It is played on a number of predefined 2D maps containing 22 to 43 territories.

The goal of the game is to control every territory on the map or to be the last player that has not surrendered or been eliminated from the gameplay. At the start of a game, territories are randomly divided among the players, and a random number of dice (representing armies) are stacked on each territory.

A player is then randomly selected to go first. Players take turns to attack and hold neighboring territories. In order to alleviate concerns that starting last (7th) in the first round is a disadvantage, the 6th and 7th players to play receive a one die bonus.

Both players receive an extra die in their dice distributions, increasing the probability that their territories will survive attacks for the first round of play.