Dice have been used for games for thousands of years and were once made from animal bones.

The longer version

Early dice were made from the ankle bones of hoofed animals, which naturally have two broad faces and two narrow ones, so they land unevenly and were often tossed as counters rather than numbered randomisers. Later versions were carved from bone, stone or clay with marks cut into each face.

Cubical dice with one to six pips appear in finds from several ancient cultures, and the shape is a practical answer: easy to make, unpredictable when rolled, small enough for a hand. Fairness was never guaranteed, and loaded dice with drilled weights are equally old. The mathematics of probability grew partly out of questions about dice thrown by gamblers.

Where this entry sits

Facts here look at the rules, equipment and odd histories behind familiar sports and games, from balls and rackets to cards, boards and playing fields. Expect small details about scoring quirks, stadium design and the long story of the Olympic Games. The full list sits on the Sports and Games page, where every entry is listed in order.