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham's_number)?

Kevin_Cook
2008-01-31, 06:46 PM
I have a pair of sterling silver d6s now. :smallbiggrin:

Congrats ... got a pic? ... what size is it?


You used Bleen, a completely fake number, but not Graham's Number (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham's_number)?

Krikies ... I didnt even know of Grahams number ...

Problem is ... had I used a G ... it would be confused with the "Big G" Universal Gravitational Constant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_gravitational_constant)

Gralamin
2008-01-31, 06:49 PM
Graham's number is noted improbably on wikipedia, its usually a small g. I notice they use a small g in The final section.

Fax Celestis
2008-01-31, 07:00 PM
Congrats ... got a pic? ... what size is it?

Not yet. I'll post one when I do.

Both dice are about a centimeter on a side. I don't know about their accuracy (weight is certainly a factor) because I don't know about internal consistency or the accuracy of the milling for the corners and sides.

Harr
2008-02-02, 06:59 PM
Hey Kevin, have you got a die like this one (http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2008/01/her-knit-fu-is.html)? The pic reminded me of this thread, lol.

If not, it seems to be available for sale. Pretty original idea, I think.

Kevin_Cook
2008-02-03, 09:42 AM
Hey Kevin, have you got a die like this one (http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2008/01/her-knit-fu-is.html)? The pic reminded me of this thread, lol.

If not, it seems to be available for sale. Pretty original idea, I think.

WOW ... no ... I dont have one of these ... thanks for the link ... $45 for a d20 ... thats steep :)

Lycar
2008-02-03, 06:10 PM
I recently acquired a set of blue and black Dragon Dice (http://q-workshop.com/products.php?lang=EN&sell_type=DETAL&currency=EUR&category=Dragons%20Blue-black) from Q-workshop, And I've noticed that the d20's number arrangement is a bit odd.
If you turn the die to see the 20 face, and start moving it one side left, you get the numbers 19, 18, 17, and 16. The 15 and following numbers do not follow the spindown pattern up top. Conversely, starting at 1 and turning to the right will yield 2, 3, 4, and 5.
My Question is, Is this unusual, or just a style I've never encountered before?

Sorry if this has been answered before but i believe, these aren't intended as D20 but rather as Life-Point-Counters for Magic (the trading card game).

Since the numbers are next to one another you supposedly can easily count them up or down and it's easier to find each number.

Lycar

Kevin_Cook
2008-02-05, 02:13 PM
Sorry if this has been answered before but i believe, these aren't intended as D20 but rather as Life-Point-Counters for Magic (the trading card game).

Since the numbers are next to one another you supposedly can easily count them up or down and it's easier to find each number.

They are intended as a D20 ... as well as a spindown

Kevin_Cook
2008-02-05, 02:34 PM
Sorry for the double post ... browser hickup

RTGoodman
2008-02-05, 03:04 PM
I recently played a board game called "Betrayal at the House on the Hill," and it had some rather interesting dice I didn't see on your site (though there are so many, I might have missed them).

They're basically pipped d6s, but they only go up to 2. There are two blank faces for 0, two faces for 1, and two for 2, if I remember correctly. You can kind of see them in this picture (http://images.funagain.com/back/huge/14949.jpg).

Kevin_Cook
2008-02-06, 12:21 PM
I recently played a board game called "Betrayal at the House on the Hill," and it had some rather interesting dice I didn't see on your site (though there are so many, I might have missed them).

They're basically pipped d6s, but they only go up to 2. There are two blank faces for 0, two faces for 1, and two for 2, if I remember correctly. You can kind of see them in this picture (http://images.funagain.com/back/huge/14949.jpg).

That one is a new one on me ... kind of a d3-1

Kevin_Cook
2008-03-03, 08:53 PM
http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_UNKNOWN_BKTRADE_01.j pg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_FEBRUARY_2008.html)

Click on the Unknown Origin D20 above
for highlights of dice added in February 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_FEBRUARY_2008.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Kevin_Cook
2008-03-31, 05:29 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_METAL_BRASS_D6_ACE_PRECISION_FLOATING_FACE_01 .jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_MARCH_2008.html)

Click on the Ace Precision R&D Brass Floating Face dice above
for highlights of dice added in March 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_MARCH_2008.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Sofaking
2008-04-01, 10:07 AM
I have a die, it is red with white spots. Is about 6"x6"x6" and the #1 side opens up like a large empty box. I use it to hold my other dice and stuff for DnD. Do you have anything like it and is it worth any money?

Darrin
2008-04-01, 10:35 AM
Kevin, when does the patent run out on the D4 Wedge die? Any hope we'll see these again?

Kevin_Cook
2008-04-01, 06:45 PM
I have a die, it is red with white spots. Is about 6"x6"x6" and the #1 side opens up like a large empty box. I use it to hold my other dice and stuff for DnD. Do you have anything like it and is it worth any money?

I think I have something similar

THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/THINGS_MUSIC_BOX_01.jpg) is a music box

I think I paid about $10 for it


Kevin, when does the patent run out on the D4 Wedge die? Any hope we'll see these again?

As I am not a patent attorney I cant say for certain ... but the patent (http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect2=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN/5,690,331) was issued on 25 November 1997 << interesting ... 20 days after I started with Oracle >> ... I think patents last 15 years ... so there may be a little over 4 years left

Darrin
2008-04-02, 06:54 AM
I think patents last 15 years ... so there may be a little over 4 years left


I thought it was 10 (hence why I was asking about it now), but according to Wikipedia it's 20 years from the filing date, or 17 years from the issuing date, whichever is longer (assuming the patent holder doesn't file for an extension).

Kevin_Cook
2008-04-02, 09:52 AM
I thought it was 10 (hence why I was asking about it now), but according to Wikipedia it's 20 years from the filing date, or 17 years from the issuing date, whichever is longer (assuming the patent holder doesn't file for an extension).

That is good to know

Did you notice that the patent is owned by TSR ...

I wonder if it is still under contention now

Kevin_Cook
2008-05-02, 01:30 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_METAL_STEEL_COPPER_D6_27_CHAINMAIL.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_APRIL_2008.html)

Click on the Chainmail dice above
for highlights of dice added in April 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_APRIL_2008.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Kevin_Cook
2008-05-02, 01:32 PM
sorry .. hickup ... double posted for some reason

Chronos
2008-05-02, 02:14 PM
I don't see any pips on those chain dice... How do you read them?

