chuck-a-luck

[ chuhk-uh-luhk ]

noun

1. a game played with three dice at which the players bet that a certain number will come up on one die, that the three dice will total a certain number, or that the total will be an odd number, even number, a high number, or a low number.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chuck-a-luck¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

New York, for example, had 6,000 gambling houses in the 1850s, where visitors could try their luck at games such as faro, chuck-a-luck, loo, all-fours, hearts, euchre, Boston, and whist.

From Slate

His back was hurting, a culmination of working nonstop at the carnival’s Chuck-a-luck wheel, standing on concrete all week and being on his feet at work earlier in the day.

From Washington Times

He went back to the station, sat down, cracked open a beer, and counted the Chuck-a-luck money.

From Washington Times

Expected Values: From Blood Testing to Chuck-a-Luck Coincidences or extreme values catch the eye, but average or “expected” values are generally more informative.

From Literature

An understanding of expected values is helpful in analyzing most casino games, as well as the lesser- known game of chuck-a-luck which is played at carnivals in the Midwest and England.

From Literature