Material Factors in Dice Odds Calculation

Dice odds are a great tool for knowing our chances of hitting desired numbers in a row. It is also effective in knowing the chances of another player hitting a number in a row. But we should also be aware of outside factors that have a considerable influence on odds.

Dice odds cannot just be ascertained by mathematical processes of ratios and probabilities. A lot of times we also have to be practical and use common sense to know other equally influential determinants in dice odds. Our hand and arm control are examples. The casino atmosphere—the lights, noise, crowd reactions, the dealer's support—and even toking results, all contribute to the dice odds that would emanate.

This is because most times odds are influenced by the dice thrower. If the odds of producing a 7 are 1 in 6, a good dice thrower could reduce that in 1 in 5. And here some factors in dice odds have to be carefully weighed. Outside factors like dice and table materials can affect dice odds. This is made more pronounced in the way casinos take extra care on replacing dice pieces and table tops periodically. They realize how these factors can upset the house odds.

Dice pieces have a way of reacting against felt table tops. The newer dice pieces are the better they perform on felt tops. This is because the pointed corners, that clean edges of a new die make, produce a grip on the felt so that it doesn't make much rolling motion on them. Odds may be computed mathematically, but this is on condition that the dice go through only the normal bumps and bounces. Tampered surfaces can upset odds computation, just as systematic throwing can also tamper the results from a tampered surface. Casinos often change dice pieces to safeguard against tampered dice pieces replacing official ones. But new ones can only add to the odds that dice control could do.

Another point to consider is the make of the craps table. Each table develops a different structural imbalance over time. They may be built conforming to a standard, but as wear and tear happen they produce unique imbalances. The same with dice. They are manufactured based on standards, but in time their paints wear off, some get chipped off, and the balance is affected.

Different dice sets bounce off different on different table tops. So we must take these factors into account with our dice throw and dice odds calculation.