Born in China several centuries ago, sic bo — literally “precious dice” — is a simple and captivating game of chance. Three dice, a throw, and a breathless wait: these are the mechanics that propelled it from traditional Asian circles to the world’s largest casinos, from Macau to Las Vegas.
History
The story begins in China, where sic bo originated under several names: tai sai, dai siu, cussec, and even big and small. Once confined to Chinese cultural circles, the game now attracts crowds in casinos in Macau, Hong Kong, and the Philippines (where it is often called hi-lo) and is being exported across the globe.
But how did a traditional game of chance end up on the tables of the world’s finest establishments? At the beginning of the 20th century, Chinese immigrants introduced it to the United States. Gradually, American casinos adopted it, first for Asian communities, then for all players.
Today, sic bo is a staple of casinos, particularly in Macau where it occupies a prominent place on gaming tables.
How is sic bo played?
At first glance, the complexity of the sic bo game mat, covered with symbols and numbers, is impressive. However, it’s based on a simple mechanism: three dice are placed in a container and shaken to reveal the result. Previously, the dice were placed in an opaque box, but now casinos use transparent containers that automatically shake the dice.
The player must bet on an outcome before the dice are revealed. Several options are available, including the following:
- predicting the total sum of the three dice,
- guessing whether the result will be small (between 4 and 10) or big (between 11 and 17),
- guessing whether the result will be odd or even,
- betting on the appearance of a specific number,
- betting on a specific combination of two dice,
- or even attempting the masterstroke by predicting an exact triple.
Some bets are riskier, but offer impressive payouts. For example, predicting a specific triple can pay out up to 150 times the bet, despite very low odds. Big or small bets are among the most popular due to their simplicity and moderate return.
The player places their bets on different areas of the table, depending on the type of bet desired. Unlike other dice games like craps, the process is immediate: one throw, one verdict.
English and American Variants
Sic bo has inspired several variants.
In the United Kingdom, the game Grand Hazard (not to be confused with hazard, the ancestor of craps) also uses three dice, but with a different presentation: you can only bet on raffles (triples), the sum of the three dice, or a single die.
In the United States, Chuck-a-luck (also called sweat cloth, chuckerluck, or birdcage) offers a unique visual ambiance. The dice spin in a sort of metal cage, and payouts vary according to the number of dice showing the chosen value, with a bonus for all identical dice. This game has been largely replaced by sic bo in American casinos.
Sic bo, between chance and culture
Sic bo is much more than a simple game of chance. It embodies a cultural fusion: from Chinese dynasties to the most modern casinos. It demonstrates how a popular practice has crossed borders and adapted without losing its essence.
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Where does sic bo come from?
Sic bo is a traditional Chinese dice game.
Is sic bo the same as craps?
No. Sic bo uses three dice instead of two and has very different betting options than craps.
How many dice are used in sic bo?
Three identical dice numbered 1 through 6 are used.
What is the house edge in sic bo?
The house edge depends on the bet chosen. It can range from 2.78% for even, odd, small, and large bets to over 30% for bets like specific triples.
What is the best bet in sic bo?
The best bets are small, large, even, and odd because they have a 50/50 chance of winning and are easy for beginners to understand.
When to bet in sic bo?
In sic bo, players can bet before each roll of the dice.
How to play sic bo online?
To play sic bo online, choose a legal casino that offers this game. Place your bets on the table and click the button to roll the dice, or wait for the dice to roll in a live game.