Inyssius Tor
2008-05-02, 02:35 PM
Wow. Where did you get those?

@Chronos: Note the brass rings that are facing up. There's one on the right die, and six on the left, so I presume that they're the "pips".

Kevin_Cook
2008-05-02, 03:10 PM
I don't see any pips on those chain dice... How do you read them?

Inyssius is correct (see below) ... except they are copper rings


Wow. Where did you get those?

@Chronos: Note the brass rings that are facing up. There's one on the right die, and six on the left, so I presume that they're the "pips".
I got them on Ebay from the seller Lyncher2003

There is a set for auction now CLICK HERE (http://cgi.ebay.com/pair-of-unique-chainmail-die-dice-dungeons-dragons_W0QQitemZ130218813576QQihZ003QQcategoryZ14 014QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

vegetalss4
2008-05-02, 03:21 PM
you have mentioned a few times that one dice or another whas presice enough to use for gaming. How presise is that?

Kevin_Cook
2008-05-02, 03:41 PM
you have mentioned a few times that one dice or another whas presice enough to use for gaming. How presise is that?
First ... we have to define gaming

Gamers define gaming as RPG's ... Wargames etc ... usually played with polyhdral dice (the gaming term not the math term) and there are only a few sets of poly that are <NOT> precise enough for this type of gaming

The casino gambling industry also has there definition of precise enough for table dice games ... In most places it is 1/5000th of an inch tolerance ... this is why the casino dice companies try hold their tolerances to 1/10000th of an inch

Meynolds
2008-05-02, 06:33 PM
Out of curiosity, how often do you clean your dice, if at all?

ahammer
2008-05-02, 07:41 PM
got this die for my dog did not see it on your site
so im not sure if you have it

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753808

Kevin_Cook
2008-05-02, 08:00 PM
Out of curiosity, how often do you clean your dice, if at all?
Not often ... if ever ... as cleaning some would damage them


got this die for my dog did not see it on your site
so im not sure if you have it

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753808

No ... I actually don't have these ... although I have seen them several times

Kevin_Cook
2008-06-01, 06:58 AM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Please ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_METAL_STEEL_COPPER_D8_01_CHAINMAIL.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_MAY_2008.html)

Click on the Jason Lynch Chainmail D8 above
for highlights of dice added in April 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_MAY_2008.HTM)

I have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Daracaex
2008-06-26, 12:18 AM
If you're still around to answer questions, I have one about the physics involved with dice. When you roll a die, I'm sure the surface area of each side has to be equal in order to not make the die have an increased probability of landing on a certain number, but does the shape of the sides have an influence? For example, way back on page one you mentioned pentagonal d7s, where two sides were pentagons and the rest were rectangles. Even if the surface area of all sides were the same, would the shape of those two sides make it more likely to fall on them? Less likely?

And here's a less serious question that may or may not have been asked (I couldn't read all seven pages...): Does it annoy you at all when a die doesn't follow the rule of each side and its opposite adding up to the highest number on the die+1?

Chronos
2008-06-26, 02:11 AM
I can field this one. Total symmetry between the faces is the only way to guarantee fairness. If there's any difference in the shape, size, relative orientation, or anything else, then the sides will in general have different probabilities. Nor will it necessarily be possible to adjust them so that they are fair, since the probabilities might depend on uncontrolled factors like the surface it's rolled on, or how hard one throws the die.

Ionizer
2008-06-26, 02:45 AM
I have a set of Crystal Caste "Crystal Dice" like these (except mine are blue):
http://www.goblin-online.net/goblog/CCOblivion.gif
I have a few questions regarding them.

First, are they fair? Do they generate random numbers comparable to normal polyhedral dice? Or should I avoid using them during my DnD games in the interest of fairness?

Second, is the Crystal d20 suppose to take forever to stop? Even on a flat surface, it still takes a long time for it to stop (usually falling off the table before coming to a complete stop). Also, any small shake of the table (i.e. reaching over to retrieve the die after it stops and bumping the table leg by accident) causes it roll again. In fact, a player I was playing with intentionally did this to try to negate a critical threat on his character once by kicking the table leg. Is my d20 lighter than normal? Or is it an inherent design flaw/characteristic of these dice?

Finally, my Crystal d6 tends to land on a single number (even after tumbling through the air) and slide across the table on that number instead of rolling along the table. Is this supposed to happen? My d4 and d8 are also susceptible to this, albeit much, much less frequently.

I've never had any problems with my Crystal d10 or d12, but those the two dice I always seem to need least in a game of DnD. Any insight to these problems would be greatly appreciated.

Also, just as side note, I tip my hat to you, Mr. Cook. That is, if I ever wore a hat, I'd tip it, but I guess you'll have to settle for slack-jawed stare while I repeatedly say, "Humina-humina-humina-humina..." Dude! All those dice! At least you picked something innocuous (unlike some of the other people in the Guinness Book. "Most Festering Rat Carcasses Stuffed Down His Pants." What kind idiotic record is that?). "Biggest Dice Collection" is a great record to hold and I sincerely hope you keep your title for a long, long time.

Ned the undead
2008-06-26, 02:47 AM
Do you have heroscape dice?
If not I have spares.

Kevin_Cook
2008-06-26, 08:21 AM
If you're still around to answer questions,

Aren't I always? :P


When you roll a die, I'm sure the surface area of each side has to be equal in order to not make the die have an increased probability of landing on a certain number, but does the shape of the sides have an influence? For example, way back on page one you mentioned pentagonal d7s, where two sides were pentagons and the rest were rectangles. Even if the surface area of all sides were the same, would the shape of those two sides make it more likely to fall on them? Less likely?
I believe shape has a LOT to do with it ... if you look at the D7 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D07_OPAQUE_SHARP_SOLID.jpg) and the D5 (http://www.dicecollector.com/D05_CLEAR_SHARP_SOLID_GAMESCIENCE_02_ON_ON_WHITE.j pg) you will see that they have compensated for the shape by adding surface area until each side rolls aproximately the same number of times over a given number of rolls


And here's a less serious question that may or may not have been asked (I couldn't read all seven pages...): Does it annoy you at all when a die doesn't follow the rule of each side and its opposite adding up to the highest number on the die+1?

