There are a few stories about how the term “snake eyes” came to be associated with the worst possible roll in dice games.
The most popular story comes from the game of craps. In craps rolling a “natural” (7 or 11) on the come out roll is a win. Rolling a “craps” (2 3 or 12) on the come out roll is a loss. Any other number becomes the “point.” If the dice roll the point again before rolling a 7 it’s a win. If they roll a 7 first it’s a loss.
Some say that “snake eyes” got its name because the two Craps numbers are the only numbers on the dice that have only one pip each. These pips look like little eyes so “snake eyes” means “a pair of ones.”
Others say the term “snake eyes” comes from an old English game called Hazard. In Hazard if the player rolled aces (two ones) he lost automatically. The term “snake eyes” may have come from this game.
Whatever the origin “snake eyes” is now a common term for rolling a pair of ones in dice games. It’s considered the worst possible roll and it usually results in a lot of groaning and moaning from the player who rolls it.
What is the origin of the term “snake eyes”?
How did the term “snake eyes” come to be associated with dice?
Why are snake eyes considered to be unlucky?
What is the probability of rolling snake eyes?
What are some of the other names for snake eyes?
How is snake eyes represented in other cultures?
What are some popular snake eyes superstitions?
What are some common snake eyes myths?
What is the etymology of the word “dice”?
What is the history of dice games?
How did dice become associated with gambling?
What are some of the most popular dice games?
What are some interesting facts about dice?
What are some common dice superstitions?
What are some tips for improving your chances of winning at dice games?
