THE GAME OF HAZARD



"Craps" comes from "crabs" in the game of "Hazard." This is not an

antedate, but is from the Sporting Magazine (London), April 1794, pg. 84:



The GAME of HAZARD.

THIS game may be played by any number of people. The person who takes

the box and dice throws a _main_, that is to say, a chance for the company,

which must be more than four, but not exceeding nine: otherwise it is no main,

and he must consequently continue throwing till he brings five, six, seven,

eight, or nine. This done, he must throw his own chance, which may be any

above three, and not exceeding ten. If he throws two aces, or trois ace

(commonly called crabs) he loses his stakes, let the company's chance (which

we call the main) be what it will.



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