Author: David Noah

David Noah is a board game rules specialist and content creator who writes clear, dispute‑free guides for modern tabletop games. On this site, he focuses on answering the exact rules questions players argue about at the table, using official rulebooks, expansions, and tournament rulings as his primary sources. His goal is to turn confusing edge cases into simple, step‑by‑step explanations so you can spend less time debating and more time playing.

Board Games Card Play Rules

Skip-Bo Wild Card Building Pile Official Rules

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Skip-Bo Wild Card Building Pile Official Rules

Many players are unsure whether SKIP-BO cards can only start a pile or if they can also be used to fill gaps within a sequence.

According to the Mattel Official Rulebook, SKIP-BO cards are wild and can be used to start a BUILDING pile or be played as any other number within a sequence.

Skip-Bo Official Rules [edition not specified]

Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook text regarding card pile mechanics. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 confusion regarding the utility of wild cards in Skip-Bo piles.

Key Insight: Think of the SKIP-BO card as a joker that can transform into any number you need to keep your sequence moving.

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Skip-Bo.

Official Rule Breakdown

The SKIP-BO cards function as wild cards within the game's mechanics. According to the official rules, a BUILDING pile can be started using either a number 1 card or a SKIP-BO card. Once a pile is established, the SKIP-BO card can also be played as any other number in the numerical sequence from 1 through 12. These piles are built up in sequential order, and once a pile reaches 12 cards, it is removed from play.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Use a number 1 card or a SKIP-BO card to start a new BUILDING pile in the center area.
Step 2: Continue the sequence by playing cards in numerical order (e.g., 2, 3, 4…).
Step 3: Use a SKIP-BO card as any number to fill a gap in the sequence or continue the build.
Step 4: Complete the pile by reaching the number 12, then remove it to start a new one.

Example Play Situation

Alice has a BUILDING pile currently at number 4. She draws a SKIP-BO card and uses it to represent the number 5 to continue her sequence. Bob then plays a number 6 from his hand onto the same pile.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking SKIP-BO cards can only be used to start a pile
Believing SKIP-BO cards have no numerical value
Assuming you can only build piles with standard number cards

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Use a SKIP-BO card to start a new BUILDING pile	Start a BUILDING pile with any number other than 1 or a SKIP-BO card
Play a SKIP-BO card as any number in a sequence	Build a pile out of numerical sequence
Build piles numerically from 1 to 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for SKIP-BO cards in building piles?: They are wild cards that can start a pile or act as any number from 1 to 12.
Can I use a SKIP-BO card to represent a 7 in a pile?: Yes, they can be played as any other number in the sequence.
How do I start a new building pile?: You must play either a number 1 card or a SKIP-BO card.
What happens if I don't have a 1 to start a pile?: You can use a SKIP-BO card instead to initiate the building process.

Tags building-piles, official-rules, skip-bo, wild-card

Board Games Card Play Rules

Skip-Bo Official Rules: Running Out of Stock Pile Cards

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Skip-Bo Official Rules: Running Out of Stock Pile Cards

Many players mistakenly believe the game ends immediately when a single player's stock pile is empty, but the rules account for different play modes.

According to the Mattel Official Rulebook, the game ends when the STOCK piles of a partnership are finished in partnership play, or when a single player uses up all cards in their STOCK pile.

Skip-Bo Official Rulebook, [edition not specified]

Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook text regarding partnership play and STOCK pile completion. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 confusion regarding game end triggers in Skip-Bo.

Key Insight: To avoid arguments, clarify before the first deal if you are playing individual or partnership mode.

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Skip-Bo.

Official Rule Breakdown

In standard play, the objective is to be the first player to play all the cards from your individual STOCK pile. However, in partnership play, the rules specify that the game is over when both STOCK piles of one of the partnerships are finished. During these turns, both partners can continue to play from their remaining DISCARD or STOCK piles even if one of the STOCK piles is finished (Skip-Bo Official Rulebook, [page not specified]).

Example Play Situation

Alice and Bob are playing in a partnership. Alice finishes her STOCK pile, but Bob still has three cards left. Because they are a partnership, they continue their turn, allowing Bob to play his remaining cards from his DISCARD or STOCK piles to complete the partnership's goal.