Not really ... that is just one more for the collection (to me:)


I can field this one. Total symmetry between the faces is the only way to guarantee fairness. If there's any difference in the shape, size, relative orientation, or anything else, then the sides will in general have different probabilities. Nor will it necessarily be possible to adjust them so that they are fair, since the probabilities might depend on uncontrolled factors like the surface it's rolled on, or how hard one throws the die.

I agree with Chronos ... but would like to add a bit ...

Each extension member facet (face/side) needs to have equivalent shape and equal planar surface area ... to provide the most equal rolling of each and every side

There is no such thing as a Guarantee :)


<snip>

First, are they fair? Do they generate random numbers comparable to normal polyhedral dice? Or should I avoid using them during my DnD games in the interest of fairness?

I always thought so ... but given your experience ... it may not always be so ... but could be due to manufacturing anomalies



Second, is the Crystal d20 suppose to take forever to stop?

Probably ... that is one of the 'design features' when using round edged (versus precision edged) dice


Is my d20 lighter than normal? Or is it an inherent design flaw/characteristic of these dice?

I never measured the density of the CC crystal versus any other ... so I really can't help you here


Finally, my Crystal d6 tends to land on a single number (even after tumbling through the air) and slide across the table on that number instead of rolling along the table. Is this supposed to happen? My d4 and d8 are also susceptible to this, albeit much, much less frequently.

I would attribute this to a manufacturing variance / defect / anomaly


Also, just as side note, I tip my hat to you, Mr. Cook. That is, if I ever wore a hat, I'd tip it, but I guess you'll have to settle for slack-jawed stare while I repeatedly say, "Humina-humina-humina-humina..." Dude! All those dice! At least you picked something innocuous (unlike some of the other people in the Guinness Book. "Most Festering Rat Carcasses Stuffed Down His Pants." What kind idiotic record is that?). "Biggest Dice Collection" is a great record to hold and I sincerely hope you keep your title for a long, long time.

<Aww Shucks>

I agree .. some records are way out there ... largest Air Sick Bag Collection ...


Do you have heroscape dice?
If not I have spares.

Thanks ... I beleive I have at least one of each? CLICK HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_HASBRO.html)

Kevin_Cook
2008-07-01, 02:38 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Please ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_D10_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_Q_WORKSHOP_STEVE_JAC KSON_MUNCHKIN_01_HAND_PAINTED.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_JUNE_2008.html)

Click on the Hand Painted ... Q-Workshop ... Munchkin (Steve Jackson Games) die above
for highlights of dice added in June 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_JUNE_2008.HTM)

I STILL have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Charity
2008-07-02, 02:59 AM
Hey have you got any of those cheezy electronic dice?

http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/IMAGES/1/dice2.jpg

http://www.symbolgifts.com/images/products/0301.gif

http://www.4imprint.com/imageserver/productimages/4imprint/detailed/5517.jpg

http://www.vellemanusa.com/images/products/0/k3400.jpg

or do these not count?

Kevin_Cook
2008-07-02, 09:39 AM
Hey have you got any of those cheezy electronic dice? or do these not count?

I have a few ... if they are actually roll activated ... I count them

The first set .. with the wires and button? ... I have not seen this set before ... what are they?

Charity
2008-07-02, 09:43 AM
I only ask as I have a couple at home, they are slow, noisy and annoying...
Which me gets me on to the subject, I'm sure you've been asked about your fav dice 1000's of times, and no doubt I'm not the first to ask this but what is your least favourite die?
Do you have one of those dice spinners they use in casinos?
I'd love to see a d20 spun on one of those.

Kevin_Cook
2008-07-02, 10:17 AM
I only ask as I have a couple at home, they are slow, noisy and annoying...

LOL ... same here .. the beep tones on most hurt my head


I'm sure you've been asked about your fav dice 1000's of times

Not 1000's ... but many times :)


no doubt I'm not the first to ask this but what is your least favourite die?

Actually you are the first ... even interviewers never have asked this

There is no one die that is a least favorite ... but I can say I least like 'boring dice' ... plain pipped d'6s ... simple 'color dice' (white dice with colored spots on them)

I find the multitude of 'decision dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_DECISION.html)' ... ie drinking ... guys or girls what to do today dice ... etc ... boring as well ... as they seldom have any than the standard responses


Do you have one of those dice spinners they use in casinos?

No but I have plans to pick one up some day


I'd love to see a d20 spun on one of those.

I just spin d20s as a matter of annoying habit .. so I really dont need the Dice Balance Caliper :)

Kevin_Cook
2008-08-01, 01:28 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Please ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_METAL_STEEL_COPPER_D4_01_CHAINMAIL.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_JULY_2008.html)

Click on the Jason Lynch Chainmail D4 die above
for highlights of dice added in July 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_JULY_2008.HTM)

I STILL have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Chronos
2008-08-01, 05:20 PM
Aw, I liked the old avatar.

Kevin_Cook
2008-08-02, 08:06 AM
Aw, I liked the old avatar.

I thought I should try to conform :) ... so I got to thinking along the lines of ... a pair of dice ... with a pair of stick figures on a string .. to hang around its rear view mirror :)

JoshR
2008-08-02, 03:57 PM
Do you have any historic dice like this one?

http://www.christies.com/Lotfinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4205385

Follow-up question: Have you seen any dice sell for more money than this?

Kevin_Cook
2008-08-02, 05:59 PM
Do you have any historic dice like this one?

It depends on what you mean my historic ... I do have some very old ... and or very notable dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_SPECIAL.html)


Follow-up question: Have you seen any dice sell for more money than this?

No ... I was disappointed when the aforementioned die exceeded my $2222 bid :)

Kevin_Cook
2008-09-02, 08:46 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Please ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_D_TOTAL_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_AUGUST_2008.html)

Click on the Simkin / Gamescience D Total above
for highlights of dice added in August 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_AUGUST_2008.HTM)

I STILL have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Flickerdart
2008-09-02, 08:56 PM
Fuzzy 20-sided dice. How many do you own?

