Maximizing Dice Fairness: Examining Symmetry and Center of Gravity

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter nottheone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cog Dice
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the fairness of classic six-sided dice, particularly focusing on the impact of symmetry and the center of gravity on rolling outcomes. It asserts that if a die is perfectly symmetrical and features carved-out pips, the center of gravity may not align with the geometric center, potentially causing certain numbers, like 6, to appear more frequently. The conversation highlights that while imperfections in dice can affect results, the design of consumer dice with carved pips is a significant factor in rolling bias. Additionally, it notes that casino dice with colored pips are likely to roll more fairly due to their construction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts related to center of gravity
  • Familiarity with the design and manufacturing of dice
  • Knowledge of probability theory as it relates to gaming
  • Awareness of material properties affecting weight distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of center of gravity in symmetrical objects
  • Explore the manufacturing processes of casino-grade dice
  • Investigate how different die designs affect rolling outcomes
  • Learn about statistical analysis methods for testing die fairness
USEFUL FOR

Game designers, mathematicians, and enthusiasts interested in the mechanics of dice games and the fairness of random number generation.

nottheone
Messages
81
Reaction score
0
A classic die is six sided with pips of equal depth. It seems to me that if it is perfectly symmetrical and the sides are in the classic configuration (opposite sides total 7) the center of gravity will not be in the center of the cube. Correct? Has anyone ever tried to figure out where it is? And if it isn't wouldn't they have a tendency to roll a particular number more? (this would only apply to dice with carved out pips, casino dice have colored pips so they would roll true)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have been thinking about this a bit since I wrote the question and it seems to me that the 6 will come up the most often, more than 1/6th of the time because it is the lightest side and it is opposite the heaviest. This is slightly relevant because almost every consumer die has carved out pips.
 
seems right
 
6 is it
 
The effect would probably be swamped by other imperfections in the dice.
 
I was assuming no imperfections and even if there were they would be relatively insignificant compared to the amount of material that is carved out by the pips in all but the cheapest crap made in China.
 
Well, I suppose colored pips would be more "true" as long as one wasn't using, say, lead-based paint.
Oh wait, I forgot, China uses lead-based paint !

Sorry... couldn't resist.
 
lol Actually that would be negated by the lead in the plastic.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 94 ·
4
Replies
94
Views
12K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K