Common Misconceptions

The game ends the moment any player's stock pile is empty
Partners stop playing if one partner runs out of cards
You cannot use discard piles once your stock pile is empty

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Continue playing from DISCARD piles in partnership mode	Stop the game if only one partner in a team is finished
Use SKIP-BO cards as wild cards to build piles	Forget to draw cards to bring your hand back to 5
Draw 5 cards to start your turn

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for running out of stock pile cards in Skip-Bo?: The game ends when the STOCK piles of a partnership are finished, or when a single player empties theirs.
Can I still play cards if my partner's stock pile is already empty?: Yes, both partners can continue playing from their remaining DISCARD or STOCK piles.
Does the game end immediately when one person has no cards left?: No, if playing in partnerships, the game ends when both partners' piles are finished.
What happens if I am playing the short version with 10 cards?: All other rules remain the same, including how the game ends.

Tags official-rules, rules-clarification, skip-bo, stock-pile

Board Games Card Play Rules

Skip-Bo Official Rules: Starting Building Piles with Wilds

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Skip-Bo Official Rules: Starting Building Piles with Wilds

Many players mistakenly believe that only a number 1 card can initiate a new pile, overlooking the utility of the wild cards.

Yes, according to the Mattel Official Rulebook, a SKIP-BO card can be used to start a building pile.

Skip-Bo Official Rulebook, [edition not specified]

Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook text regarding building pile initiation and wild card functionality. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 dispute regarding wild card usage in Skip-Bo building piles.

Key Insight: To avoid arguments, confirm that SKIP-BO cards are officially designated as both starters and substitutes before the first deal.

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Skip-Bo.

Official Rule Breakdown

Regarding the ability to start a building pile with a wild card, the official rules state that only a 1 or a SKIP-BO card can start a BUILDING pile. Because SKIP-BO cards are wild, they possess the unique ability to start a building pile and can also be played as any other number during the sequential build from 1 through 12. Once a pile reaches 12 cards, it is removed and a new one begins. (Source: Skip-Bo Official Rulebook, [page not specified]).

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify a SKIP-BO card in your hand or the top card of your STOCK pile.
Step 2: Place the SKIP-BO card into the center play area to initiate a new BUILDING pile.
Step 3: Continue the pile by playing subsequent cards in numerical sequence (e.g., 2, 3, 4…) from your STOCK pile, DISCARD pile, or hand.

Example Play Situation

Alice has a SKIP-BO card in her hand. She places it in the center to start a new BUILDING pile. On her next turn, Bob plays a number 2 from his STOCK pile onto Alice's pile to continue the sequence.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking only the number 1 card can start a pile
Believing wild cards can only be used as numbers and not as starters
Assuming building piles must be started by a specific player

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Use a SKIP-BO card to start a building pile	Start a building pile with any number other than 1 or a SKIP-BO card
Use a number 1 card to start a building pile	Build piles out of numerical sequence
Play SKIP-BO cards as any other number

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for starting a building pile in Skip-Bo?: You must use either a number 1 card or a SKIP-BO wild card to begin a pile.
Can I use a SKIP-BO card to start a pile?: Yes, SKIP-BO cards are wild and can be used to start a building pile.
Is it allowed to play a wild card as a number later in the sequence?: Yes, SKIP-BO cards can be played as any other number in the 1-12 sequence.
What happens if I don't have a 1 or a wild card?: You cannot start a new building pile until you acquire a 1 or a SKIP-BO card.

Tags official-rules, rules-dispute, skip-bo, wild-cards

Board Games Word Games

Scrabble Official Rules: How to Challenge Invalid Words

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Scrabble Official Rules: How to Challenge Invalid Words

Many players mistakenly believe they can use a dictionary during their turn to find words, but the official rules restrict dictionary use specifically to the challenge phase.

According to the Scrabble Official Rulebook, a word may be challenged by another player by checking a previously agreed upon dictionary.

Scrabble Official Rules [edition not specified]

Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official rulebook text from provided evidence chunks. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 source of disputes regarding dictionary usage and word challenges.

