Risk FAQ

How do I calculate the number of armies I draft?
Count the number of territories you have, and then add the number of cities. Divide this number by 3 (rounding up). Slept through math class? Here's a cheat sheet: if it's 0, 1, or 2, round it up to 3. Got it?

Ok, now pay attention. Add your bonus for holding continents and another for each Capitol you control.

Now turn in your cards with stars. You'll find the number of armies you get from your stars by checking out the chart on the board.

What is the minimum number of armies I can draft?
Even the worst player in the world who controls only a single territory is guaranteed three armies. So even you might have a chance.

Where can I place the armies I draft?
Anywhere. As long as you control the territory you can set up as many armies as you like.

If I eliminate an opponent, when do I receive his cards and Objectives?
When you thrash your enemy, you get his cards and Objectives immediately. If crushing your foe gives you three Objectives, you win the game. Sweet! If not, well, it's still your turn.

If I eliminate an opponent in the Command Room version of the game, what do I receive?
When you abolish an opponent in the Command Room version, the payback is the same as in the Boot Camp version. Too bad, you don't receive his Rewards, though.

How far can I move armies when I redeploy at the end of the turn?
You can shift any number of armies from one territory you have power over to any other single territory you command. Now read this carefully: you have to be able to map a connected chain of the territories you control (from the start territory to the end territory.) Don't worry, we'll simplify it just for you. It just means you have to be able to connect the two territories - and check it, you can walk on water if the chain crosses oceans, but only if there is a line connecting the territories on both sides. Powerful information, man.

When a player is eliminated, what happens to his Capitol?
Capitols are never eliminated, eradicated, or taken over by a government coup. Sorry. The Capitol remains on the board.

If I have earned three Objectives and control an opponent's Capitol but have lost my own Capitol, can I win the game?
Nope. Nice try though. You must control your own Capitol to win.

If I conquer more than one territory on a turn, how many cards do I receive?
Greedy little b, aren't you? I love it! But, sorry, you can only earn one card per turn.

Do I need a mix of Major and Minor Objectives to win?
Nah. You can mix it up. Any three Objectives will make you victorious over the other losers at the table.

If I lose the requirements for an Objective that I have earned must I return the Objective to the board?
If you earn an Objective you can't lose it (unless you do something stupid like get your butt kicked and get booted from the game).

How many armies can I use in attacking?
ALL OF THEM!!! Not really. You're allowed as many guys as you need as long as there is at least one army left behind. Unlike your opponents' brain, no space can ever be left empty. Gotta protect those borders. One army must remain behind and can't be used to attack.

How many times can I attack in one turn?
How many armies you got? That's how many times you can attack.

Can I attack the same territory more than once per turn?
Sure. As long as you share a border you can scare the crap out of your neighbors as many times as you like. In fact you can lull them into a false sense of security by wiping out someone else. Then, just when they have started their recovery efforts you can attack what's left of their pathetic territory. Again. This is a perfect time to unleash your maniacal laughter.

How many dice do I use when attacking or defending?
The number of dice the attacker and defender use is calculated separately for each battle. This may change during a battle so following each roll the players should recheck the proper number. Translation? Pay attention:

On the attack: Use one die to attack one army, two when attacking two armies and three when attacking three or more armies. Get it? The one and only time you can use more than three dice if you have the bonus attack die in the Command Room version.

Defense! Defense! Defense! Use one die when defending with one army and two dice when defending with two or more armies. Wait a second, the other guy gets three and you get two? Well, that sucks. But it's not all bad. You can use more than two dice if you have the bonus defense die in the Command Room version.

How is combat resolved?
After the roll of the dice, compare the highest die of the attacker with the highest die rolled by the defender. If the attacking die is higher than the defending die - condolences to the defender. And that's the only way the attacker can win. However, if the defending die is equal to or higher than the attacking die, defending army demolished. See the dudes on the defense win all ties. Then compare the next highest dice of the attacker and the defender, removing armies in the same way. If one player rolls more dice than the other, then these dice are not used.

When does combat end?
When everyone's dead. You're new at this world domination thing, aren't you? Honestly. Combat ends when all the defending armies have been removed from a territory, when the attacker has used up all his available armies or when the attacker decides to stop the humiliation.

How many armies must the attacker move into the defeated territory?
Well, let's see how many armies does it take to change the locks, forward the mail and set up cable? The attacker can move as many troops as he likes just as long as he moves as many armies as the number of dice he rolled in the attack.