Kevin_Cook
2008-09-02, 09:38 PM
Fuzzy 20-sided dice. How many do you own?

10 in the collection (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_TOY_VAULT.html) and 2 ... I think as just kick around toys

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-04, 07:05 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Please ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_MINT1_JOHN_TALARICO_NUMBER_25000_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_SEPTEMBER_2008.html)

Click on the #25000 die above
for highlights of dice added in September 2008 (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_SEPTEMBER_2008.HTM)

I STILL have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Tamburlaine
2008-10-04, 07:13 PM
How about d(whatever the heck I feel like) (http://smallcomputing.net/2008/08/21/machdice-dice-rolling-simulator-for-iphone-3g/)

Electrics are wonderful

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-04, 07:19 PM
How about d(whatever the heck I feel like) (http://smallcomputing.net/2008/08/21/machdice-dice-rolling-simulator-for-iphone-3g/)

Electrics are wonderful

YOWZA ... that is most amazing ...

I have never even considered an Iphone ... but now I may have to reconsider

This is the first truly virtual dice program that I have ever seen

Thank you for this link

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-04, 07:21 PM
Dr Simkin's http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_D_TOTAL_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/D24_ALEXANDER_SIMKIN_GAMESCIENCE_D_TOTAL_01.jpg) D-Total

Got me to thinking ... I haven't invented a new die lately ... and especially not a new shape ... so I got to thinking ... how many different outcomes can 2d6 produce ... 36

Hmmm ... there isnt a D36 ... so I need to make one ... and ... viola !

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_PAPER_D36_MY_DESIGN_OCTADECAGONAL_PYRAMID_CRA PS_DIE.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/PAPER_D36_MY_DESIGN_OCTADECAGONAL_PYRAMID_CRAPS_DI E.jpg)

The die is numbered 1-36 ( I can't think of any other use for a D36 ... can you? ) as well as being pipped with the 36 different possible rolls of 2 d6

Now .. I just need to get all the casino's world wide to give up their foolish attachment to pairs of dice ... when there is one die that can do it all !

FMArthur
2008-10-04, 07:34 PM
[color=blue]

Dr Simkin's http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_D_TOTAL_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/D24_ALEXANDER_SIMKIN_GAMESCIENCE_D_TOTAL_01.jpg) D-Total

That die is full of cheats. 'Re-roll until you get a number in X-range', or 'apply Y calculation to the number to get appropriate roll' can be done to any kind of die with a lot of faces. What's so special about it?

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-04, 07:39 PM
That die is full of cheats. 'Re-roll until you get a number in X-range', or 'apply Y calculation to the number to get appropriate roll' can be done to any kind of die with a lot of faces. What's so special about it?

I just collect em ... I don't critique them :)

I know that Dr Simkin did not include the reroll parts in his original design .. those were added later by Louis Zocchi of GameSceince

jcsw
2008-10-04, 08:57 PM
YOWZA ... that is most amazing ...

I have never even considered an Iphone ... but now I may have to reconsider

This is the first truly virtual dice program that I have ever seen

Thank you for this link

It would be rather funny if you got an iPhone for the sole purpose of including it in your collection. Especially if your actual phone was several generations behind... heh

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-05, 08:07 AM
It would be rather funny if you got an iPhone for the sole purpose of including it in your collection. Especially if your actual phone was several generations behind... heh

Yea .... you nailed it ... my cell is several generations behind (UT Stracom Slice)

I wonder if you have to have cell service in order for the iPhone's programs to be able to work? ... as I have no need for a full time cell plan

Chronos
2008-10-05, 12:56 PM
If you don't want to use it as a phone, you can just get an iPod Touch. It's the same thing, just without the phone. It looks like the 8 GB version (which would be plenty, if this is all you're using it for) is around $200.

SteveZilla
2008-10-05, 07:38 PM
I have some questions. Back in the mid-to-late 90's, one of the (at the time) big dice manufacturing companies made a set of Magic: the Gathering dice. There was a pair for each color (Black, Blue, Green, Red, and White), that consisted of two 10 sided dice - a d10 (0-9) and a d-"tens" (00-90).

The dice were "pearlescent" (If I remember the term correctly), and instead of the "0" and "00", it had that color's mana symbol. I think it was possible to buy just a single color pair, but the set of ten dice I bought (a set of each color) came in a dice tube.

I don't have pictures of these dice with me right now, but after I get home (and figure out how to attach an image here), I can let everybody see what they look like.

On to my questions: Which company made these dice? Where can I find a full set now?

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-05, 08:45 PM
If you don't want to use it as a phone, you can just get an iPod Touch. It's the same thing, just without the phone. It looks like the 8 GB version (which would be plenty, if this is all you're using it for) is around $200.
Thanks Chronos ... Am I correct to assume it can download programs from itunes apps and has an accelerometer?


I have some questions. Back in the mid-to-late 90's, one of the (at the time) big dice manufacturing companies made a set of Magic: the Gathering dice. There was a pair for each color (Black, Blue, Green, Red, and White), that consisted of two 10 sided dice - a d10 (0-9) and a d-"tens" (00-90).

The dice were "pearlescent" (If I remember the term correctly), and instead of the "0" and "00", it had that color's mana symbol. I think it was possible to buy just a single color pair, but the set of ten dice I bought (a set of each color) came in a dice tube.

I don't have pictures of these dice with me right now, but after I get home (and figure out how to attach an image here), I can let everybody see what they look like.

On to my questions: Which company made these dice? Where can I find a full set now?

I beleve you mean THESE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html#MANA) dice?

Those were very obscure and were not made by any of the major dice companies that I know of ... As I understand it ... back in the mid 80s when MTG was first released ... the company that made these did so without the permissions of WOTC ... and were ether sued out of existance ... or were given cease and desist order ... and were not allowed to sell the remaining stock ...

So to answer your question ... these are very rare ... and cannot be purchased in the US ...

If anyone can contradict this ... please do ... as I would like to have extras for trade :)

DrizztFan24
2008-10-06, 01:58 PM
Earlier a 20 sided die was mentioned with all the of high numbers surrounding the twenty, then the post said you just hav eto aim for the twenty and you are set (IIRC), how the devil are you supposed to aim a roll?

