How to Play Sic Bo: The Ancient Dice Game Explained

The name “Sic Bo” simply means “dice pair” in Chinese, which tells you pretty much what the game is all about. It’s one of the oldest casino games still played today, having originated in ancient China thousands of years ago.

One feature that makes this game stand out, but might also look intimidating for a beginner, is the fact that there are many options to wager on. However, the core gameplay is actually quite easy to understand. Once you learn how the dice are rolled and what the different bets mean, you’ll be able to jump into the action with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll explain the rules of the game, the different types of bets you can place, how to play it step by step, and share a few beginner-friendly tips to help you get started.

Sic Bo: Objective of The Game

Sic Bo revolves around the outcome of three dice. These dice are rolled at once, and before each roll, players place bets on what they think the result will be. Once all bets are placed, they roll the dice, reveal the outcome, and the winning wagers are paid out according to the outcome.

The main objective is simply to correctly predict the dice roll. You can bet on the total value of all three dice, whether a specific number will appear, or even whether the dice will land on matching numbers. If your prediction is correct, you win. If not, you lose your stake.

So all that’s needed to play the game are three standard six-sided dice and a specially designed betting table that displays the various wagering options. In traditional casinos, the dice are typically shaken inside a covered container before being revealed. Online versions use either a random number generator or a live dealer setup to produce the results.

How to Play Sic Bo

Below is a step-by-step outline of how a typical round of Sic Bo goes:

Step 1: Place Your Bets

Every round starts with players placing their wagers. That is, they pick an option to bet on and place their stake. Players can place multiple stakes on multiple options, too. Once everybody is done placing their bets, the betting period closes and the round moves to the next stage.

Step 2: The Dice Are Shaken and Rolled

After the betting ends, the next step is to shake and roll the three dice. Online casinos use a random number generator to generate the result of each roll, the same technology that applies to roulette, baccarat, JetX login, and other online games. Live dealer online versions, however, feature a real dealer who physically shakes and reveals the dice through a live video stream.

Step 3: The Dice Are Revealed

Once the shaking stops, the three dice are revealed for players to see, and the results are compared to the bets placed earlier. For example, if you wagered that the total would be between 11 and 17, you would check whether the combined value of the three dice falls within that range. And if you win, the casino pays you accordingly.

Step 4: Payouts

After all winning bets have been identified, payouts are made according to the odds of each wager. Different bet types offer different payout rates, with riskier bets generally paying more than safer ones. Once all payouts have been completed, the round ends and a new betting phase begins.

Types of Sic Bo Bets

One reason why Sic Bo is so exciting is the variety of betting options available. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:

Small and big bets: A Small bet wins when the total of all three dice falls between 4 and 10. A Big bet wins when the total falls between 11 and 17. In most versions of the game, both bets lose if the dice land on a triple (All three dice show the same number), regardless of the total.
Single number bets: A single number bet involves choosing one specific number from 1 to 6 and betting that it will appear on at least one of the three dice. If the number appears, you win.
Two-dice combination bets: With a Two-Dice Combination bet, you’re predicting that two specific numbers will appear together in the same roll. For example, you might bet that a 2 and a 5 will both appear among the three dice, that is, two of the three.
Double bets: A Double bet involves predicting that at least two of the dice will show the same chosen number. For example, if you place a double bet on 3, you win if the result includes at least two 3s.
Triple bets: The same logic applies to triple bets. This time you’re betting that all three dice will show the same number. There are also specific triple bets, where you predict the exact triple that will appear, maybe 2,2,2, or 7,7, 7.
Total bets: Total bets focus on the combined value of all three dice. You’re predicting the exact total that the dice will produce.

Beginner Tips for Playing Sic Bo

If you’re new to Sic Bo, below are a few simple tips that can make the game easier to understand and more rewarding.

Take time to understand the house edge, since some bets offer better value than others over the long run.
Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it regardless of wins or losses.
Avoid making emotional decisions after a loss, like chasing losses. It’ll only lead to even bigger losses.
Learn what the different betting options mean before placing your bet.
Familiarize yourself with the various bet types and their payouts, so you know exactly what you’re risking.
Start with smaller stakes while you’re learning the game and increase them only when you’re comfortable with the rules.

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why Sic Bo has stood the test of time for centuries. The game follows a straightforward concept and offers a variety of opportunities to win. You simply choose your bets, watch the dice roll, and see how the outcome plays out. Once you understand the different betting options and how the game flows from one round to the next, it’s very easy to follow.