Sic bo is a casino game that originated in ancient China and is played with three dice. Sic bo goes by a number of other names, such as tai sai, dai siu, big and small or hi-lo. The literal meaning of sic bo is “precious dice” or “dice pair”, while dai siu and dai sai mean “big small”. The game was originally introduced in the United States in the early 20th century as a carnival game. Sic bo has grown in popularity over the years and has recently gained notoriety in one of the largest casino markets in the world, Macau. The game is also played in the Philippines, United States, and the United Kingdom.
Sic bo is a casino game that originated in ancient China and is played with three dice. Sic bo goes by a number of other names, such as tai sai, dai siu, big and small or hi-lo. The literal meaning of sic bo is “precious dice” or “dice pair”, while dai siu and dai sai mean “big small”.
- Bet on Small or Big. The best bets you can make in Sic Bo is to bet on either Big or Small.
- Sic Bo is a dice game. It once was spread across many Las Vegas casinos. New York New York even tried a video version of the game. That did not last very long.
- One of just a few dice games at casinos, sic bo is a true and tested crowd favourite – especially as you explore the gambling markets across Asia, where it enjoys massive popularity. A simple yet intriguing game, sic bo is a pure game of chance, but the wealth of betting options makes the resulting gameplay a real treat.
Sic bo is one of the few casino games that involve dice; the other popular dice game being craps. Unlike craps, however, sic bo is a game of chance. This makes it nearly impossible to develop any sort of strategy. Every roll of the dice in sic bo will result in a win or a loss on any bet, while craps bets require certain rolls before they become winning or losing bets.
Despite the inability to gain a clear advantage when playing sic bo, it remains a fairly popular casino game in both casinos across the world and on the internet. Part of its popularity stems from the fact that it is extremely easy to learn. Once you are able to understand the sic bo table and the available bets, then sic bo can be a fun and exciting game.
Playing Sic Bo
Sic bo uses three dice, which are picked up by the dealer in a small chest. The dealer then uses the chest to shake the dice, until he or she is ready to reveal the combination of the three dice. If the dealer rolls the combination you wagered on, then you’re a winner.
Sic bo revolves around a table that lists a variety of dice combinations that players are able to bet on. It is important to keep in mind that the table layout may vary from place to place, but the objective remains the same; players are able to wager on the available dice combinations listed on the table. Each combination has a certain chance of being rolled, and players must use this knowledge to help make educated decisions when placing their wagers.
Available Bets for Sic Bo
As the name suggests sic bo, or hi-lo, offers both high and low bets. Like craps, players can bet on as many combinations as they choose. The two most common bets are small, which means the sum of the dice falls between 4-10, and big, which means the sum of the dice falls between 11-17. The following are available bets when playing sic bo:
Big – The sum of the dice falls between 11 and 17. As mentioned before this is one of the most popular bets when playing sic bo. This particular bet excludes any 3 of a kind; for example three 1s, three 2s, etc. This particular bet has a 48.6% probability and pays 1:1
Small – The sum of the dice falls between 4 and 10. Like the big, this bet also excludes triples and has a 48.6% probability of winning, with a 1:1 payout.
Odd – This sum of the dice will be an odd number. This bet also excludes triples and pays 1:1. The probability of the odd bet winning is 48.6%.
Even – The sum of the dice will be an even number, excluding triples. This bet pays 1:1 with a 48.6% chance of winning.
Specific Triples or Alls – A specific number appears on all three dice. This bet has only a 0.46% chance of winning and pays anywhere from 150:1 to 215:1, depending on the country you are playing in.
Specific Doubles – A specific number appears on at least two of the three dice. This bet has a 7.41% chance of winning and pays between 8:1 and 11:1, depending on the country you are playing in.
Any Triple – This bet wins if the three dice land on the same number. This bet has a 2.8% chance of winning and usually pays 30:1.
Three Dice Total – This bet is actually a number of different bets that are based on the sum of the dice. The table usually lists these bets as a range of numbers, for example 4 or 17. When placing this bet you are expecting the dice to equal a sum that falls between that range. The odds and payout for this bet vary based on the range you are betting on, and different tables offer different ranges.
Dice Combinations – This bet wins if two of the dice show a specific combination of two numbers, such as a 2 and a 5. This bet has a 13.9% probability of winning and pays 6:1.
Single Dice Bet – A single dice bet is placed on a specific number from 1-6 to appear on one, two, or all three dice. Betting on a number to appear once has a 34.72% probability of winning, twice a 6.94% probability, and three times a 0.46% probability. These bets pay 1:1, 2:2, and 3:3 respectively.
Four Number Combination – This bet allows players to wager on any of the following four number combinations: 6, 5, 4, 3; 6, 5, 3, 2; 5, 4, 3, 2; or 4, 3, 2, 1. To win three of the four numbers must appear on the three dice. The probability of this bet winning are 11.1% and this bet pays 7:1.
