What Is Sic Bo? Beginner Guide

Although there are many well-known games in casinos, such as blackjack, poker, and slots, new games are always emerging to find their place in the casino. One of the lesser-known games that is currently gaining popularity is called Sic Bo.

Sic Bo is a game of chance played with three dice. It comes from China, with the name a translation of the words “precious dice.” It can also be called hi-lo in other countries, though the name Sic Bo is the most popular in the United States. Read on to learn more about the game Sic Bo.

What is Sic Bo?

Sic Bo is a table-based gambling game played with dice. Because it involves the dealer rolling three dice simultaneously, it is considered a game of chance. It is played at tables similar to those used for Roulette.

Often called the “best casino game most people know nothing about,” Sic Bo is easy to learn and easy to play, as there is no skill needed. Although Sic Bo tables can look scary in their appearance, it only takes a few minutes to learn how to play.

Other Names for Sic Bo

Because Sic Bo originated in China and has since gained popularity around the world, it can be referred to by different names depending on your location. While Sic Bo is common in the United States and China, in the Philippines it’s called Hi-Lo. You may also hear it called Dai Sui, Tai Xiu, and Big and Small.

Sic Bo is most popular in Asia, though it has many fans in the United States and England. In England, Sic Bo is called Grand Hazard or Chuck-a-luck.

Sic Bo Rules

The rules of Sic Bo are fairly simple; however, they are important. Below are the general rules for all Sic Bo games, though some casinos may implement additional rules to those listed below (such as a minimum bet amount).

1.        Triple Sums (when all three dice match) are an automatic loss for all players. Unless you placed a triple bet.

2.        All bets must be placed in scoring boxes before the dice roll. Otherwise, you need to wait until the next round.

3.        Don’t touch the dice. Unlike other table games (i.e., craps), the dealer is the only one who touches the dice in Sic Bo. Many casinos even have a device the dealer uses to roll them to ensure fairness.

4.        All bets are final. This is the truth for most casino games, but once your chips are placed in the scoring box, they are final. Don’t place down any chips you aren’t intending to bet in the next round.

If you are ever in doubt about the rules for a particular game in a casino, ask before you play.

How Do You Play Sic Bo?

To play Sic Bo, start by approaching a table and switching your cash into chips. In some casinos you can do this at the table, but in others you may need to visit the cashier.

Once you have the chips, place them on the outcome you are betting on. You can bet on numbers showing, as well as sums.

The dealer will then shake the chest containing the dice (online versions have a virtual dice roll), and then they will reveal the dice.

You will be paid for the outcomes you predicted correctly, and all other incorrect bets will be taken by the casino.

Sic Bo Bets

There are a variety of bets available to players in Sic Bo, similar to the casino game of craps.

·      Small Bet: the dice sum will be between 4 and 10. Pay 1:1.

·      Big Bet: the dice sum will be between 11 and 17. Pay 1:1

·      Specific Sum Bet: betting on any particular number as the sum of 3 dice. Pay is indicated below the number.

·      Single Dice Bet: you predict a specific number will show on one, two, or three of the dice. Depending on the number of dice your number appears on, the pay is 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1.

·      Double Bet: You bet that two of the dice will have the same number. Pay 10:1.

·      Triple Bet: You believe that all three dice will have the same number. Pay 30:1.

·      Two Dice Combo Bets: You bet on a specific two-dice combo. Pay is 5:1 for all board options.

When Did Sic Bo Originate?

Sic Bo originated in ancient China. The exact date of inception is unclear; however, there were numerous reports of it being played by 220 C.E. It is currently believed that it had its inception sometime around 206 B.C.E.

Sic Bo is newer in the US, however, and was not widely played in the Western Hemisphere until the 1980s.

Strategies for Playing Sic Bo

Are you a beginner at Sic Bo? Here are some strategies to make your dice play games stronger.

1.        Keep Your Bets Simple: Don’t bet in too many areas, as this will just increase your losses.

2.        When in Doubt, Only Bet Big or Small Sum: These bets are easier to understand and have a better chance of returning your money to you.

3.        Don’t Fall for Gambler’s Fallacy: Remember, all outcomes are independent of the previous outcomes.

Above all else, remember that Sic Bo is a game of chance and that there is no way to truly become a better Sic Bo player.

Where Can You Play Sic Bo?

Sic Bo is an option in most brick-and-mortar casinos; you just need to know what to ask for since the name varies country by country. When in doubt, asking for Sic Bo should work, or you can walk around the casino searching for tables that depict the Sic Bo board.

Sic Bo is widely available in online crypto casinos, including MintDice.com in the casino++ section of the website. While the exact offerings may vary, you should have no issue finding Sic Bo in online casinos.