FMArthur
2008-10-06, 07:44 PM
It's really difficult; I doubt I could ever do it and get a 20 more than 5% of the time, but dice with all of the high numbers by 20 would be a lot easier to get good rolls on if you could aim it even partially.

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-10, 05:43 AM
Earlier a 20 sided die was mentioned with all the of high numbers surrounding the twenty, then the post said you just hav eto aim for the twenty and you are set (IIRC), how the devil are you supposed to aim a roll?

Dice Sharps have been 'rolling with English' (not sure of the origination of this term but likely it is something between the French and English) ... FMArthur is correct it is more difficult the more sides you add ... but I have seen it done with the 'spindown' style d20 that are you referring to

Charity
2008-10-10, 06:03 AM
About this set (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_HASBRO.html)
My daughter has this game

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PDFYXM0WL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
and it includes a die with colours as the faces, if I can pursuade her she's grown out of it would you want it?

Kevin_Cook
2008-10-11, 09:00 AM
.. it includes a die with colours as the faces, if I can pursuade her she's grown out of it would you want it?

I may already have the die ... can you show me a picture?

Or give me a better description?

What is it made of?

What size is it?

What colors are on it?

Kevin_Cook
2008-11-01, 03:14 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Please ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_diceinfo_chessex_old_west_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_OCTOBER_2008.html)

Click on the John Pettit 'Old West' dice set above
for highlights of <<dice added in October 2008>> (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_OCTOBER_2008.HTM)

I STILL have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

Kevin_Cook
2008-11-01, 06:55 PM
I have a question, probably asked before, but...do you have many dice with an odd number of sides?

I have 93 dice with an odd number of sides ... these range from D3 to d15

Knaight
2008-11-01, 07:37 PM
Do you have any fudge dice(d6 dice with a - side a blank side and a + side)?

tahu88810
2008-11-01, 08:51 PM
Is an 100 sided die really just a circle? or are the sides a bit more defined?

T-O-E
2008-11-01, 09:01 PM
You're one of a kind Kevin, one of a kind.

Deth Muncher
2008-11-02, 12:56 AM
Is an 100 sided die really just a circle? or are the sides a bit more defined?

Oh, I know this one! I'm not Kevin, so I hope he doesn't mind if jack this question...

The d100, "affectionately" called the Golf Ball, is a sphere with little nubs on the outside, so that it actually counts as having sides. I myself own only one, but I believe Kevin owns quite a few, and my have posted a picture or two of them in this very thread.

jcsw
2008-11-02, 01:03 AM
I believe they're called Zocchihedrons, although that's more of a brand name than the actual geometric shape.

RTGoodman
2008-11-02, 01:19 AM
Hey, Kevin, I don't remember mentioning this before, but I think I've seen some dice that I don't recall seeing on your site. I haven't used 'em in a while, but from what I remember they'r six-sided dice that have two blank sides, two 1s, and two 2s. My friend has a board game called "Betrayal at House on the Hill" that's put out by Avalon Hill (I think - I know it's some WotC-run company). Just a heads-up, in case you don't have any.

EDIT: Nevermind, I looked back through the thread again and did indeed find that I'd mentioned them HERE (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3893433#post3893433). Carry on. :smallredface:

Kevin_Cook
2008-11-02, 08:21 AM
Do you have any fudge dice(d6 dice with a - side a blank side and a + side)?
Yes ... I have several sets of Fudge dice

Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html) makes the best ones I have seen to date (search for FUDGE)

It is on my <TO DO> list to make a Fudge Dice theme

Is an 100 sided die really just a circle? or are the sides a bit more defined?


Oh, I know this one! I'm not Kevin, so I hope he doesn't mind if jack this question...

The d100, "affectionately" called the Golf Ball, is a sphere with little nubs on the outside, so that it actually counts as having sides. I myself own only one, but I believe Kevin owns quite a few, and my have posted a picture or two of them in this very thread.
No worries ... even I don't know everything about dice

DM's answer is correct but I would like to add a bit

The sides on the D100 are circular and all have the same surface area ... and are as close to as possible equally space over the sphere

THIS PICTURE (http://www.dicecollector.com/D100_01_SHELL_ONLY_PROTOTYPE.jpg) probably best illustrates what we are speaking about

I believe they're called Zocchihedrons, although that's more of a brand name than the actual geometric shape.
Correct ... There is no proper mathmatical term for a 100 sided sided die (to my knowledge)

You're one of a kind Kevin, one of a kind.
LOL ... thanks ... I need to be 2 of a kind to get all the work done that I would like to get done :)

Liriel
2008-11-02, 02:18 PM
So how does Guinness define a die that counts? I mean, I see you have paper self-created ones. You mentioned that duplicates do not count. And I saw a picture of what reminds me of a dreidel - is that a spin-style die? (http://www.dicecollector.com/D06_SPINNER_PUT_AND_TAKE_GERMAN_01_BKTRADE.jpg) I seem to recall that I saw you mention that you have to be able to roll it - thus those tap to "roll" electronic ones did not count. Does the music box you showed count? Or things like jewelry - earrings, keychains, pendants and such?

Kevin_Cook
2008-11-02, 02:31 PM
So how does Guinness define a die that counts
Guinness doesn't count them ... the record holder and witnesses do

I mean, I see you have paper self-created ones.
Yep

You mentioned that duplicates do not count.
Dice in sets can have duplicates ... for instance ... poker dice have 5 dice ... Pairs of pipped D6's count (otherwise it would be a die collection) ...

And I saw a picture of what reminds me of a dreidel - is that a spin-style die? (http://www.dicecollector.com/D06_SPINNER_PUT_AND_TAKE_GERMAN_01_BKTRADE.jpg)
Yes ... I count them as dice as they are cast ... rolled ... or spun ... freely (versus a fixed spinner like in the game of LIFE)

I seem to recall that I saw you mention that you have to be able to roll it - thus those tap to "roll" electronic ones did not count.
Roll ... Cast ... Toss .. Spin

Does the music box you showed count? Or things like jewelry - earrings, keychains, pendants and such?
Some of them could ... I would not count the music box because it would open if it ever were rolled ... whereas I do count THIS ONE (http://www.dicecollector.com/METAL_ALUMINUM_D6_15_ERIC_KRUSENSTJERNA_HIDDEN_COM PARTMENT_02.jpg) as it can be rolled without a chance of it opening

Hoplite
2008-11-02, 02:34 PM
Are there any RPG systems that focus on d12s or d24s?

