The king, sir, hath laid, that in a dozen passes between yourself and him, he shall not exceed you three hits: he hath laid on twelve for nine; and it would come to immediate trial, if your lordship would vouchsafe the answer.
– William Shakespeare
Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 2. Osric lies to Hamlet about the fight proposal with Laertes. He outlines the odds, the King has bet that in a dozen rounds between Hamlet and Laertes, Laertes won’t beat Hamlet by more than three hits. What he leaves out is that Laertes’ sword will be unbated and poisoned.