Novem Cinque

Sympkyn of the Moor

Number of players: 2+
Type of game: Dice
Period: 1552

Novem-Cinque (Latin for Nine-Five) is an ancient Roman dice game of chance, likely played for wagers and amusement in taverns, camps, and homes across the Empire. Though the exact rules are lost to time, the name suggests a focus on the numbers 9 and 5, with reconstructions drawing from Roman gambling practices.

History of Novem-Cinque

  • Cultural Context: Played in the Roman Empire, likely during the Imperial period.

  • Etymology: Novem means nine, and Cinque (variant of quinque) means five.

  • Mentions: Possibly referenced in Roman graffiti and by later medieval writers describing old games.

  • Role: A casual game of luck, likely played in social and gambling settings.

  • Tools: Used tesserae (six-sided dice) and possibly gambling chips or coins.

Traditional Equipment

  • Dice: Usually 2 six-sided dice (marked I–VI).

  • Wagers: Coins, tokens, or agreed stakes.

  • Playing Surface: Any flat surface, often tables or boards marked for multiple rounds.

Core Rules (Reconstructed)

As no complete rules survive, these are reconstructed from the name and Roman gaming traditions.

Players

  • 2 or more.

Objective

  • To roll combinations totalling 9 or 5, depending on the variant played.

Variant A: Simple Target Game

  1. Each player rolls two six-sided dice on their turn.

  2. If a player rolls a total of 9 or 5, they win the round and claim the pot.

  3. If no player rolls either target, the closest total under 9 may win (house rule).

  4. If two players tie (e.g., both roll a 9), they reroll.

Variant B: Sequential Challenge

  1. Players must roll a 5, then a 9, in consecutive turns (or vice versa).

  2. First player to successfully roll both numbers in sequence wins the game.

  3. Rolling doubles may result in losing your progress (optional house rule).

Variant C: Betting Rounds

  1. All players place a stake into the pot.

  2. Each takes turns rolling 2 dice.

  3. Rolling a 5 or 9 lets the player either:

    • Take a portion of the pot (e.g., half), or

    • Continue rolling to try for both and claim the full pot.

  4. If a player fails after one success, they forfeit their winnings back to the pot.

Variant D: Betting Rounds

  1. All players place a stake into the pot.

  2. Each takes turns rolling 2 dice.

  3. Rolling a 5 or 9 puts the player out

  4. Once all players have rolled a new round starts.

  5. Optionally players may increase the bet.

  6. The winner is the last player still in. If all players go out in a round the round is repeated.

Optional Rules

1. Sacred Throw

  • Rolling a 4 and 1 (to make 5) or a 6 and 3 (to make 9) counts as a blessed roll—you gain an extra throw.

2. Omen of the Gods

  • Rolling snake eyes (1 and 1) results in automatic loss or forfeiture of stake.

3. House Keeps on Triple Fail

  • If all players fail to roll a 5 or 9 for three rounds, the pot is cleared by the house (or referee).

Summary Table

Rule Area Details
Players 2 or more
Tools 2 six-sided dice, betting tokens or coins
Objective Roll a 9 or 5 to win, or both in sequence
Victory Claim the pot, complete target sequence, or win by rules
Style Fast-paced, chance-based, suitable for casual gambling