Key Insight: To avoid arguments, establish the specific dictionary to be used before the first tile is drawn.

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Scrabble.

Official Rule Breakdown

To challenge a word in Scrabble, a player must act after a word has been played but before the score is added and the next player begins their turn. At this specific point, the challenger may consult a dictionary to check spelling or usage. If the challenged word is found to be unacceptable according to the agreed dictionary, the player who played the word must take back their tiles and loses their turn. Note that a dictionary or word guide may not be used during a player's regular turn to search for words to fit the tiles on their rack.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: A player plays a word and places tiles on the board.
Step 2: Before the score is added and the next player's turn begins, another player declares a challenge.
Step 3: The challenger consults the previously agreed-upon dictionary to verify the word.
Step 4: If the word is invalid, the player who played it removes the tiles and loses their turn.

Example Play Situation

Alice plays the word 'ZAX' on the board. Before Bob can start his turn, Charlie challenges the word. Charlie looks up 'ZAX' in the agreed dictionary and finds it is not listed. Alice must remove her tiles from the board and her turn is forfeited.

Common Misconceptions

Using a dictionary to find words for your own rack
Challenging a word after the next player has already started their turn
Challenging a word after the score has already been added

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Agree on a dictionary before the game starts	Use a dictionary to help find words for your rack
Challenge a word before the next player's turn	Move tiles that have already been placed unless challenged
Remove tiles if a word is successfully challenged	Challenge a word after the score has been recorded

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for challenging words in Scrabble?: Challenge a word using an agreed dictionary before the next player's turn starts.
Can I use a dictionary to help me find words for my rack?: No, dictionaries may only be used during a challenge, not to find words for your turn.
What happens if I challenge a word and it is actually valid?: The rules specify the penalty for an invalid word; if valid, the word remains and the score is added.
Is it allowed to challenge a word after the next player has moved?: No, the challenge must occur before the next player starts their turn.

Tags challenging_words, official-rules, rules_clarification, scrabble

Board Games Word Games

Scrabble Official Rules: Word Challenge and Penalty Guide

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Scrabble Official Rules: Word Challenge and Penalty Guide

Many players mistakenly believe that challenging a word results in a simple point deduction, but the official penalty is more significant.

According to the Mattel Official Rulebook, if a word is successfully challenged, the player must remove those tiles and loses their turn.

Scrabble Official Rules [edition not specified]

Expertise: Board game rules expert. | Verification: Cross-referenced official Scrabble rulebook text. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 confusion regarding word challenge penalties from player forums.

Key Insight: To avoid arguments, establish a single agreed-upon dictionary before play starts.

These rules correspond to the US edition of Scrabble.

Official Rule Breakdown

According to the Scrabble rules, a word may be challenged by another player by checking a previously agreed upon dictionary. If the word challenged is found to be unacceptable, the player who played it must remove those tiles from the board and loses their turn. Note that a dictionary or word guide may not be used while a game is in progress to search for words to fit the tiles on your rack; consultation is only permitted during a challenge.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: A player plays a word on the board.
Step 2: Another player identifies the word as invalid and issues a challenge.
Step 3: The players consult the agreed-upon dictionary to verify the word.
Step 4: If the word is invalid, the player who played it removes the tiles and loses their turn.

Example Play Situation

Alice plays the word 'ZAX' on a premium square. Bob challenges the word using the agreed dictionary. Since 'ZAX' is not in the dictionary, Alice must remove the tiles from the board and her turn ends immediately.

Common Misconceptions

Challenging a word results in a point deduction only
Players can use a dictionary during their own turn to find words
The player who challenges loses their turn if they are wrong

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Agree on a dictionary before the game starts	Do not use a dictionary to search for words during your turn
Use the dictionary only when a challenge is issued	Do not move tiles unless a word is successfully challenged

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for challenging words in Scrabble?: The player must remove the tiles and lose their turn if the word is invalid.
Can I use a dictionary to help me find words during my turn?: No, dictionaries may only be used to check a word during a challenge.
What happens if I challenge a word and I am wrong?: The rules specify the penalty for the player whose word is found unacceptable.
Do I have to remove my tiles if my word is challenged?: Yes, if the word is unacceptable, you must remove those tiles and lose your turn.