Kevin_Cook
2008-11-02, 02:47 PM
Are there any RPG systems that focus on d12s or d24s?

None that I know of ... especially as the D24 is so new

Mr.Bookworm
2008-11-02, 10:04 PM
Holy crap, Kevin got onto Cracked. (http://www.cracked.com/article_16752_7-most-impressive-depressing-geek-collections.html)

Though I'm not entirely sure that it's something to be proud of.

At least you're cooler than the Insane Pikachu Woman.

EDIT: And the Boxed Transformer Fooled-By-A-Five-Year-Old Lady.

EDIT2: And the Supersoaker guy.

EDIT3: And the Psychotic Barbie Lady.

EDIT4: The Star Wars thing is kinda cool, though.

EDIT5: And some of the videogame stuff is neat.

Kevin_Cook
2008-11-05, 08:21 AM
Holy crap, Kevin got onto Cracked. (http://www.cracked.com/article_16752_7-most-impressive-depressing-geek-collections.html)
Thanks BW ...

The funny thing is ... with the exception of the Barbie and Super Soaker collections ... I have dice that would be applicable to the other collections :)

Kevin_Cook
2008-11-30, 06:26 PM
If you are not interested in new or rare dice that were inventoried this month ... Please ignore this post

http://www.dicecollector.com/dice_BRAND_Q_WORKSHOP_EARTH_DAWN_01.jpg (http://www.dicecollector.com/HIGHLIGHTS_NOVEMBER_2008.html)

Click on the Q-Workshop Earth Dawn set above
for highlights of <<dice added in November 2008>> (http://www.dicecollector.com/NEW_NOVEMBER_2008.HTM)

I STILL have almost competed all the sets of MTG Spindowns
and am still offering bonuses for both trades and sales (no new ones this month ) ...

HERE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_WOTC.html) is what I have / need ... just 5 left

FMArthur
2008-12-01, 01:07 AM
Wow, those look really ornate. Certainly nice-looking dice.

Heh, I was going to link to the video in the "dice manufacturing" thread from yesterday, thinking you might be the most interested in it, and it took me a few moments to realize that you must already know every bit of information presented there anyway.

Oracle_Hunter
2008-12-01, 01:09 AM
Man, I love this thread.

So, what are your "fairest" sense of physical dice? Obviously not counting electronic ones. :smalltongue:

EDIT:
I'd like to know for a full D&D set, and also for your single "fairest" die of any side count.

BobVosh
2008-12-01, 02:35 AM
A few questions. Most of which aren't really related to dice other than the fact you have a horde of em.

1. Speaking of hordes, have you ever been tempted to sleep on em like a dragon?
2. If not Scrooge McDuck swimming style?
3. Lastly a dice throne to honor the amazingly large amount of dice?

(razor sharp AD&D dice not included)

Anyway...
How much does said collection weigh, not including packing? (or you if you do feel like dice-dipping)

Have you ever found a reason to roll your d120? If so was it off of a chart you made 120 options for?

Sorry if it is on your website, but it is blocked at work, what is the average value per die in your collection?

I know you rarely game anymore, but when you do will people bother to bring dice? In other words, do your friends assume you got thier back as far as needing dice go?

Are you as paranoid as some gamers about people touching your dice?

What is the highest "dice tower" you have acheived, using what kind of materials in the dice, along with sides? (dice tower being....stacking dice...hope I wasn't too obvious.) I've decided after this question my right to ask such things should be revoked.

Thanks for your time.

DrakebloodIV
2008-12-01, 08:07 AM
On a random note, have you ever pried out the dice in a game of Sorry to add to your collection? And when you see dice you don't have do you walk up to their owners and offer to purchase the dice? (That last one is obviously a yes in the case of dice sellers and flea markets and such, but I mean just random people you see rolling dice)

sleepy
2008-12-01, 09:31 AM
When I moved into my new house this fall there was a lot of cleaning to do. One of the things I discovered was a die I don't understand.

It is a normal 6 sided cube shape but the sides are marked according to the scheme of n^2... 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. I have no idea where this is from/what it's intended for or why you'd want a distribution weighted like that. Can you explain?

xPANCAKEx
2008-12-01, 10:09 AM
assuming these haven't already been asked/answered:

how do sets like dragon bones dice factor into it all (each set with apparently unique colouring)

apart from your meteorite dice, what other "odd materials" do you have in your collection?

whats the oddest dice rolling aid you own?

would you like to be buried in a dice shaped coffin? If so, how many sides would you like it to have? And would be the one to roll you into your grave? Would you be open to determining what kind of wake is held by the result of said dice roll?

and one last morbid question: will you donate your bones to a dice maker after you pass, for dice creation material?

have you given any of your dice pet names?

are there any dice you won't play with because they're just too pretty and you don't want them getting marked up?

what piece in your collection holds the most sentimental value?


EDIT:

and also - are there any dice you would object to collecting (morally/personally etc)?

Kevin_Cook
2008-12-01, 02:42 PM
WOW ... this has to be the most number of questions I have ever answered in one post

Here goes ...


Wow, those look really ornate. Certainly nice-looking dice.
Yep ... I agree ... Q-Workshop just keeps getting better and better at fancy dice :)


Heh, I was going to link to the video in the "dice manufacturing" thread from yesterday, thinking you might be the most interested in it, and it took me a few moments to realize that you must already know every bit of information presented there anyway.
"Dice Manufacturing" Thread?

If you are speaking of the You Tube interview videos with Louis Zocchi ... yes ... I am very aware :) ... Lou is a good friend


Man, I love this thread.

So, what are your "fairest" sense of physical dice? Obviously not counting electronic ones. :smalltongue:

EDIT:
I'd like to know for a full D&D set, and also for your single "fairest" die of any side count.
GameScience (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_GAMESCIENCE.html) are the dice that in my opinion provide the most random rolls ... is this what you mean?


