Three Eggs

A game of dice popular throughout Sondrana.

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Four dockhands sit around a dimly lit table with a turned over cup to their front. Dice are rolled and first wagers are placed. The nest is rolled and a second round of wagers goes out. A shifty fellow with grubby hands subtly shuffles the die under his cup in secret but is observed. A dagger comes out, his wager forfeit and he is roughly escorted from the tavern.

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by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

Three eggs is a simple dice game a little akin to poker. Players attempt to create the best hand of three dice out a personal supply and a communal pool known as the nest. Since it only requires a handful of dice and some cups, it is a common game throughout Sondrana, especially in areas with many labourers and peasants. It is less likedly to be played on other continents but its popularity on merchant vessels means games may be found within port towns throughout Urvén. Since there is dice rolling and obfuscated scores, there is a lot of room for cheating and many a skilled sleight of hand artist plys their trade until they are banned from a given establishment. For many, this is just part of the game.

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The Rules

Each round of play consists of the following three stages with a set of wagers after each: the lay, the nest and the claim. Each player is given three dice (with six sides) and an opaque cup. At the start of a round, a "first player" is designated and every player puts in a minimum wager, usually a copper piece. Each player then rolls their three dice in secret - under their cup - and picks two to reveal. The third remains hidden. Players may then opt to make a proper wager or drop out.

The first player then rolls the nest in plain view: three dice that are used communally to make better scoring hands. After the three dice are rolled, another turn of wagers is made.

Finally, players may opt to claim one of the dice in the nest. This is done starting with the player to the right of the first player. When claiming from the nest, a player must choose one of their own dice to replace. It is considered very unusual behavior to swap the die under one's cup as it reveals a complete hand. Once all players have claimed or taken a turn, a final set of wagers is made. Remaining players then compare hands to ascertain a winner. The hand presented by a player for scoring may only "borrow" one of the nest dice if they did not claim a die previously.

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Scoring Hands

One rule stands above all others when scoring: hands must have dice with an odd total value to score. Scoring hands are listed to the right in order of value from highest to lowest:

Players with matching hands have the total number on their dice compared to obtain a winner. If there is still a tie after this, the pot is split between them.

Triple - Three of a kind. 1-1-1, 3-3-3 or 5-5-5

All the Odds - the three different odd numbers, 1-3-5.

Run - three numbers in a row. 2-3-4 or 4-5-6

Pair - two of the same number. The third die has to be odd.

High Die - the lowest scoring hand, defined by the highest of their dice.

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House Rules

Due to being played in a large range of locations, three eggs has picked up a few local rules. The most common are listed below:

Rerolling - the most common additional rule, players are allowed to reroll one of their dice. This usually occurs before the first set of wagers.

Trading - some tables allow players to trade dice. This isn't hugely common due to the rarity of both parties believing such a deal is in their interest. This may only occur between players who have not yet dropped out of the round.

Type

Dice

Gambling

Yes

Complexity

Simple

Required Items

3 dice for each player, 3 dice for the nest, an opaque cup for each player.

Suggested In-session Rolls

Can probably be played as designed in person. Online, it may be easier to just roll 3d6 and compare players.

Players should have ample opportunity to roll Dexterity (Sleight of Hand), Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Insight).

A charlatan's die or the Lucky feat would also be appropriate.