Did Shakuni cheat Yudhisthira in the game of dice?

 

If we go by what movies/popular narrations say about the game of dice played by Yudhisthira and Shakuni, the general inference is that Shakuni cheated Yudhisthira.

However, Vyasa Mahabharata gives the subtle details.

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Shakuni says Yudhisthira likes playing dice, but lacks skill.

द्यूतप्रियश्च कौन्तेयो न च जानाति देवितुम् ।

Yudhisthira enjoys playing dice, but he lacks skill.

Yudhisthira protests, before the commencement of the game, that game of dice is a deceitful play.

एवमाहायमसितो देवलो मुनिसत्तमः ।

इमानि लोकद्वाराणि यो वै सञ्चरते सदा ॥

इदं वै देवनं पापं मायया कितवैः सह ।

धर्मेण तु जयो युद्धे तत्परं साधु देवनम् ॥

The greatest sage, Devala, son of Asita, who guides us on the actions that lead to heaven, hell, or other realms, has stated that it is wrong to deceive a fellow player. Winning a battle through honesty instead of trickery is the true challenge. However, gambling as a game does not match that standard.

However, Shakuni defends the game of dice and finally states that if Yudhisthira thinks that the game of dice involves cheating, he can quit the game then and there itself.

एवं त्वं मामिहाभ्येत्य निकृतिं यदि मन्यसे ।

देवनाद्विनिवर्तस्व यदि ते विद्यते भयम् ॥

So, if you come to me thinking I have dishonest intentions, and if you feel any fear, then please quit playing.

Then, Yudhisthira decided to play the game, under false ego, quoting his oath of not going back, once entered.

आहूतो न निवर्तेयमिति मे व्रतमाहितम् ।

विधिश्च बलवान्राजन्दिष्टस्यास्मि वशे स्थितः ॥

'Summoned, I do not withdraw. This is my established vow. And, O king, Fate is all powerful. We all are under the control of Destiny.

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Hence, it was the False Ego of Yudhisthira that led to losing of everything by Pandavas.