How to Play Sic Bo

Ilija Jaksic February 1, 2024
How to Play Sic Bo

Sic bo is a fast-paced dice game that originated in ancient China. The literal translation of the name is “precious dice.” The game is also known as tai sai, dai siu, big and small, or hi-lo, and it’s played with three dice. It’s a popular casino game in Asia, particularly in Macau and Hong Kong. Chinese immigrants brought sic bo to the United States in the early 20th century, and it quickly became a staple in American casinos.

Sic Bo Rules

Before you start playing sic bo, set a budget for yourself. Place your chips on the squares on the table according to the combinations you think will appear on the dice. Each variety has a chance of being rolled, and participants should use this knowledge to make informed bets.

A dealer will pay your winnings if the dice comes up according to one or more of your bets. If the dice don’t land in your favor, the dealer will collect the losses, and the whole process starts over again.

This is a straightforward game where players bet on the outcome of three dice rolled by the dealer. When playing sic bo online, players can access a range of bet types, including betting on the total of the three dice, specific numbers or combinations of numbers, and even the sum of the dice being odd or even. You can play free online versions to gain a better understanding of the following payout associated with different bet types.

Bet Types in Sic Bo

The first group of bets entails those with a 48.61% probability and a 1:1 payout. These four bets exclude all types of triples:

  • Big – The dice sum falls between 11 and 17
  • Small The sum falls between 4 and 10
  • Odd – The sum is an odd number
  • Even – The dice sum is an even number

Specific ‘Triples’ or ‘Alls’ refer to a particular bet where a player wagers that all three dice will land on a specific number. The odds and payouts for specific triples vary on the location of sic box casinos and go from 150:1 to 215:1, but a 0.46% chance of winning stays the same. Similarly, to win specific doubles bets, you need a number to appear on at least two of the three dice, but a 7.41% probability incurs payouts ranging from 8:1 to 25:2.

You need the three dice to land on the same number to win Any Triple or All’ Alls’. This bet type, three single-number combinations, and three-dice total bets come with a 2.8% chance of winning and a payout of 30:1.

Lastly, you can engage in betting with these types:

  • Two dice combinations show a specific combination of two numbers, with a 13.9% probability of winning and a payout of 6:1.
  • A single dice bet is placed on a specific number from 1–6 to appear on one, two, or all three dice, with varying probabilities and payouts.
  • Four number combinations, where three of the four numbers must appear on the three dice, with an 11.1% probability of winning and a 7:1 payout.
  • Specific double and single number combinations entail two of a kind and a different third number, with a 1.4% probability of winning and a payout of 50:1 or 60:1, depending on the casino.

Beat the Odds with Proper Sic Bo Strategy 

Players can always make informed decisions based on the probability of each available bet. If you’re new to the game and want to know how to play sic bo and win, here are some strategies to keep in mind:

  1. Stick to safe bets: The small, big, even, or odd bets have the highest probability of winning money, making them the safest ones in sic bo. While the payouts for such bets may be lower, they offer a higher chance of winning.
  2. Consider the odds and the house edge: The odds and payout for each bet can vary from casino to casino. Find the casino with the best odds and lowest house edge.
  3. Avoid high-risk bets: Avoid placing bets with low odds of winning, as this will quickly deplete your bankroll.
  4. Use a betting strategy: Some participants prefer a betting strategy, such as the Martingale system. While systems can work, it can also be risky and lead to significant losses at first implementation.

Sic Bo’s Unique Variations

Sic bo has a few variations to play in casinos online, including Grand Hazard, a game of English origin played with three dice. It involves rolling the dice down a chute with inclined planes to tumble the dice unpredictably. The objective is to get three-of-a-kind, also known as “raffles,” which pay out 18:1.

Another variant is Chuck-a-luck, known as sweat cloth, churckerluck, or birdcage, originating in Grand Hazard. In this version, the three dice are kept in a wire cage that pivots at its center and is rotated by the dealer, with single-number wagers and occasional triple wagers with odds of 30:1.

Roll to Victory with These Sic Bo Tips

Even though we are talking mostly about a game of chance, you need to understand how to adjust your approach to sic bo online versions. Adapting will help you make informed betting choices and increase your likelihood of success. Embrace the safe bets for consistent, albeit smaller, wins, and always be mindful of the odds and house edge. High-risk bets might seem tempting with their large payouts, but they come with low odds of winning. If you decide to use a betting strategy, proceed with caution and understand the risks involved.

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