Many players mistakenly assume that the special advantage of re-rolling dice applies to all combatants, including the defender.
According to the Hasbro Gaming Official Rulebook, the answer is no; you cannot use the re-roll advantage when defending.
Risk Official Rules 2022, [page not specified]
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Risk.
Official Rule Breakdown
Regarding whether a defender can use the two-dice rule or re-roll mechanics, the official rules specify that the 'Advantage when attacking' rule is strictly for the attacker. While an attacker may use a RISK card to re-roll any one die during a battle involving a territory shown on their card, the rules explicitly state: 'You may not use a RISK card in this manner when defending a territory.' Furthermore, the standard dice mechanic allows a defender to roll either 1 or 2 white dice, provided they have at least 2 armies on the territory under attack. This is a standard combat mechanic rather than a card-based advantage.
Step-by-Step
- Step 1: The attacker announces the territory they are attacking from and the target territory.
- Step 2: Both players announce the number of dice they intend to roll.
- Step 3: The attacker rolls 1, 2, or 3 red dice (must have at least one more army than dice rolled).
- Step 4: The defender rolls 1 or 2 white dice (must have at least 2 armies to roll 2 dice).
- Step 5: Compare the highest dice; if the attacker's is higher, the defender loses an army. If the defender's is higher, the attacker loses an army.
- Step 6: If both rolled more than one die, compare the next-highest dice and repeat the process.
Example Play Situation
Alice is attacking Bob's territory in North Africa. Alice rolls 3 red dice and Bob rolls 2 white dice. Alice rolls a 6 and a 4, while Bob rolls a 5 and a 2. Since Alice's highest die (6) is higher than Bob's highest die (5), Bob loses one army. However, Alice cannot use a RISK card to re-roll her dice because she is the attacker, and Bob cannot use such a card to defend.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking the 'Commander' rule (changing a die to a 6) can be used during defense.
- Assuming RISK cards can be used to re-roll dice when defending a territory.
- Believing a defender can roll 2 dice if they only have 1 army present.
Quick Reference
| You Can | You Cannot |
|---|---|
| Roll 1 or 2 dice if defending with 2 or more armies | Use a RISK card to re-roll dice while defending |
| Use a RISK card to re-roll one die when attacking | Roll more than 3 dice as an attacker |
| Compare highest dice to determine casualties | Roll 2 dice as a defender if you only have 1 army |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official rule for defending in Risk?
- Defenders roll 1 or 2 dice if they have at least 2 armies on the territory.
- Can I use a RISK card to re-roll my dice when I am defending?
- No, the rules state you cannot use a RISK card to re-roll dice when defending.
- How many dice can a defender roll?
- A defender can roll 1 or 2 dice, depending on how many armies they have.
- What happens if the attacker and defender roll the same number?
- In the case of a tie, the defender always wins the comparison.