MASON: statistics question

This question is for anyone, but I am almost certain that Mason knows the answer. I read in a book by Mike Orkin called "What are the Odds?" that the chance of getting at least one double six in 24 rolls on the craps table is about .49.

How do I calculate the odds of this? I am interested in the actual formula so that I can calculate similar probabilities. I know how to calculate things like the number of possible 5-card poker hands using combination math ((C (52,5))=52!/(47!*5!) However, somehow I was unable to figure out how to solve this one.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Thomas Giorgi

The odds that you will get a double six are 1 - the odds that you won't get a double six in any of the rolls.


The odds that you won't get a double-six are 35/36. In 24 roles, thats (35/36)^24.


Thus the odds that you won't get one are 1 - (35/36)^24, or .49140