3 Ways To Win At The Game Risk - WikiHow

Home » How To Win In Risk » 3 Ways To Win At The Game Risk - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Win at the Game Risk PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Our Family Plays Games

Last Updated: October 19, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Conquering and Keeping Territories
    • |
  • Dealing with Your Opponents
    • |
  • Improving Your Game
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Our Family Plays Games. Our Family Plays Games, LLC is a family-owned business based in Omaha, Nebraska. Launched in 2018, their mission is to promote growth and awareness of the modern board game hobby and bring more BIPOCs and families into the board game community. In June 2020 they were featured on Good Morning America and have since been featured on NBC News Online, Senet Magazine (UK), Ligadas.com (Brazil), a variety of YouTube programs, podcasts, and on local television. In January of 2022, they launched a second program on their channel, called OFPG Voices to highlight other underrepresented voices in the hobby. In addition, they make special appearances at board game conventions all around the country and work with board game publishers from around the world. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 452,836 times.

Risk is a fun, challenging game, but it can be difficult to win. If you are new to the game, then you may have an even harder time of winning the game. The first thing you should do is make sure that you are familiar with the rules of Risk. For basics of gameplay, see How to Play Risk. After you have mastered the basics, you can also improve your chances of winning by learning more about the strategies involved in Risk and getting lots of practice.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Conquering and Keeping Territories

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Conquer continents wisely. 1 Conquer continents wisely. While it is good to try to conquer continents early in the game, you should be careful about which continents you decide to conquer. There are advantages and disadvantages to each continent, but the main thing to consider is the isolation of a continent. More isolated continents may be easier to maintain, but they are also more difficult to expand from. Therefore, you should choose a continent that is in line with your strategy.[1]
    • For example, Australia is easy to conquer and maintain because of how isolated it is, but it is also hard to expand from Australia. Also, since it only gives you a bonus of 2 per turn, you may fall prey to more powerful plays later in the game. For these reasons, conquering Australia may offer you an advantage, but only if you feel capable of overcoming its disadvantage.
  2. Step 2 Pay attention to the army bonus that you get for each continent. 2 Pay attention to the army bonus that you get for each continent. Some continents are much more beneficial to hold than others because you will get a better army bonus each turn. Before you begin trying to conquer a continent, find out how many armies you will get as a bonus for holding that continent. For example, Europe gives you a bonus of 5 armies per turn for holding the continent, while Africa gives you a bonus of 3 armies per turn.[2]
    • Keep in mind that while Asia has the highest bonus of 7 per turn it also has 12 territories that need to be held, the highest number in the game.[3]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Attack with the right amount of armies. 3 Attack with the right amount of armies. Knowing how many armies to use in an attack on an opponent can be a big boost to your chances of winning. A good general rule in attacking an enemy territory is to use as many armies as you can to attack your opponent's territory. This will increase your chances of winning and overtaking the territory. Keep in mind that you will need to move these armies to an adjacent territory or a territory connected by a sea line before you begin your attack.[4]
    • For example, if an opponent has two armies on a territory that you want, then you should attack that territory with the maximum amount of armies you can attack with, three.
  4. Step 4 Determine how many armies to keep on each territory. 4 Determine how many armies to keep on each territory. In most cases, you will benefit from having most of your armies on your border territories. Concentrating your armies in this way helps to reduce the chances that you will have a weak spot and be overtaken by an opponent. The territories within your borders can have fewer armies, but try to avoid having a single weak spot that an opponent may try to target.[5]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Dealing with Your Opponents

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Count your opponents’ armies at the end of each turn. 1 Count your opponents’ armies at the end of each turn. It is a good idea to keep track of how many armies your opponents have by counting them after every turn. Doing so will help you to determine who is the weakest and who is the strongest player at all times.[6]
    • Try not to count out loud or let your opponents see you counting their armies or they may become suspicious of you.
  2. Step 2 Block opponent territories within your own territories. 2 Block opponent territories within your own territories. If you get the opportunity to surround an opponent’s territory with your territories, take it. Doing so will allow you to conquer that territory without fear of immediate retaliation. Blocking in an opponent’s territory will also prevent your other opponents from conquering a territory that you want.[7]
  3. Step 3 Nail neighboring contents to prevent them from becoming too powerful. 3 Nail neighboring contents to prevent them from becoming too powerful. If one of your opponents is becoming strong and/or is close to conquering an entire continent, then you may want to consider a nailing strategy to slow him or her down. Nailing is when you place a large force on an opponent’s continent to disrupt his or her strategy. Doing so will slow the opponent down and prevent him or her from advancing too quickly, allowing you to stop them.[8]
  4. Step 4 Form an alliance with a player of equivalent strength. 4 Form an alliance with a player of equivalent strength. Alliances are very helpful in Risk. When you form an alliance with a fellow player, you can team up against other stronger opponents and have more success in your conquests. Just keep in mind that you may have to fight against each other if you both survive to the end of the game, so the alliance is a temporary measure. If your ally has taken more territory than you, consider a surprise attack on their territory as a betrayal in hopes of taking their territory over. [9]
  5. Step 5 Try to earn your fellow players’ trust. 5 Try to earn your fellow players’ trust. If you are deceptive or dishonest, your fellow players may target you more often or be reluctant to negotiate with you. Therefore, it is in your best interest to be honest and try to earn your fellow players’ trust. Avoid lying or making and breaking promises, especially early on in the game.[10]
    • If you often play with the same people, keep in mind that they may remember past deceitful practices in future games that you play with them.
  6. Step 6 Negotiate with your opponents whenever possible. 6 Negotiate with your opponents whenever possible. If you and some other players are competing for a group of territories, then you may end up battling it out until one of you is out of the game. Instead of fighting with a neighboring player over land, try to negotiate with that player to reduce your chances of getting wiped out early in the game unless you are just too ruthless in Risk to want to negotiate.[11]
    • Try to make a treaty with another player. For example, if you have the majority of your armies on Africa and another player has the majority of his or her armies on South America, then you can agree to leave each other alone until you have both had a chance to expand your territories to the north.[12]
    EXPERT TIP Our Family Plays Games

