How to Win at Dice

Traditionally, a dice game refers to a gambling game typically found at casinos. However, the probability of dice rolls in this game applies to all types of dice games involving two or more dice. Strategy does not apply to dice games, so there are no back-doors, cheats, or quick and dirty ways of winning. Dice is a game of odds, and odds sometimes have a unique way of surprising us.Odds of rolling a specific number are explained by both statistical probability and "fuzzy math". There are varying theories to define odds when a pair of dice is rolled, and they range from highly unusual methods of guessing to plain common sense and statistics. This article will focus on the latter.


1. Get to know dice games. A traditional western dice game involves rolling a pair of six-sided dice. Each die has dots to reflect numbers from 1 to 6. Other games that utilize dice to simulate chance may use 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 40, or even 100-sided dice. Not all games require rolling dice multiple times, and some games even use their own custom dice. For example, the little rubber pigs in "Pass the Pigs" have their own set of unique odds.


2. Learn about probability. Although probability varies depending upon both the number of dice used and each die's number of sides, probability discussed here is specific to a pair of six-sided dice. Common sense may dictate that the odds of rolling a 2 or 12 are far less likely to occur than rolling a 7. As referenced from the probability chart in the "Tips" section, the "number of combinations" reflects how many different number combinations will lead to the role's total. For example, a total of 7 may be obtained by rolling a 1 and 6, a 2 and 5, or a 3 and 4. Since there are two dice, double this number of combinations: 1/6, 2/5, 3/4, 6/1, 5/2, 4/3, which is a total of 6 combinations. Additional dice will exponentially increase the number of possible combinations.


3. Play for the long-term goal. Don't try to beat the odds, even if you're on a losing streak. Following the odds will pay out in the long-run regardless of short-term losses. Odds will always even themselves out, but that process may be much longer than you anticipate. If you're only interested in casual dice games, playing against the odds can be a fun risk to take.