Hazard (game)

Hazard was a popular dice game in England from at least the 17th century until the early 20th century. It is a complex game of chance involving two dice and a "caster," who rolls the dice against the "setter."

Gameplay:

The caster chooses a "main," which is a number between 5 and 9 (inclusive).

• Winning on the First Throw (Throwing In):

  • If the main is 5 or 9, the caster wins immediately if they throw 5 or 9, respectively.
  • If the main is 6 or 8, the caster wins immediately if they throw 6 or 8, respectively.
  • If the main is 7, the caster wins immediately if they throw 7.

• Losing on the First Throw (Throwing Out):

  • If the main is 5, the caster loses immediately if they throw 2, 3, or 12.
  • If the main is 6, the caster loses immediately if they throw 2, 3, or 12.
  • If the main is 7, the caster loses immediately if they throw 2, 3, or 12.
  • If the main is 8, the caster loses immediately if they throw 2, 3, or 12.
  • If the main is 9, the caster loses immediately if they throw 2, 3, or 12.

• Establishing a Chance:

  • If the caster neither wins nor loses on the first throw, the number they threw becomes their "chance." They continue to roll until they throw their chance again (and win) or throw the main (and lose). Any other number thrown has no effect.

Betting:

Bets are placed between the caster and the other players (or the house). The caster's stake is usually matched by the other players.

Decline:

Hazard was a favorite game among the upper classes for many years. However, it gradually declined in popularity in the 20th century, possibly due to its complexity and the rise of simpler dice games like craps, which is believed to be a simplification of Hazard.