Are Attack Rolls Checks 2e

Caroline Mae

2 min read

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06-01-2025

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The question of whether attack rolls are considered "checks" in Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition (2e) is nuanced. While not explicitly labeled as "checks" in the core rulebooks like other skill-based actions, attack rolls share fundamental similarities. Understanding this requires examining the mechanics of both attack rolls and checks within the 2e system.

Understanding 2e's Mechanics

2e differentiates between actions primarily through their underlying mechanics. Checks, typically associated with skills like Thievery or Spotting, involve a roll against a Difficulty Class (DC) determined by the situation. Success or failure depends on whether the roll meets or exceeds the DC.

Attack rolls, while seemingly distinct due to their focus on combat, operate on a similar principle. The attacker's THAC0 (To Hit Armor Class 0) is essentially an inverted DC. The defender's Armor Class (AC) serves as the target number, similar to a DC in a skill check. A successful attack roll implies the attacker's THAC0 is "better" than the defender's AC, thereby exceeding the implicit target number.

The Argument for Attack Rolls as Checks

The crucial similarity lies in the core mechanic: a roll against a target number. Both attack rolls and checks utilize the d20 system, applying modifiers based on ability scores, bonuses from equipment, and situational factors. The outcome, success or failure, directly influences the game's progression. Therefore, one could argue that attack rolls, in their functional mechanics, are a form of check specifically designed for combat scenarios.

The Argument Against Attack Rolls as Checks

Conversely, the core rulebooks don't explicitly categorize attack rolls as checks. They are presented as a separate, combat-specific mechanic. This distinct presentation, although functionally similar to checks, creates a terminological difference. The labeling, while arbitrary, suggests a conceptual distinction intended by the game designers.

Conclusion: A Matter of Interpretation

Ultimately, whether you consider attack rolls to be checks in 2e is a matter of interpretation. Functionally, they share a similar core mechanic: a die roll against a target number, influenced by modifiers. However, the game's terminology and presentation distinguish them as separate mechanisms. The semantic difference does not affect the game's mechanics; it simply highlights a divergence in how the designers chose to categorize these actions. In practice, understanding the underlying mechanics – how THAC0 and AC interact – remains far more important than semantic classifications.