Tags official-rules, rules_clarification, scrabble, word_challenge

Board Games Strategy Games

Risk Official Rules: How to Roll Three Dice Correctly

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Risk Official Rules: How to Roll Three Dice Correctly

Many players mistakenly believe they can roll three dice regardless of their army count, but the official rules require a specific army surplus.

According to the Hasbro Gaming Official Rulebook, an attacker may roll up to three dice provided they meet the army requirement.

Risk Official Rules 2022, [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the US edition of Risk.

Official Rule Breakdown

To roll three dice, the attacker must have at least one more army in their territory than the number of dice they roll. Specifically, if a player has four or more armies on the territory, they may choose to throw one, two, or three dice. Under no circumstances may a player throw more than three dice during an attack. The defender may roll one or two dice if they have two or more armies, or only one die if they have only one army present.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Identify an adjacent territory owned by an opponent to attack.
Step 2: Ensure you have at least one more army on your territory than the number of dice you intend to roll.
Step 3: Announce the number of dice you intend to roll (up to 3).
Step 4: Roll the red dice simultaneously with the defender's white dice.
Step 5: Compare the highest dice to determine losses.

Example Play Situation

Alice has four armies in North Africa and decides to attack Bob in Brazil. Alice announces she is rolling three dice, which is legal because she has one more army than the dice count. Bob rolls two white dice because he has at least two armies in Brazil.

Common Misconceptions

Rolling three dice with only three armies
Rolling more than three dice in a single attack
Rolling three dice when defending a territory

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Roll up to three dice if you have four or more armies	Do not roll more than three dice
Announce dice count before rolling	Do not roll three dice if you only have three armies
Roll dice simultaneously with the defender

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for rolling three dice in Risk?: You may roll three dice if you have at least four armies on your territory.
How many dice can an attacker roll at once?: An attacker can roll a maximum of three dice.
Can I roll three dice if I only have three armies?: No, you must have at least one more army than the number of dice you roll.
Is there a limit to the number of dice an attacker can use?: Yes, the attacker is strictly limited to a maximum of three dice.

Tags attacking, official-rules, risk, rules_clarification

Board Games Strategy Games

Risk Elimination Rules: Official Rules for Player Removal

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Risk Elimination Rules: Official Rules for Player Removal

Many players mistakenly believe they only gain the territories of an eliminated opponent, but the official rules grant additional card rewards.

According to the Parker Brothers Official Rulebook, when you eliminate an opponent, you receive all the cards they currently hold.

Risk Rules 2022, Elimination of Opponents

These rules correspond to the US edition of Risk.

Official Rule Breakdown

When a player is able to take the last remaining piece of an opponent on their turn, they are awarded all cards that the eliminated opponent had in their possession (Risk Rules 2022, Elimination of Opponents). Following this acquisition, the player may combine these new cards with their existing hand. If the combined total allows for the creation of one or more sets, the player may turn them in immediately during that same turn to collect additional armies. This is only possible if the total number of cards held by the attacker and the eliminated player combined equals six or more sets.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Capture the last remaining army/territory of an opponent.
Step 2: Collect all Risk cards currently held by that eliminated player.
Step 3: Combine the collected cards with your own current hand.
Step 4: Identify any complete sets (Infantry, Cavalry, or Artillery) within the combined total.
Step 5: Turn in those sets immediately to receive the corresponding army reinforcements.

Example Play Situation

Alice attacks Bob's last territory and eliminates his army. Alice takes all of Bob's Risk cards and adds them to her own. Since the combined cards allow her to form two complete sets, Alice turns them in immediately to receive extra armies for her next turn.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you only get the territories and not the cards
Waiting until your next turn to turn in the newly acquired cards
Believing you can only turn in sets if you had them before the elimination

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
You can combine eliminated cards with your own hand	You cannot turn in sets if the combined total is less than six cards
You can turn in sets immediately after an elimination	You cannot wait until a later turn to claim the eliminated player's cards
You can receive multiple army increases if you form multiple sets

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for eliminating a player in Risk?: You receive all cards held by the opponent you just eliminated.
Can I turn in cards from an eliminated player on the same turn?: Yes, if you can form sets using the combined cards, you may turn them in immediately.
Do I get the opponent's armies too?: No, you receive their cards, but the armies are removed from the board.
What happens if I collect cards but can't make a set?: You simply add those cards to your hand for future use.