A few questions. Most of which aren't really related to dice other than the fact you have a horde of em.
LOL


1. Speaking of hordes, have you ever been tempted to sleep on em like a dragon?
Not really .. dice are quite uncomfortable to sit on ... much less lie down on :)


2. If not Scrooge McDuck swimming style?
I did get an email request for a couple to be allowed to 'make love' in a vat filled with my dice ... I turned them down for several reasons ... but referred them to Chessex as they frequently have their 'Hot Tub of Dice' at gaming conventions


3. Lastly a dice throne to honor the amazingly large amount of dice?

Interesting idea ... but I have nowhere to put it :)


How much does said collection weigh, not including packing? (or you if you do feel like dice-dipping)

Truth ... I never have weighed them ... my guess would be less than a ton (2000 pounds)


Have you ever found a reason to roll your d120? If so was it off of a chart you made 120 options for?

No and No ... but I would welcome a reason to or charts for it :)


Sorry if it is on your website, but it is blocked at work, what is the average value per die in your collection?

THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/DICEINFO_COLLECTION_STATISTICS_VALUE.html) is the page being referred to ...

As of December 1 2008 the average cost per die is $1.63 US with $0.31 US as hipping for a TOTAL cost of $1.94 US


I know you rarely game anymore, but when you do will people bother to bring dice?

I don't/won't bring dice for others as I acually use dice from my collection when I game ... and i have to be very careful to return them to the collection container when I am finished


In other words, do your friends assume you got thier back as far as needing dice go?
Nope ... I am a 'hater' as that is concerned

But if we play at my house ... they are welcome to use dice from my duplicates


Are you as paranoid as some gamers about people touching your dice?
Probably more so ... but for very different reasons

I have had dice stolen in the past ... as a result ... if there is any chance of this occuring ... it would require that I reinventory the dice for Guinness ... it has taken me 8+ years to inventory what I have now ... so yes ... I am borderline paranoid about people being around the collection


What is the highest "dice tower" you have acheived, using what kind of materials in the dice, along with sides? (dice tower being....stacking dice...hope I wasn't too obvious.) I've decided after this question my right to ask such things should be revoked.
LOL ... I never really stacked them much ... I did however in college form a club called the Dice Spinners International


Thanks for your time.

It was a pleasure :)


On a random note, have you ever pried out the dice in a game of Sorry to add to your collection?
No but I have done several 8-Ball games (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_8_BALL_INSIDE.html)


And when you see dice you don't have do you walk up to their owners and offer to purchase the dice? (That last one is obviously a yes in the case of dice sellers and flea markets and such, but I mean just random people you see rolling dice)
I have done such at times ... or offered to trade


When I moved into my new house this fall there was a lot of cleaning to do. One of the things I discovered was a die I don't understand.

It is a normal 6 sided cube shape but the sides are marked according to the scheme of n^2... 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. I have no idea where this is from/what it's intended for or why you'd want a distribution weighted like that. Can you explain?
This kind of die is a Backgammon Doubling Die (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_DOUBLING.html) ... in a nutshell it is used to optionally double the points / wager when a double is rolled ... IIRC


how do sets like dragon bones dice factor into it all (each set with apparently unique colouring)

THESE (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CRYSTAL_CASTE.html#DRAGONBONES) are the dice that are being referred to in this question
With the exception of paired pipped d6's ... and dice that are in sets for other reasons (required for a game ... come packaged togehter etc) ... I do not count duplicates ... but if a die is unique for ANY reason ... whether it be inidicia/pip/number orientation on the die ... color of the die ... color of the indicia ... I count it in the collection ... so to answer what I think is your question ... I count each die in each of these sets ...


apart from your meteorite dice, what other "odd materials" do you have in your collection?
It all depends on what you mean by odd

I have dice made of

* Mammouth Ivory (http://www.dicecollector.com/STONE_D20_CRYSTAL_CASTE_IVORY_MAMMOTH.jpg)
* Marzapan (http://www.dicecollector.com/CANDY_02_MARZIPAN.jpg)
* Damascus (folded) Steel (http://www.dicecollector.com/METAL_STEEL_D6_19_DAMASCUS.jpg)
* Soap (http://www.dicecollector.com/MINT1_NISSERY_01_SOAP.jpg)

I could probably keep going :)


whats the oddest dice rolling aid you own?
Actually I try to reduce non collection items as much as possible ... so I don't own any dice towers / trays etc


would you like to be buried in a dice shaped coffin? If so, how many sides would you like it to have? And would be the one to roll you into your grave? Would you be open to determining what kind of wake is held by the result of said dice roll?
No ... Not Applicable (n/a) ... No ... LOL ... that would be neat

What I am hoping to do is take advantage of http://www.lifegem.com/ and have my remains compressed into a diamond ... and then have the diamond cut into a die ... then I can be added to the collection


one last morbid question: will you donate your bones to a dice maker after you pass, for dice creation material?
See above .. but that is an option if Life Gem is not feasable


have you given any of your dice pet names?
Nope ... not enough time to grow attached to a particular die to warrent a name :)


are there any dice you won't play with because they're just too pretty and you don't want them getting marked up?
Many ... particularly the Crystal Caste Dwarven Stones (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CRYSTAL_CASTE.html#STONES)


what piece in your collection holds the most sentimental value?
The second pair from the right (http://www.dicecollector.com/D6_36.jpg) mean a lot to me

These dice were mine from the beginning ... but were often borrowed by a college buddy Hey Fant Sparks ... who could work magic with these dice ... I had never seen anyone before ... nor since who could roll so well

I also am fond of my original set of gaming dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_my_first_dice.jpg)


are there any dice you would object to collecting (morally/personally etc)?
I don't like collectible dice games as the dice are so hard to identify

I may object to the indicia of some dice (on moral grounds) ... but I do not refrain from collecting them ... as I am doing this for posterity (as well as for my own pleasure)

