Game pieces are physical representations of game mechanics and dynamics present in a game. In board games, these are the physical pieces that players interact with throughout the game. They often serve a variety of purposes, including: representing information; positions; and relationships in the game. It includes primary pieces, common pieces, identification pieces, randomization pieces, and measurement pieces. This article will focus on Probabilistic Board Game Pieces in board games.

What is Probabilistic Board Game Pieces?

Randomization pieces are used in games to provide random values; outcomes; or events. They are used in conjunction with other game mechanics and pieces to provide an atmosphere of external control that is beyond the grasp of the players. These elements are either used to provide some kind of random output or random input.
Dice and Spinner are both Probabilistic Board Game Pieces.

Dice: One of Probabilistic Board Game Pieces

Aside from playing cards, dice are one of the most ubiquitous randomization pieces in games. The standard D6 dice, with digits 1-6 represented by dots, is one of the most common icons in games. So much so that Perudo (Cheater’s Dice) is one of the many games played with just these dice. Dice come in many formats, configurations, and combinations. They are able to provide a wide variety of random inputs and outputs to players.

Spinner: One of Probabilistic Board Game Pieces

Spinners represent another form of randomization in games. Although spinners can provide more granular results than dice. They are also larger and more conspicuous than dice. The Game of Life is one of the most popular examples of spinners; although one of my favorite games, Montana, also recruits spinners by providing players with random types of workers.