Tags board-game-strategy, elimination, official-rules, risk, rules

Board Games Card Play Rules

Risk Official Rules: Progressive Card Trade Explained

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Risk Official Rules: Progressive Card Trade Explained

Many players mistakenly believe that the value of a card trade is fixed, whereas the actual rules implement a progressive system based on total sets traded.

According to the Risk Official Rulebook, card trading is a progressive mechanic where the number of armies received increases based on the total number of sets already traded in by all players.

Risk Official Rulebook, [edition not specified], [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the US edition of Risk.

Official Rule Breakdown

The progressive card trade mechanism allows players to trade in matched sets of cards at the beginning of subsequent turns to receive additional armies. The specific number of armies granted depends on the total number of sets anyone has traded in throughout the game. For example, the first set traded in is worth 4 armies. If 5 sets have been traded in so far, the next set will be worth 15 armies. Players can use the bottom edge of the game board to keep traded-in cards face down to track the value of the next available trade.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Collect a set of 3 cards (same design, three different designs, or two plus a wild card).
Step 2: Wait until the beginning of your next turn to trade them in.
Step 3: Check the total number of sets already traded in by all players to determine the current army value.
Step 4: Trade in the cards and receive the corresponding number of additional armies.

Example Play Situation

Alice has collected three Infantry cards. At the start of her turn, she notices that 4 sets have already been traded in by other players. She trades her set in and receives the progressive army value designated for the 5th set.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking every set is worth the same number of armies
Trading cards in during your movement phase instead of the start of your turn
Believing you can trade cards whenever you want without waiting for your turn

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
You can trade in sets at the beginning of your turn	You cannot trade in cards during your movement phase
You can use the game board edge to track trade values	You cannot ignore the progressive value established by previous trades
You can wait to trade in sets if you have 5 or 6 cards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for card trading in Risk?: You trade matched sets at the start of your turn for a progressive number of armies.
How many armies do I get for the first set traded in?: The very first set traded in by any player is worth 4 armies.
Do I have to trade in cards if I have 6 cards?: Yes, if you have 5 or 6 cards at the start of your turn, you must trade in at least one set.
How does the progressive value work?: The army reward increases based on the total number of sets everyone has traded in so far.

Tags card-trading, official-rules, progressive-armies, risk

Board Games Strategy Games

Risk Dice Tie Rules: Official Risk Board Game Rules

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Risk Dice Tie Rules: Official Risk Board Game Rules

Many players mistakenly believe that the attacker has the advantage in a tie, but the official mechanics favor the defender.

According to the Hasbro/Parker Brothers Official Rulebook, ties in dice rolls always go to the defender.

Risk Official Rules 2022, [page not specified]

These rules correspond to the US edition of Risk.

Official Rule Breakdown

When deciding a battle in Risk, players compare the highest die rolled by each side. If the attacker's die is higher, the defender loses one army; however, if the defender's die is higher or if the dice values are equal, the attacker loses an army. Specifically, the rules state that 'TIES ALWAYS GO TO THE DEFENDER.' If both players roll more than one die, the process is repeated by comparing the next highest dice. The attacker can never lose more armies on a single roll than the number of dice they rolled.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Both the attacker and defender announce the number of dice they intend to roll.
Step 2: Both players roll their dice simultaneously.
Step 3: Compare the highest die of the attacker against the highest die of the defender.
Step 4: If the attacker's die is higher, the defender removes one army from the territory.
Step 5: If the defender's die is higher or if the dice are equal (a tie), the attacker removes one army from their own territory.
Step 6: If both players rolled multiple dice, repeat the comparison using the next highest dice.

