Either thrice six or three dice

Explanation

the proverb is in Pherecrates' Ant-men. It is set down for those taking risks. "Thrice six" signifies complete victory; "three dice," defeat. For of old they used three dice in their games, not, as now, two. There is also an ambiguity: they used to call the die specifically kybos when it had its full mark, but otherwise not. The Ionians call dice of this sort oinai, and so they give the proverb: "Either thrice six or three oinai (aces)."