8 Dice Rituals and Superstitions That Shape Tabletop Gaming

If you’ve ever seen someone blow on their D20 before a big roll or guard their dice like a dragon hoarding treasure, you’ve witnessed the magic of dice rituals in action.

In the world of tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons, dice are more than just tools for generating numbers. They carry personality, history, and sometimes, just a little superstition. Whether you're a seasoned Game Master or a new player rolling up your first rogue, you’ve probably encountered at least one of these quirky dice rituals at the table.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular dice traditions and superstitions players follow, and maybe pick up a few new ones for your next session.

1. The Lucky Charm Companion

Some players don’t roll alone. A tiny charm, a trinket from a convention, or even a particular drink placed next to the dice tray becomes part of the ritual. These lucky items are believed to bring fortune, or at least offer moral support when the dice aren’t cooperating.

Whether it’s a stuffed mascot, a metal coin, or a token with sentimental value, the idea is simple: the charm helps, even if only in spirit.

And sometimes, upgrading your dice to something special becomes its own lucky charm. Many players find gemstone dice or handmade resin dice add that perfect “magical” feeling, giving each roll a bit more personality.

2. Blessing the Dice

Before a big boss battle or important skill check, many players take a moment to “bless” their dice. This can be a silent wish, a whispered chant, or just a confident tap on the table. Some players even press their dice to their foreheads or whisper to them.

Is it superstition? Sure. But it’s also a great way to build tension and roleplay the weight of the moment.

It’s hard not to feel more invested when you bless your favorite polyhedral dice set before rolling that clutch saving throw. Players often use a particular D20 reserved for critical hits, sometimes even buying a premium DND dice set specifically for those important rolls.

3. Charging Under the Moon (or Desk Lamp)

“Charging” your dice involves placing them somewhere special to absorb good energy. Some swear by leaving them in moonlight or next to crystals. Others simply set them on their character sheet between sessions to bond with the vibe.

Whether it's a full moon or a sunny windowsill, dice charging is all about resetting your luck and building intention before the next game night.

If you’ve ever displayed your gemstone dice on a shelf or kept your handmade dice in a velvet bag under the stars, you’ve already practiced this ritual without realizing it.

4. Warm-Up Rolls

Just like stretching before a workout, some players roll their dice a few times before the session starts. These “warm-up rolls” help shake off bad vibes and prep the dice for action.

It’s also a low-pressure way to calm nerves and get into the game’s rhythm, especially if your last session ended with three natural 1s in a row.

Many groups even have fun comparing warm-up rolls, seeing if their dice are “behaving” that night. Whether you use a set of sleek metal dice or a handmade resin dice set, warming them up is a comforting way to start the game.

5. The Lucky Roller

Every group seems to have that one player who always rolls high. Whether it’s skill or sorcery, they become the designated “lucky roller” in key moments.

Passing the dice to them might be a joke, or it might be deadly serious. Either way, their reputation at the table turns into a communal ritual of its own.

If you’re the lucky roller in your group, you probably already have a favorite D20 or gemstone dice set that everyone swears carries the luck.

6. The Reverse Jinx

No one likes to jinx a good roll, so players often hedge their bets by talking down their chances. Phrases like “I’m probably going to fail this” or “Watch me roll a one” are part of a reverse jinx ritual designed to trick the dice into coming up big.

Does it work? Who knows. But there’s something satisfying about defying your own expectations with a surprise natural 20.

Some players even buy “jinx dice” specifically for this ritual. A flashy set of polyhedral dice becomes the one they use when they’re pretending to expect failure, only to land the perfect hit.

7. Dice Retirement Ceremonies

Sometimes, a die just isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe it rolled too many ones, or maybe it botched a life-or-death moment. When that happens, it's time for a retirement.

Players might bury the die in their dice bag, store it in “dice jail,” or give it one last roll before letting it rest. Some even hold tiny ceremonies to mark the moment, complete with dramatic speeches or eulogies. It’s all in good fun, and a great excuse to buy more dice.

This is when many players start browsing new DND dice sets. After all, retiring a cursed die is the perfect opportunity to pick up a beautiful new set of gemstone dice or a fresh handmade dice set.

8. Hands Off: The No-Touch Rule

Ask any long-time player, and they’ll likely tell you one thing: don’t touch someone else’s dice without asking. It's a widely respected rule, even among casual groups.

Whether it’s to avoid bad luck or just maintain a sense of personal space, the “no-touch” rule is a form of tabletop etiquette. Some players believe that the energy or aura of others can affect their dice’s performance, so best to keep your hands to yourself.

This rule is especially true for collectors. If someone has invested in gemstone dice, metal dice, or custom handmade polyhedral dice, it’s only polite to admire without touching unless invited.

Why These Dice Rituals Matter

At first glance, these practices might seem silly or overly sentimental. But dice rituals are more than superstition. They’re part of what makes tabletop games feel personal and immersive.

Rolling dice is a tactile, emotional moment. It’s a physical action with story-driven weight. When a player adds a ritual, whether it’s a chant, a charm, or a dice retirement speech—they’re investing in the drama of the game. They’re helping create atmosphere, tension, and connection.

And that’s what roleplaying is all about.

Create Your Own Dice Ritual

You don’t have to follow anyone else’s traditions to get in on the fun. Build your own!

Try:

• Naming your dice sets after characters
• Using specific dice for specific spells (like “Fireball Dice”)
• Creating a tiny dice shrine or display shelf
• Writing a dice “will” to pass on your luck to a new player

Whatever feels right for your table and your playstyle is fair game. Dice rituals are as much about fun as they are about folklore.

Pairing your rituals with special dice makes them even more meaningful. If you use gemstone dice for healing spells, metal dice for combat, and handmade resin dice for roleplay moments, your rituals start to reflect the style of your character and your story.

Final Thoughts: A Little Luck, A Lot of Heart

At the end of the day, your dice rituals are yours. Whether you’re a firm believer in moon-charged rolls or you just like the drama of talking to your D20, the ritual is part of the experience.

So go ahead, tap the table, warm up your dnd dice, give your lucky roller the nod. Embrace the charm, the ceremony, and the chaos. After all, the next roll might change everything.

What’s Your Dice Ritual?

Do you keep a lucky die hidden in your dice bag? Have you ever retired a die with a full ceremony? Do your friends avoid rolling your D20 like it’s cursed?

And if you're ready to build your next ritual with a new set of magical dice, check out the collection at Runic Dice. Who knows. your next lucky set might be waiting.

May your rolls be high and your dice be kind.