Ricochet

Introduction

Ricochet is a dice-based game that used to be played at the Fiesta Henderson but was discontinued in July 2006. This game involves three dice and is typically played on a compact table surrounded by chairs. There are various betting options, with some bets being resolved in a single roll while others may require multiple rolls. I’ve had to develop some of the terminology for this game, which may differ from the original intent of the game's creators.

Rules

In this game, similar to craps, players take turns rolling the dice. However, unlike craps, there are no point or opening rolls. The player will continue to roll until they achieve one of these specific combinations: 111, 666, 126, 136, 146, or 156. This means rolling a one, six, and any other distinct number, or producing three ones or three sixes.

The primary betting layout encompasses all 30 different combinations of a pair and an individual number. Players have the option to bet on any selected combination occurring prior to the player rolling a turn-ending combination (for lack of a better phrase). Just like in roulette, players can place bets that straddle either two or four combinations. Additionally, there are options for single roll bets. Below is a detailed explanation of all the possible bets.

Place Bets

The bets listed below will win if the selected betting combination is rolled before the player encounters a turn-ending combination.

• Straight Up: This refers to any of the 30 combinations formed by a pair. For instance, a roll of 3,3,4 would qualify. The payout for this type of bet is 8 to 1.
• Split: This pertains to two separate straight up bets placed adjacently (similar to positioning in roulette). The payout for a split bet is 4 to 1.
• Corner: This involves four straight up bets placed at the intersection of four numbers (as in roulette). It offers a payout of 2 to 1.

Single Roll Bets

The bets outlined below are always resolved with a single roll of the dice.

• One column: This bet spans six of the straight up combinations and carries a payout of 10 to 1.
• Two rows: This bet encompasses ten of the straight up combinations with a payout of 6 to 1.
• Any black: Out of the 30 straight up bets, 14 fall under the black category. This bet is successful if one of the black combinations comes up, with a payout of 4 to 1.
• Any green: Among the 30 straight up bets, 14 are classified as green. This wager wins if a green combination is rolled, with a payout of 4 to 1.
• Three of a kind: Players can select any specific trio of the same number, such as 444. The reward for this bet is an impressive 200 to 1.
• Any three of a kind: This bet wins if any three of a kind are rolled, offering a payout of 34 to 1.
• Any six and one: This bet is successful if both a one and a six appear on the next roll, such as in the combinations 126 or 116, resulting in a payout of 6 to 1.

Lastly, there’s the field bet, which pays out based on a single roll as detailed below.

• No pair or 6&1: This bet pays 1 to 1 if three individual numbers are rolled, ensuring that both one and six do not appear or a higher-paying combination is not achieved.
• 123 shall pay 2 to 1.
• 456 shall pay 3 to 1.

Analysis

The next table illustrates the probabilities of winning and the house edge associated with all bets, excluding the field. Just like in craps, the house edge for place bets is calculated as the typical loss per each resolved bet.

The subsequent table outlines the possible results for the field bet, with the bottom right cell indicating a house edge of 2.78%.

Written by: Michael Shackleford