Sic bo is a captivating dice game that has gained immense popularity across various regions. Known by alternative names such as tai sai, dai siu, big and small, or hi-lo, this game holds historical significance. Translating to “valuable dice” or “dice pair,” sic bo made its way to the United States as a carnival game in the early 20th century. However, it has now become a prominent choice in Macau, one of the world’s largest casino markets, along with the Philippines, United States, and the United Kingdom.
Distinguished as one of the few dice games in casinos, sic bo stands apart from its counterpart, craps, as a game purely based on chance. Unlike craps, which involves specific rolls to determine wins or losses, sic bo relies solely on each roll’s outcome. This element of chance eliminates the possibility of developing strategies, making sic bo an exhilarating game of pure luck.
Despite the absence of strategic advantages, sic bo maintains its popularity among both land-based and online casinos worldwide. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, as understanding the sic bo table and the available bets is relatively easy. Once players grasp the basics, they can fully immerse themselves in the excitement and thrill of sic bo.
Playing Sic Bo
Sic bo utilizes three dice, which are skillfully handled by the dealer in a compact chest. The dealer vigorously shakes the chest until the dice settle into a combination. If the rolled combination matches the player’s wager, they emerge as winners.
Central to sic bo is the game table, which displays a diverse range of dice combinations for players to place their bets on. It is important to note that the table layout may vary, but the objective remains consistent: players can wager on the listed dice combinations. Each combination carries its own probability, requiring players to make informed decisions when placing their bets.
Available Bets
Reflecting its name, sic bo (or hi-lo) offers both high and low bets. Similar to craps, players can wager on multiple combinations as they desire. The most popular bets in sic bo are “small” and “big.” “Small” refers to the sum of the dice falling between 4 and 10, while “big” signifies a sum between 11 and 17. Notably, these bets exclude triple combinations (e.g., three 1s or three 2s). Both “small” and “big” bets possess a 48.6% winning probability, with a 1:1 payout.
Other available bets in sic bo include
- Odd: The sum of the dice will be an odd number, excluding triples. This bet carries a 48.6% probability of winning and pays 1:1.
- Even: The sum of the dice will be an even number, excluding triples. This bet offers a 48.6% chance of winning, with a 1:1 payout.
- Specific Triples or Alls: A specific number appears on all three dice. With a mere 0.46% probability, this bet pays out between 150:1 to 215:1, varying by location.
- Specific Doubles: A specific number appears on at least two of the three dice. This bet holds a 7.41% chance of winning, with payouts ranging from 8:1 to 11:1, depending on the location.
- Any Triple: This bet wins if all three dice display the same number. The probability of winning is 2.8%, usually paying out at 30:1.
- Three Dice Total: This bet encompasses various bets based on the sumof the dice. The table presents different number ranges (e.g., 4 or 17), and players place their bets on the expected sum falling within that range. The odds and payouts vary depending on the chosen range, with different tables offering different options.
- Dice Combinations: This bet wins if two of the dice display a specific combination of two numbers (e.g., 2 and 5). With a 13.9% winning probability, this bet pays out at 6:1.
- Single Dice Bet: Players can place bets on a specific number (1-6) appearing on one, two, or all three dice. The winning probability for betting on a number once is 34.72%, twice is 6.94%, and three times is 0.46%. Payouts for these bets are 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 out of the four chosen numbers must appear on the three dice. The probability of winning this bet is 11.1%, with a payout of 7:1.
- Three Single Number Combination: This wager involves the dice displaying a combination of three different numbers. With a 2.8% chance of winning, this bet pays out at 30:1.
- Specific Double and Single Number Combination: This combination bet comprises three numbers, including two of the same and one different number (e.g., 1-1-3). With a 1.4% probability of winning, this bet offers a payout of 50:1 or 60:1, depending on the location.
It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the betting options available at the casino you are playing in. The house edge and payout for each bet can vary, impacting your overall experience. The house edge represents the percentage of your winnings that the casino keeps as profit. Generally, bets with higher probabilities have lower house edges, while bets with lower probabilities come with higher house edges.
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Variants
Although variations of sic bo are relatively uncommon, a few do exist. One such variation is “Grand Hazard,” originating from England. This game entails throwing three dice using a cup or down a chute with inclined planes, resulting in unpredictable tumbles as they fall. In “Grand Hazard,” the objective is to achieve a three-of-a-kind combination, known as “raffles,” which pays out at 18:1.
Another variant, referred to as “Chuck-a-Luck,” “Sweat Cloth,” “Churckerluck,” or “Birdcage,” is popular in the United States and derives from “Grand Hazard.” In this version, three dice are enclosed within a wire cage resembling a birdcage. The dealer rotates the cage, causing the dice to land at the bottom. This variant primarily offers single-number wagers, occasionally including triple wagers with odds of 30:1. While this variant was once common in Las Vegas, it is now rare to find in present-day casinos.
Strategy
Despite sic bo being a game of chance, players can make informed decisions based on the probabilities of available bets, providing a slight advantage. Opting for small, big, even, or odd bets offers the highest likelihood of winning, making them the safer options. Additionally, considering the odds and house edge is crucial. Payouts and house edges differ from casino to casino, so selecting acasino with favorable odds and a lower house edge maximizes potential winnings.
Summary
At first glance, sic bo may appear intimidating due to its wide array of betting options. The sic bo table can be overwhelming, but in reality, the game’s rules are easy to grasp. Many players draw comparisons to other dice games like craps. Ultimately, sic bo is a straightforward game where players simply select the numbers they believe will appear on the three dice.
As sic bo relies solely on chance, there is no significant opportunity for players to develop a concrete strategy. Consequently, sic bo is easy to learn but challenging to profit from strategically. If you seek an enjoyable game to play, sic bo is a quick and easily accessible option. However, if you desire a competitive and strategic casino game, you may want to explore alternative options.