    Our Family Plays Games

    Board Game Experts Our Family Plays Games, LLC is a family-owned business based in Omaha, Nebraska. Launched in 2018, their mission is to promote growth and awareness of the modern board game hobby and bring more BIPOCs and families into the board game community. In June 2020 they were featured on Good Morning America and have since been featured on NBC News Online, Senet Magazine (UK), Ligadas.com (Brazil), a variety of YouTube programs, podcasts, and on local television. In January of 2022, they launched a second program on their channel, called OFPG Voices to highlight other underrepresented voices in the hobby. In addition, they make special appearances at board game conventions all around the country and work with board game publishers from around the world. Our Family Plays Games Our Family Plays Games Board Game Experts

    Approach gameplay with a positive mindset. Board games are fun yet strategic. Even if you want to win, preserve the spirit of this wholesome pastime by offering encouragement and support to all gameplayers. Avoid being overly competitive. Cultivating a positive atmosphere will ensure that everyone has a good time.

    7. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Improving Your Game

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Make sure that you understand the rules. 1 Make sure that you understand the rules. If you are new to Risk, then gaining a thorough understanding of the rules may help you to play a better game. Understanding the rules may also help you to catch your opponents if they try to cheat or bend the rules in their favor. Read the rulebook carefully to make sure that you have a good understanding of how to play Risk.
  2. Step 2 Play often and with more experienced players. 2 Play often and with more experienced players. The more you play, the more you will be able to work on your game strategy, so play as often as you can. It is also a good idea to try to play with more experienced players who are willing to share their knowledge with you.
  3. Step 3 Use the three basic strategies described in the Risk rulebook. 3 Use the three basic strategies described in the Risk rulebook. The Risk rulebook offers three strategies for players that may help you when you are just getting familiar with the game. Try to use these strategies every time that you play the game and your game will improve. The three pieces of strategic advice given to players by the Risk rulebook include:[13]
    • Hold entire continents to earn bonus reinforcements. The more army reinforcements that you have, the more powerful you are. Therefore, you should try to get as main reinforcements as possible.
    • Watch your borders for enemy armies. If one of your opponent’s is going to attack you, he or she will probably start to gather forces along one of your borders. So send an equally or larger force to protect your territory.
    • Fortify your borders against enemy attack. Make sure that you place reinforcements along your borders to make it harder for enemies to penetrate your territory.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What are some games similar to Risk? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Axis and Allies, Diplomacy, Kemet, and Small World are all strategy board games similar to Risk. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 13
  • Question Is there a way to win at Risk every time? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Risk is a game that combines chance and skill, so while there’s no guarantee you can win every time, you can increase your odds significantly by using strategy to your advantage. For example, you’re more likely to win if you secure armies early on and make frequent preemptive attacks. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 33
  • Question Who has better odds in Risk, the attacker or the defender? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer In general, whoever rolls more dice has a higher chance of winning a battle. In the long run, attackers usually have the advantage as long as they have multiple armies. The larger the battle, the greater the advantage for the attacker. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 27
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Reader Videos

Tips

  • Try setting up a weekly Risk game night with some friends and/or family members to get lots of practice. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • A Risk set
  • Some people to play with you

