The Complete Handbook of Dice Sets & Games

It's a solid reference and I've used it to verify a few suppliers' claims. The chapter on specifications is the most useful part. But I was hoping for more depth on the actual manufacturing process and how to specifically inspect for the subtle defects that can appear in high-volume AC casting. It mentions them, but doesn't show you what to look for in a way that's immediately actionable without prior experience. It's a good book to have on the shelf, but I expected a bit more from the 'complete' title.

I'm a game designer and I've been getting by on guesswork and forum advice for years. This handbook gave me the actual vocabulary to talk to my manufacturer. I finally understand why my prototypes felt slightly off and how to specify a level of balance that matters for the game I'm designing. The glossary alone is worth it. I knocked off a star because I wish there were a few more real-world photos of the inspection processes described.

Bought this for our event company because we supply custom dice for a big annual convention. The chapter on choosing the right dice for your specific situation was exactly what I needed, and it directly helped me decide between a cheaper bulk order and a better long-term supplier agreement. The maintenance schedule is straightforward and not preachy. It's written like a manual, not a blog post. I've actually referenced it in meetings with my purchasing team.

It covers the basics well enough, but as a long-time collector with a fairly deep knowledge, I found a lot of it to be entry-level material. The business opportunities chapter felt a bit generic and wasn't as niche as I'd have hoped. The one thing I was really looking for was a serious discussion on the vintage dice market, which gets about a paragraph. It's a decent general reference, but if you already know your stuff, you'll likely skim a lot of the early chapters.

Finally, a book that actually explains the legal distinctions between casino-grade and retail dice without getting bogged down in jargon. The standards are laid out clearly, and the sections on verification are practical. I run a professional gaming club and the procedures here have already improved how we acquire and inspect our equipment. The prose is dry, which is a compliment here—it's no-nonsense and gets to the point. It's earned its spot on my reference shelf.