Three Single Number Combination – The dice will show a combination of three different numbers. This wager has a 2.8% chance of winning and pays 30:1
Specific Double and Single Number Combination – this is also a combination of three numbers, but instead of three different numbers it includes two of a kind and a different third number, for example 1-1-3. This bet has 1.4% probability of winning and has a pay out of 50:1 or 60:1, depending on where you are playing.
As always, it is important to make sure you understand the betting options available at the casino you are playing at. The house edge can vary from casino to casino and, as discussed previously, so can the payout for each bet. The house edge is the percentage of your winnings the casino garnishes as profit. Generally speaking the higher probability bets have a lower house edge and the lower probability bets have a higher house edge.
Sic Bo Variants
It is rare to see different variations of sic bo, that being said some do exist. Grand hazard is a game played with three dice and is of English origin. In this variation three dice are thrown with a cup or rolled down a chute that has a number of inclined planes that cause the dice to tumble, unpredictably, as they fall. In this variation, the objective is to get three-of-a-kind, known as “raffles,” which pays 18:1.
Another variation of sic bo goes by a few different names, such as chuck-a-luck, sweat cloth, churckerluck or birdcage. This variation is popular in the United States and derives from grand hazard. Three dice are kept in a wire cage, similar to a birdcage, that pivots at its center and the dealer rotates the cage end over end, with the dice landing at the bottom. This variant typically only offers single-number wagers, with the occasional triple wager, with 30:1 odds. This variant was previously common in Las Vegas, but is rarely seen in present day casinos.
Sic Bo Strategy
Although sic bo is a game of chance, players can make an educated guess based on the probability of each available bet, thus giving them somewhat of an advantage. Betting on the small, big, even, or odd bets gives you the highest probability of winning and therefore are the safest bets when playing sic bo. Another important thing to keep in mind is the odds offered as well as the house edge. The payout for each bet can vary from casino to casino and so will the house edge. In order to win the most you want the casino with the best odds and the lowest house edge.
Sic Bo Summary
At a glance, sic bo may seem a little bit intimidating given the variety of bets. A quick glance at the sic bo table can be a bit intimidating, when in reality the rules of the game are easy to learn. Many people will draw comparisons between other dice games, like craps. When you get down to it, the game is very simple. Players simply need to select the numbers they think are going to appear on the three dice.
Sic Bo Simulator
Due to the fact that sic bo is a game of chance, there is no real opportunity for players to develop a significant strategy. For that reason sic bo is an easy game to learn, but a difficult game to make money on. If you’re looking for a game to play for fun, then sic bo is a quick and easy learn. If you are looking for a competitive strategic casino game, perhaps you will want to look into other casino games.
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Sic Bo has a number of alternative names including tai sai, dai siu, big and small and hi-lo. It is played with 3 dice and players bet on the outcome of a single roll of these. Sic Bo is most popular in Asia and is played in most casinos in Macau. Many online sites also offer this table game.
In our Sic Bo article, we will explain the following. You may click on any of the links below to bring you to that point within the article.
How To Play Sic Bo
Players need to place a bet on certain areas of the table, an example of which is shown below. The Dealer is responsible for throwing the dice, unlike other dice games such as Craps where Players themselves roll. The dice are normally contained within a small chest in land-based casinos, the Dealer shakes this chest and opens it to reveal the outcome.
Example of the layout of a Sic Bo table
It is easy to see why Sic Bo and Craps are compared, but Sic Bo is strictly a game of chance as every roll of the dice results in a win or loss of the bet as opposed to Craps which has some bets that need certain rolls before the outcome is known therefore adding an element of skill and strategy to it.
Sic Bo Betting Options
| Type | Description of Bet | Probability | Odds* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big | The Dice total will be between 11 and 17 inc, with the exception of a ‘Triple’ | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Small | The Dice total will be between 4 and 10 inc, with the exception of a ‘Triple’ | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Odd | The Dice total will be an Odd number, with the exception of a ‘Triple’ | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Even | The Dice total will be an Even number, with the exception of a ‘Triple’ | 48.6% | 1 to 1 |
| Specific ‘Triple’s/’All’s | The number chosen will appear on all 3 Dice | 0.46% | 180 to 1 |
| Specific ‘Double’s | The number chosen will appear on 2 OR 3 of the Dice | 7.41% | 10 to 1 |
| Any ‘Triple’/’All’ | All 3 Dice will be of equal value | 2.8% | 30 to 1 |
| Three Dice Total | 4 or 17 | 1.4% | 60 to 1 |
| 5 or 16 | 2.8% | 30 to 1 | |
| 6 or 15 | 4.6% | 18 to 1 | |
| 7 or 14 | 6.9% | 12 to 1 | |
| 8 or 13 | 9.7% | 8 to 1 | |
| 9 or 12 | 11.6% | 7 to 1 | |
| 10 or 11 | 12.5% | 6 to 1 | |
| Dice Combinations | 2 of the Dice will show the Specific Combination, such as a2 and a 3 | 13.9% | 6 to 1 |
| Single Dice Bet | The Specific number will appear on 1, 2 or 3 Dice | 1: 34.72% 2: 6.94% 3: 0.46% | 1: 1 to 1 2: 2 to 1 3: 3 to 1 |
| 4 Number Combination | Any 3 numbers of the Specific Combination will appear, such as 6, 5, 3 and 2 | 11.1% | 7 to 1 |
| 3 Single Number Combination | The Dice will have the Specific Combination of 3 different numbers | 2.8% | 30 to 1 |
| Specific Single/Double Combo | 2 of the Dice will show a Specific Double and the 3rd will be a different number | 1.4% | 50 to 1 |
*The odds can differ from casino to casino both online and offline, the above is just a guideline. *The most common bets tend to be Big and Small.