You Might Also Like

Play RiskHow to Play Risk: Board Setup, Rules, Strategy, & More Catan StrategyHow to Win Catan: 13 Tips and Tricks Win at CheckersHow toWin at Checkers Win OthelloHow toWin Othello Win at MonopolyHow Do You Win Monopoly? A Complete Strategy Guide Ticket to Ride StrategyTicket to Ride Strategy: Player Guide & Top Tips to Beat the Game Play StrategoHow to Play Stratego: The Ultimate Guide Play Civilization VIHow toPlay Civilization VI Play Settlers of CatanHow toPlay Settlers of Catan Win at BackgammonHow toWin at Backgammon Play Games WellHow toPlay Games Well Win at BattleshipBest Moves & Strategies for Winning Battleship Play CheckersHow Do You Play Checkers? Setup, Rules & Winning Strategies Win at Chinese CheckersHow toWin at Chinese Checkers Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Tactics1DefinitionsContinentpriortities.aspx
  2. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-use-math-to-win-at-the-board-game-risk-2013-7
  3. ↑ https://risk.fandom.com/wiki/Risk_Board_Game#Territories
  4. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Tactics2Howmanyarmiestouse.aspx
  5. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Tactics3ConcentrationofArmies.aspx
  6. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Strategies1DefinitionBlockedPlayer.aspx
  7. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Strategies1DefinitionBlockedPlayer.aspx
  8. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Strategies2NailingandRecovering.aspx
  9. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Diplomacy1WhatisDiplomacy.aspx
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Diplomacy2TrustandNegotiations.aspx
  2. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Diplomacy2TrustandNegotiations.aspx
  3. ↑ https://www.totaldiplomacy.com/RiskStrategyGuides/Diplomacy3TreatyExample1.aspx
  4. ↑ http://www.hasbro.com/common/instruct/risk.pdf

About This Article

Our Family Plays Games Co-authored by: Our Family Plays Games Board Game Experts This article was co-authored by Our Family Plays Games. Our Family Plays Games, LLC is a family-owned business based in Omaha, Nebraska. Launched in 2018, their mission is to promote growth and awareness of the modern board game hobby and bring more BIPOCs and families into the board game community. In June 2020 they were featured on Good Morning America and have since been featured on NBC News Online, Senet Magazine (UK), Ligadas.com (Brazil), a variety of YouTube programs, podcasts, and on local television. In January of 2022, they launched a second program on their channel, called OFPG Voices to highlight other underrepresented voices in the hobby. In addition, they make special appearances at board game conventions all around the country and work with board game publishers from around the world. This article has been viewed 452,836 times. 61 votes - 76% Co-authors: 57 Updated: October 19, 2025 Views: 452,836 Categories: Featured Articles | Strategy Board Games Article SummaryX

To win at the game of Risk, try to always choose continents with a high army bonus, like Europe and Africa, so you get more armies each turn. For example, Europe gives you a bonus of 5 armies, while Africa gives you 3 armies per turn. You should also try to keep most of your armies in your border territories to decrease your chances of being overtaken by an opponent. Additionally, surround your opponent’s territory with your own territories whenever you have a chance so you can conquer that area without fear of immediate retaliation. For more advice, including how to form alliances and negotiate with your opponents, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian French German Dutch
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 452,836 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Naima Rahim-Roberts

    Naima Rahim-Roberts

    Jun 6, 2016

    "I like that this article said to make an alliance with the other players. My best friend and I made an alliance. He..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Our Family Plays Games Co-authored by: Our Family Plays Games Board Game Experts 61 votes - 76% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 57 Updated: October 19, 2025 Views: 452,836 Naima Rahim-Roberts

Naima Rahim-Roberts

Jun 6, 2016

"I like that this article said to make an alliance with the other players. My best friend and I made an alliance. He..." more L. S.

L. S.

Jul 26, 2016

"Great article! It was filled with helpful tips, good advice, and needed reminders of a game that we've come to..." more William W.

William W.

Jul 27, 2017

"I feel I will become a better Risk player after reading this, the questions at the bottom were really helpful as..." more Rated this article: Molly R.

Molly R.

May 15, 2019

"I am always losing at Risk. This helped a lot. I now know how to stop my very sly grandfather from cheating. " Shanyah Brown

Shanyah Brown

Oct 14, 2016

"I currently only have Australia, and my opponent has the rest of the board, but I hope that I'm going to win!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What's Your Chess Personality?What's Your Chess Personality?Analyze MeCountries of the World QuizCountries of the World QuizTake QuizWould You Survive Seasons 2 and 3 of Squid Game?Would You Survive Seasons 2 and 3 of Squid Game?PlayDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Play RiskHow to Play Risk: Board Setup, Rules, Strategy, & MoreCatan StrategyHow to Win Catan: 13 Tips and TricksWin at CheckersHow toWin at CheckersWin OthelloHow toWin Othello

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Am I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizKissHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials Quiz

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Lose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 Weeks10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallWhat's My Bending Element QuizWhat's My Bending Element QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameWhich Powerpuff Girl Am I QuizWhich Powerpuff Girl Am I QuizDo I Have Synesthesia QuizDo I Have Synesthesia Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Weakness QuizWhat Is My Weakness QuizTake QuizWould You Survive Season 1 of Squid Game?Would You Survive Season 1 of Squid Game?PlayWhich Hunger Games District Would I Live In QuizWhich Hunger Games District Would I Live In QuizTake QuizWorld History Trivia QuizWorld History Trivia QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GameAdvanced Roulette GamePlay wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Games
  • Board Games
  • Strategy Board Games
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --566

Tag » How To Win In Risk