What Are Trick Dice Called? The Comprehensive Guide

Trick dice are known by many names, depending on their specific function and the context in which they’re used. Some common names include loaded dice, gaffed dice, crooked dice, weighted dice, fixed dice, and shaved dice. The general umbrella term is altered dice. Each of these terms refers to dice that have been manipulated in some way to influence the outcome of a roll, making them unfair and often used for cheating.

Understanding the World of Altered Dice

Delving into the world of altered dice reveals a fascinating, though ethically questionable, history. From their use in ancient gambling dens to their appearance in magic acts, trick dice have a long and varied past. Understanding the different types of altered dice and their methods of manipulation is crucial to recognizing and avoiding being cheated.

Types of Trick Dice

• Loaded Dice: These dice have had weight added to one side or face, making the opposite side more likely to land face up. This is perhaps the most common and well-known type of altered dice.

• Shaved Dice: The edges of these dice are subtly shaved down, affecting the balance and making certain numbers more probable.

• Tapped Dice: These dice contain a small cavity filled with a movable weight. When tapped against a hard surface, the weight shifts, influencing the outcome.

• Magnetic Dice: These dice contain a metal core and are used with a magnetic device hidden under the table, allowing the user to control the roll.

• Misspotted Dice: The pips (dots) on the dice are rearranged to create a deceptive appearance, making certain combinations appear more or less frequent.

• Centred Dice: Drilled into the center and filled with weight, this type of die can be manufactured to land on any number with a higher probability.

The Ethics of Using Trick Dice

Using trick dice is inherently unethical and often illegal. It constitutes cheating and can have serious consequences, especially in gambling environments. While some may use them for harmless pranks or magic tricks, it’s crucial to be transparent about their nature and avoid using them for deception or financial gain.

Identifying Altered Dice

Detecting altered dice requires careful observation and, in some cases, specialized tools. Look for inconsistencies in the dice’s appearance, such as uneven edges, mismatched pips, or suspicious marks. A simple test is to roll the die repeatedly and track the results. If certain numbers appear significantly more often than others, it could be a sign that the die is altered. Another method involves carefully weighing the dice – a noticeable difference in weight can indicate loading.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most common type of trick dice?

The most common type is loaded dice, where weight has been added to one side, making the opposite face more likely to appear. It’s relatively simple to manufacture and effective in skewing the odds.

2. How can you tell if dice are loaded?

You can tell if dice are loaded by repeatedly rolling them and recording the results. If a particular number appears disproportionately more often than others, the dice are likely loaded. Also, check for inconsistencies like uneven edges or mismatched pips. Weighing the dice can also reveal weight imbalances.

3. Are trick dice illegal?

Yes, using trick dice for gambling or financial gain is illegal in most jurisdictions. It constitutes cheating and can lead to fines, legal penalties, and even imprisonment.

4. What is the purpose of using shaved dice?

Shaved dice have their edges subtly altered, making them less sharp and more rounded. This increases the probability of rolling certain numbers, as the die is more likely to settle on those faces.

5. Can you buy trick dice legally?

Trick dice are often sold as novelty items or for magic tricks. Purchasing them is generally legal, but using them for dishonest purposes, such as cheating at gambling, is illegal.

6. What are the risks of using trick dice?

The risks include legal consequences like fines and jail time, social ostracization if caught cheating, and potential physical harm from those you’ve cheated.

7. How are magnetic dice used in cheating?

Magnetic dice contain a metal core and are used in conjunction with a hidden magnet. The magnet, often concealed beneath a table, allows the user to influence the roll, making specific numbers more likely to appear.

8. What materials are used to load dice?

Common materials used to load dice include lead, tungsten, and other heavy metals. These materials are dense and can significantly alter the dice’s balance.

9. How do misspotted dice work?

Misspotted dice have their pips (dots) rearranged in a deceptive manner. This can trick players into thinking the odds are fair when they are actually skewed in favor of the cheater. For instance, a die might have extra pips on the “6” side, making it appear more frequently.

10. Are there any legitimate uses for trick dice?

Yes, trick dice can be used legitimately for magic tricks, practical jokes, or educational purposes to demonstrate probability and statistics. The key is transparency and avoiding any form of deception or financial exploitation.

11. What is the difference between gaffed dice and loaded dice?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, “gaffed dice” is a broader term encompassing any type of altered dice, including loaded, shaved, magnetic, and misspotted dice. “Loaded dice” specifically refers to dice with added weight.

12. How easy is it to detect trick dice in a casino?

Casinos employ various security measures to detect trick dice, including trained personnel, surveillance cameras, and sophisticated testing equipment. Detecting altered dice in a casino is very difficult.

13. Can you make your own trick dice?

Yes, it is possible to make your own trick dice, but it requires skill and precision. Methods include drilling and inserting weights, shaving edges, or rearranging pips. However, creating convincing and undetectable altered dice is challenging.

14. What should you do if you suspect someone is using trick dice?

If you suspect someone is using trick dice, discreetly notify the appropriate authorities, such as casino security or law enforcement. Avoid confronting the individual directly, as this could escalate the situation.

15. Are there any games specifically designed to use trick dice as a novelty?

While there aren’t specific commercially marketed games designed solely for trick dice, you could create your own game or modify existing dice games to incorporate their unique properties as a fun and educational exercise, emphasizing the concept of altered probabilities. For instance, you could create a game where players predict which number will appear most often with a loaded die.