Q: I’m reading a novel that mentions “liar’s dice.” I’m not sure if it’s a game or part of a game. Can you help me out? — A.R., Reading, Pa.

A: Liar’s dice is a dice game for two or more players with several variations. The game is said to be based on draw poker, in which you bet and bluff, trying to make your opponent(s) place bids in your favor. Although I have never played the game, I’m told it is easy to learn — though learning the art of deception might be a bit more challenging. The roots of the game are in 16th-century South America. The Spanish learned it and took it back to Europe.