Example Play Situation

Alice attacks Bob in Brazil using three dice. Bob defends with two dice. Alice rolls a 6 and a 4, while Bob rolls a 6 and a 2. Because the highest dice are both 6, a tie occurs, and Alice must remove one of her armies from the territory she attacked from.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the attacker wins ties
Assuming the attacker can lose more armies than the dice they rolled
Believing the defender can use Risk cards to re-roll

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
Compare the highest dice first	Do not use a Risk card to re-roll when defending a territory
Repeat the process with the next highest dice if multiple dice were rolled	Do not remove more armies than the number of dice you rolled
Leave at least one army behind on the territory you attacked from

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for dice ties in Risk?: Ties always go to the defender, resulting in the attacker losing an army.
Who wins if the attacker and defender roll the same number?: The defender wins the tie, and the attacker must remove an army.
How do you resolve battles with multiple dice?: Compare the highest dice, then compare the next highest dice if both players rolled more than one.
Can an attacker lose more armies than they rolled?: No, the attacker can never lose more armies than the number of dice they rolled in that single roll.

Tags board game rules, dice-ties, official-rules, risk

Board Games Strategy Games

Risk Dice Rules: Attacker vs Defender Official Rules

Post author By David Noah
Post date April 22, 2026
No Comments on Risk Dice Rules: Attacker vs Defender Official Rules

Many players mistakenly believe that the attacker can win a battle by simply rolling a higher number, forgetting that ties and multiple dice comparisons are central to the mechanic.

According to the Risk Official Rulebook, the attacker compares their highest die against the defender's highest die, and ties always go to the defender.

Risk Official Rules 2022, [page not specified]

Expertise: Board game rules expert and technical writer. | Verification: Cross-referenced official 2022 rulebook and A3 edition manuals. | Purpose: Resolve the #1 source of combat confusion in Risk: tie-breaking and multi-die comparisons.

Key Insight: To avoid arguments, establish that the defender wins all ties before the first die is cast.

These rules correspond to the UK edition of Risk.

Official Rule Breakdown

To decide a battle, the attacker and defender compare their highest dice. If the attacker's die is higher, the defender removes one army from the territory under attack. If the defender's die is higher or if there is a tie, the attacker loses one army from the territory they are attacking from. If both players roll more than one die, the process is repeated by comparing the next-highest dice. At no time may a player lose more armies than the number of dice they roll, and the attacker can never lose more than two armies on a single roll.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: The attacker announces the number of dice they intend to roll and the target territory.
Step 2: The defender indicates the number of dice they will roll.
Step 3: Both players roll their dice simultaneously.
Step 4: Compare the highest die of the attacker against the highest die of the defender.
Step 5: If the attacker's die is higher, the defender loses one army; if the defender's die is higher or equal, the attacker loses one army.
Step 6: If both players rolled multiple dice, compare the second-highest dice and repeat the process.

Example Play Situation

Alice attacks Bob in Brazil. Alice rolls three dice (6, 4, 2) and Bob rolls two dice (5, 3). Alice's highest die (6) is higher than Bob's highest die (5), so Bob loses one army. They then compare their next-highest dice: Alice's 4 is higher than Bob's 3, so Bob loses a second army.

House Rules

[HOUSE RULE] Some experienced players use the 'Commanders' variant where, once per turn while attacking, a player may change one of their rolled dice to a '6'.

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the attacker wins on a tie
Believing the attacker can lose more than 2 armies in one roll
Assuming the defender can roll 3 dice

Quick Reference

You Can	You Cannot
You can attack any adjacent territory	You cannot roll more than three dice as an attacker
You can continue attacking as long as you have at least two armies on your territory	You cannot leave a territory unoccupied
You can use a Risk card to re-roll one die if you have the matching territory	You cannot use a Risk card to re-roll while defending

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official rule for attacking in Risk?: Compare highest dice; attacker wins if their die is higher, otherwise defender wins ties.
Can I roll three dice if I only have two armies?: No, you must have at least one more army than the number of dice you roll.
What happens if the attacker and defender roll the same number?: The defender wins the tie and the attacker must remove one army from their territory.
How many armies can I lose in a single roll?: You can never lose more than the number of dice you roll, with a maximum of 2 armies per roll.

Tags attacker-vs-defender, board game rules, dice-combat, official-rules, risk