Hazard Dice Game: Guide to Rules, Instructions & Playing Strategy

Introduction

Hazard is a classic dice game that’s been around for centuries. Some sources say it even goes back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest gambling games. Hazard is the ancestor of a more widely known game called Craps, which you might have heard of, and is a game I’ve also written a guide on. The game was popular in England for a long time, especially among the upper class. It’s a game of chance, but like with many games, a bit of strategy can go a long way.

The basic idea is that you roll dice and bet on the outcome. One player, called the “caster,” rolls, and the other players bet on the results. There’s a bit more to it, with terms like “main” and “chance,” but I’ll get into that in a bit. The game can be a lot of fun once you get the hang of it, and it’s got a rich history with lots of cool stories. So, let’s dive in and learn how to play Hazard!

Rules for playing Hazard

Alright, let’s get into the rules of Hazard. The game is played with two dice, and the first thing the caster does is set the “main,” which is a number from 5 to 9. This number becomes the target for the caster to roll. After the main is set, the caster throws the dice. If they roll the main, they win. If they roll a 2 or 3, they lose – that’s pretty straightforward. But if they roll an 11 or 12, things get a bit more complicated because whether they win or lose depends on the main.

If the main is 7 and the caster rolls an 11, they win. But if they roll a 12, they lose. For any other main, an 11 means a loss, and a 12 is a bit tricky – it’s a win if the main is 6 or 8 and a loss otherwise. Now, if the caster rolls any other number, that number becomes the “chance,” and they have to roll again. The goal now is to roll the chance again before rolling the main. If they do, they win; if they roll the main first, they lose. And if they roll neither, they keep rolling until they hit the chance or the main.

Players around the table can bet on whether the caster will win or lose, and there are different odds for different bets. It’s important to know that the house takes a cut of the bets, which affects the odds. The game goes on with players taking turns being the caster and setting new mains.

Equipment and Setup for Hazard

For Hazard, you don’t need much – just a pair of standard six-sided dice, or d6, and some cash or chips for betting. Players gather around a table, and one player is chosen to be the first caster. The caster has control of the dice and makes the initial bet by setting the main. Other players then place their bets based on what they think will happen.

How to Play Hazard

Now, let’s break down how to play Hazard step by step.

1. Setting the Main: The caster picks a number from 5 to 9 as the main.
2. First Roll: The caster rolls the dice. If they roll the main, they win; if they roll 2 or 3, they lose. If they roll 11 or 12, it depends on the main.
3. Setting the Chance: If the first roll is none of the above, that number becomes the chance.
4. Rolling for Chance: The caster keeps rolling until they hit the chance again and win, or roll the main and lose.

Players continue to bet on each roll, and the game moves on with players taking turns as the caster.

How to Win at Hazard

Winning at Hazard is mostly about luck since it’s a dice game, but there are some tips to keep in mind. Pay attention to the odds of rolling certain numbers – some are more likely than others. Betting wisely is also important. You can bet on the caster to win or lose, so watch how the game is going and make your bets accordingly. It’s also good to know when to be the caster, as you have a bit more control over the bets and the pace of the game.

Best Strategies for playing Hazard

When it comes to strategy in Hazard, it’s all about managing your bets. Since you can’t control the dice, focus on making smart bets. Look for patterns in the caster’s rolls, and consider the odds of different mains and chances.

Betting against the caster can sometimes be a good move, especially if they’ve been on a losing streak. And remember, the house always has an edge with the cut they take, so be mindful of how much you’re betting.

Variations

There are a few variations of Hazard that change up the rules a bit. Some versions alter the odds or the way the main and chance work. Others might have different rules for what happens when an 11 or 12 is rolled. It’s fun to try out different variations once you’ve got the basics down.

Scenarios

In Hazard, you might find yourself in a few common situations. If you’re on a winning streak as the caster, it might be tempting to keep going, but know when to step back and let someone else roll. If you’re losing a lot, take a break from betting or change your strategy. Sometimes, just watching the game and learning from others can help you turn things around.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Hazard

Here are some common questions people have when playing Hazard:

Q: What’s the best main to choose?

A: It depends on your strategy, but 7 is a common choice because it has the most combinations to roll.

Q: Can I change my bet after the dice are rolled?

A: No, all bets must be placed before the caster rolls.

Q: Is there a limit to how many times you can be the caster?

A: No, you can be the caster as long as you keep winning or until you decide to pass the dice.

External Links

For more information on Hazard and its history, check out these links:

• Encyclopedia Britannica on Hazard