Cicciograna
2008-12-21, 07:05 AM
Hi there! Congrats for your really impressive collection. Dice fascinate me: I'm charmed by their rolling, the aura of mystery that surround them (and I'm sure that you, who own many divination dice, are well aware of the historical background of the "divinating alea"), their final outcome being the result of the unique conditions of the universe at the time of the roll (the shaking of the hand, the local elastic coefficient of the surface they roll on, the density of the air...) (which, in turn seems to somewhat lessen their capability of giving "random" results, as knowing EVERY variable in the universe that could affect the result would give the ability to foresee the outcome - but this is a task that only God can perform...); so your collection fascinates me!
I have a question regarding d4s (I hope noboy asked you earlier!): I noticed that tetrahedrical d4s come in two flavours, those with numbers on the base of their faces (http://www.dicecollector.com/D4_CLEAR_ROUNDED_SOLID_3.jpg), and those with it on the vertex (http://www.dicecollector.com/D4_CLEAR_ROUNDED_SOLID_CHESSEX_01.jpg). Is this difference in style a "time-based" one (I mean, dice manufacturers began making d4s in one way, then permanently switched to the other due to readability issues or the sort)? If the question is "no", do usually manufacturers choose one style or sell both styles? Are there games which traditionally use one flavour or the other (for example, the sets for a particular game ONLY used vertex-numbered ones)? And finally (the old banal question!) which of the two flavours do you prefer? Personally, I prefer the vertex-numbered ones (for no particular reason: I just like them more)...

Thanks for your answers.

Kevin_Cook
2008-12-21, 07:52 AM
Hi there! Congrats for your really impressive collection.
Thanks


I have a question regarding d4s (I hope noboy asked you earlier!): I noticed that tetrahedrical d4s come in two flavours, those with numbers on the base of their faces (http://www.dicecollector.com/D4_CLEAR_ROUNDED_SOLID_3.jpg), and those with it on the vertex (http://www.dicecollector.com/D4_CLEAR_ROUNDED_SOLID_CHESSEX_01.jpg). Is this difference in style a "time-based" one (I mean, dice manufacturers began making d4s in one way, then permanently switched to the other due to readability issues or the sort)? If the question is "no", do usually manufacturers choose one style or sell both styles?
Chessex was the company that developed the Vertex / Point numbering and seem to be the only major manufacturer / distributor that continues using this practice ... Q-Workshop (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_Q_WORKSHOP.html) ... Crystal Caste (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_CRYSTAL_CASTE.html) ... GameScience (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_GAMESCIENCE.html) ... Koplow (http://www.dicecollector.com/THE_DICE_THEME_KOPLOW.html) ... all still use the old 'base' numbering for their current dice


Are there games which traditionally use one flavour or the other (for example, the sets for a particular game ONLY used vertex-numbered ones)?
I know of none that rely upon a specific configuration


And finally (the old banal question!) which of the two flavours do you prefer? Personally, I prefer the vertex-numbered ones (for no particular reason: I just like them more)...

Actually I dont prefer one over another ... I find them both easily readable

woodenbandman
2008-12-21, 10:05 AM
Do you have my favorite d20? It's a black die with red numbers, 3/4 of an inch in each dimension, and I suspect it's a chessex from a few years ago.

By the way awesome dice, I wish I had 2" metal dice.

Kevin_Cook
2008-12-21, 11:07 AM
Do you have my favorite d20? It's a black die with red numbers, 3/4 of an inch in each dimension, and I suspect it's a chessex from a few years ago.
I believe I do ... is THIS (http://www.dicecollector.com/D20_OPAQUE_ROUNDED_SOLID_CHESSEX_02.jpg) it? (bottom row second from right)

Evil DM Mark3
2008-12-21, 11:12 AM
If these have been asked I apologise.

Is there a rule governing that numbers go next/opposite other numbers on dice?

How do the world record types check your collection? Surely avoiding duplicates is hard if you have hundreds of a type of dice.

Was there a previous title holder or are you the first person to have held the title?

Do you only collect number dice or also those ones with words or symbols (such as some Pizza topping dice a friend has for when he does not know what to have or the scatter dice used in Warhammer) What about trick/joke/loaded dice?

(Slightly morbid) What will happen to the collection on your death?

How accurate is this video as far as you know (parts 1 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bR2fxoNHIuU) and 2 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PxmkWrDbn34&feature=related))? I have heard differing opinions.

Kevin_Cook
2008-12-21, 11:42 AM
If these have been asked I apologise.
No worries


Is there a rule governing that numbers go next/opposite other numbers on dice?
No real rule ... but tradition has been that opposing sides add to N+1 where N = the number of sides on the die


How do the world record types check your collection? Surely avoiding duplicates is hard if you have hundreds of a type of dice.
Guinness requires that each record holder have witnesses ... who validate your record ... they also require either video or photo records of the collection as well as some sort of accounting method so that they can see the records for the collection


Was there a previous title holder or are you the first person to have held the title?
I was the first person to set this record


Do you only collect number dice or also those ones with words or symbols (such as some Pizza topping dice a friend has for when he does not know what to have or the scatter dice used in Warhammer) What about trick/joke/loaded dice?
I collect any kind of non attached randomizer (ie not attached spinners ... like in the game of LIFE)


(Slightly morbid) What will happen to the collection on your death?
That is still a work in progress


How accurate is this video as far as you know (parts 1 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bR2fxoNHIuU) and 2 (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=PxmkWrDbn34&feature=related))? I have heard differing opinions.
I was 'behind the camera' while that was filiming ... if Lou had said something that I felt was inacurate ... I would have said something

Dogmantra
2008-12-21, 12:23 PM
This was brought up in another thread, and now I'm curious: Do you have any d10s with a 10 instead of a 0?

Evil DM Mark3
2008-12-21, 02:47 PM
Another question, what is the weirdest dice you own?

RTGoodman
2008-12-21, 03:09 PM
I also am fond of my original set of gaming dice (http://www.dicecollector.com/diceinfo_my_first_dice.jpg)

Hey, do you know anything specific about that d4? Like, how old it is or who made or or whatever? Because, unless I'm mistaken, I have that EXACT die same color, same "font," same flat corners instead of points, etc.), and it's my favorite d4. The weight, the composition, and all that just seem perfect.

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about it because I bought it one night at a gaming store while we were playing there and I didn't have a d4 on me. I'd love to know more about it if you could tell me.