A Brief History of the Die | Dice History | Roll them Bones

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Roll them bones: A brief history of the Die, Dice History
by NoLuckNeeded.com member Holly (rae)

Six-sided traditional dice - as we know them today - are cubed, often with slightly rounded edges marked with a different number of circular patches on each side known as "pips" and, quite interestingly, evolved from ankle bones, believe it or not, formally known as "knucklebones" from hooved animals...hence the name "bones".

The Romans used bones as dice, but dice were created and had cubical forms and featured dotted figures on them. Archaeologists have found dice in Pompeii that were weighted and with small bits of lead indicating that dice were used for sport/gaming giving the player an egde -- better known today as "loaded" dice.

The dice makers of the day had strict laws against the manufacturing of loaded or fraudulent dice, but it didn't stop sharpers and thieves from using them.

Over the years dice have changed quite dramatically and have been made from several materials such as stones, gold, silver, ivory, and even porcelain. Modern day dice are made of extruded cellulose acetate - typically transparent so that the player and the casino can see that they are not loaded.

When real money is on the line everything has to be as close to random as allowable and are cut to precision to 0.0001 inches for absolute accuracy. Casino dice have about an 8 hour table life before they are retired and replaced with a new set.

"Never play dice with someone who has brought their own." Unknown Gambler