"Snake eyes" is the distinctive term used to describe the roll of double ones (1,1) when two standard six-sided dice are thrown. The name originates from the vivid visual appearance of the dice and the historically unlucky or "treacherous" nature of this specific outcome in various dice games.
The Visual Origin: A Pair of "Eyes"
The "eyes" in "snake eyes" directly refers to the appearance of the pips on the dice. When each die lands showing a single dot, these two dots perfectly resemble a pair of eyes looking up from the playing surface. This visual metaphor is straightforward and easily recognized by anyone familiar with dice.
The "Snake" and Its Treacherous Connotation
The addition of "snake" to the term is rooted in the roll's traditional association with misfortune or an unfavorable result. In many dice games, particularly casino games like Craps, rolling double ones is considered a highly undesirable outcome, often leading to a loss for the player. The term implies that the dice have "bitten" the player or acted in a "treacherous" manner, akin to the often-feared qualities of a snake. This perception of betrayal or bad luck solidified the "snake" part of the phrase.
Key Characteristics of Snake Eyes
To summarize the unique aspects of this roll:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Pips Shown | Double ones (1,1) on two ordinary dice |
| Visual Aspect | The single pips resemble a pair of eyes |
| Connotation | Unlucky, treacherous, signifies a "bite" or bad outcome |
| Probability | 1 in 36 (one of the rarest rolls) |
Impact and Probability in Dice Games
The rarity of snake eyes further enhances its significance and reputation within the realm of dice games. With only one out of 36 possible combinations resulting in snake eyes (approximately 2.78% probability), it stands out as one of the least likely rolls. This low probability, combined with its frequent negative implications in games like Craps (where it often results in an immediate loss for certain bets), reinforces its status as a distinctive and often unwelcome event.
This combination of a clear visual resemblance and a strong connotation of bad luck or treachery has firmly established "snake eyes" as a vivid and widely understood term in the world of dice games.
