To complement the humble pack of cards, another simple piece of equipment, the dice (one dice is called a "die") lend themselves to a variety of games, although in some games it will be necessary to amend the displays on the faces of the die or to list a conversion chart.

However, for one game it will be necessary to buy a set of "Poker Dice" which cost no more than the price of 20 cigarettes. Alternatively, for the more skilled woodworker or ivory carver or craftsman, a set of dice can be made. If the desire to make a set of dice is not evident or the ability lacking, a simple spinner can be made out of a piece of stiff cardboard and a match. This device will not be suitable to take the place of a set of Poker Dice. If making or amending a set of dice, the dice, for clarity's sake, should be no less than a ½" cube.

The dice are numbered in such a way that the opposite sides add up to seven. That is 1 & 6 are opposite each other, as are 2 & 5 and 3 & 4. Tradition has dictated that not only do opposite sides add up to seven but the relative positions of 2,3,4 & 5 in respect to the 1 & 6, are on a particular face.

To make a spinner, draw a hexagon which is about 1½" across, on a piece of stiff cardboard and with the centre marked. From each corner of the hexagon draw a line to the centre, thereby making 6 segments. Cut out the hexagon and label each segment as required. Make a hole in the centre and push a match through so that about ¾" pokes through. A simple spin with the fingers will eventually cause the device to rest on a face, thereby indicating a particular score.

A set of Poker Dice consists of 5 dice which are usually made from ¾" cubes. Each die, having 6 faces, has engraved on each face a different playing card. The card suits are not denoted. The cards are Ace, King, Queen, Jack, Ten and Nine.

When the dice are rolled, to count as a bona fide roll, they must ALL stay on the table or playing surface. If any or all roll off the table they are ALL rolled again. If for any reason a die does not come to rest correctly, i.e. lies at an angle whilst resting against something, then all the dice are rolled again. Therefore the rolling surface should be free of all obstructions, and care taken when rolling the dice.

In practice however, if a die comes to rest at a slight angle and it leaves no doubt what the top surface would have been had the obstruction not been there, then the roll is acceptable. Alternatively, the offending obstruction can be carefully removed to allow the die to settle correctly. In this case IT IS NOT the dice thrower who removes the obstruction.