Talk:Pass the Pigs

Probability estimates presented as known probabilities

The pigs in Pass the Pigs are asymmetric; consequently the probabilities of the six outcomes from a toss of a single pig cannot be derived from symmetry arguments as they could with normal dice. Consequently, the probabilities of the outcomes are estimated from experiment, and, importantly, depend on the conditions under which the experiment was carried out, such as the manner in which the pig(s) are thrown and the surface onto which they are thrown. The dependence on conditions of asymmetric dice is discussed, for example, in Ed Pegg Jr.'s article at MAA Online [1].

As can be seen from the bottom of the page, many such experimental estimates exist; more can be found via a suitable search engine.

If the Pass the Pigs entry is to present one such estimated distribution of probabilities, it should firstly note clearly that it is an estimate of the probabilities, not known fact; secondly it should identify the source of the estimate, as well as information about the experimental conditions and the sample size upon which the estimates are based; and thirdly it should make it clear that other experiments will produce different results. If possible, some estimate of the associated uncertainties in the probabilities (such as those derived from a Multinomial distribution model) would be a useful addition.

It seems as if the presented probabilities may have been derived from the ones presented at [2] but with the extraneous category discarded and all the rounding errors accumulated into the final (least frequent) category, which may be inadvisable. The sample size used in that experiment was relatively small compared to some of the experiments linked to at the bottom of the page. Further, the fact that one of the pigs used in the experiment is even able to generate a seventh outcome suggests that the results of that experiment should be viewed with caution; certainly the results of the extra category shouldn't be combined into the final (leaning jowler) category without comment, if that was in fact what happened.

Glenbarnett 06:44, 10 April 2007 (UTC)

why was the piggyback not included? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.15.131.253 (talk) 04:55, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

Some sort of reference is needed for the probabilities given. Otherwise this is just original research that someone did to spend their weekend (or longer) sometime, rolling pigs and collecting data. (Or is was just made up...) --Craw-daddy | T | 22:15, 11 February 2009 (UTC)

I added some relative frequencies found in a journal and cited them. I hope this is deemed appropriate for inclusion. BearMachine (talk) 19:10, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Date of publication

Please include the date of publication. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.93.114.130 (talk) 18:25, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

Error of rules

I have this game, and in the official rules there are no scores like "Kissing bacon" and "Out of table": how can I upload pictures of the games' rules I have?

Apple Inc?

Why Apple Inc? Where is the significance?

Qwertyxp2000 (talk) 02:08, 27 September 2014 (UTC)

Makin' Bacon?

Was there an edition of this in the 1980s called Makin' Bacon? I have a memory of it sold at Spencer Gifts. Not R (talk) 03:01, 22 August 2024 (UTC)