Sic Bo Rules
The rules of Sic Bo are fairly straightforward, although there are a lot of different betting options that are outlined below.
The object of the game is to guess the total of 3 dice rolled by the Dealer. You can choose the amount you wish to bet for each roll and every bet is settled after one roll, unlike another popular dice game found in casinos, Craps, where some bets can last for several rolls. Like Craps though, you can make several bets for each roll of the dies.
Sic Bo Tips
Play Sic Bo
Shop around
Sic Bo Casino Game
Like many casino games, not all casinos are equal when it comes to payout amounts. If you want to play Sic Bo, we recommend you check a few of our recommended sites to ensure you play at the casino where you get the highest payout for the particular kind of bet that you wish to place.
Understand the game
Although Sic Bo isn’t a hard game to learn, it can take a long time to master as there are so many different types of bets available to you. You can make several different bets for each roll and vary the amount you bet, so it is imperative that you learn the types of bets and most importantly the ‘house edge’ – the amount the casino themselves expect to make on each bet.
In Sic Bo, this varies depending on each bet, from around 2.78% for the Small and Big bets up to 16% for some others. The smaller the ‘house edge’, the better for you, the player.
Vary your bets
Although the Small and Big bets carry the best odds for the player, it can get a bit monotonous playing the same bets on each roll.
A good way to increase the excitement is to mix up your bets a bit, there are lots of different bets you can place in Sic Bo with different requirements, odds, and payouts. Doing this will make your experience more fun, which is an important part of playing at any casino.
Practice for free until you get the hang of Sic Bo
Many of our recommended casinos allow you to try games for free chips before investing your own money. This is a great way to learn a new game, especially one like Sic Bo that has many different options before you start playing with your own money.
Beginners Strategy
Casinos With Sic Bo
As Sic Bo is very much a game of chance, it is hard to get a Strategy in place which will enhance the chance of you winning by reducing the House Edge. Having said that, there are always a few do’s and don’ts with any Casino game, and Sic Bo is no different…
Sic Bo Casino Online
Patience is key! As Sic Bo relies on pure luck, the defensive approach of betting on the higher odds but lower return style bets is a good place to start. This tends to allow you to keep your bankroll for longer and maximise your chance of walking away with a profit. This is why the Small and Big bet types are the favourite ones for most Sic Bo players.
With these Bet types, the odds are 1 to 1 so it maximises your chances of winning even though betting on a single number can get you a higher return.
As the odds increase for less likely bets, the House Edge increases too meaning you are less likely to walk away with a profit in the short term unless your luck is in.
Combination Bets
These Bet types are in 2 specific numbers to be rolled. There is a small advantage of around 2.75% on these types of bets, and although this is a relatively small amount, it is worth considering to include it in your strategy. For best results, you should use these bets often and if you manage to master it, you can see a consistent payout which other casino games and Sic Bo bet types can’t offer.
Advanced Strategy
If you have mastered the above and are looking for ways to win at higher odds, try these options. Please remember that as Sic Bo is a game of pure luck, there is no guaranteed way to make money from it and the players will always need luck on their side to make a profit.
The numbers that give you the best possible chance tend to be 9 and 12 as they have a payout closest to their probability – payouts of 6 to 1 and odds against of 15 to 2.
We recommend you place a bet on your chosen total and then combine it with 3 double beds. You should always choose doubles that have a chance of coming in if your chosen total loses to cover all eventualities.
For example, a double 1 won’t come in if your chosen total is 9 and double 6 won’t come in if your total is 12.
If you bet on 9, try 3 units on 9 as the total and 2 units on double 1, 5 and 6. You will get back 21 units if 9 wins from a 9 unit bet and 22 units if any of the doubles win.
Similarly, if you prefer to bet on 12, place a 3 unit bet on 12 being the total and 2 unit bets on double 1, 2 and 6.
The unit should be something affordable to you and within your specific budget.
Conclusion
All casino games carry an element of luck, none more so than Sic Bo. For that reason, it isn’t the most popular game in the casino, but if you want to try something different which has a variety of bets and outcomes, give Sic Bo a try.
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