Sic Bo, an ancient Chinese casino game, involves rolling three dice. Also referred to as tai sai, dai siu, big and small, or hi-lo, this game hinges entirely on chance.
Each dice roll determines whether a bet results in a win or loss.
Sic Bo enjoys widespread popularity in casinos across Macau, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, where it goes by the name hi-lo.
Chinese immigrants brought the game to the United States in the early 20th century, and it has since become a fixture in American casinos.
Legalized in licensed UK casinos since 2002, Sic Bo has earned its place on the global gaming scene.
As you are here, I am sure you wish to know how to play Sic Bo. However, you must first understand the rules, types of bets, and probability of winning before learning how to play SIC bo.
Without knowing these things, you will likely lose your hard-earned money.
Because I was unfamiliar with everything related to Sic Bo as a beginner, I, too, lost a considerable amount of money.
But do not worry; you can ensure more winnings than losses.
In this guide, I will take you into the complexities of playing Sic Bo.
Based on my experience playing Sic Bo for 15 years, I will share its rules, betting options, and strategic approaches with you. So, continue reading.
How to Play Sic Bo?
Learning games of chance is typically straightforward, but encountering the Sic Bo table for the first time might leave you feeling a bit confused.
The layouts in Craps and Roulette may seem complicated for beginners, but Sic Bo’s is on another level with its own appeal.
Understanding the Sic Bo rules may seem frustrating, but fear not; it becomes more manageable with practice, especially when playing online, as we will explore in this guide.
Similarly to other casino games, Sic Bo’s primary objective is to place bets on specific outcomes of dice rolls. The gameplay can be summarized as follows:
- Place your bets by positioning chips on areas representing the outcomes you’re wagering on.
- The dealer then shakes three dice enclosed in a tiny chest, or the game software virtually “rolls” the dice, revealing their random outcomes.
- You secure a win for every correctly predicted number or sum, while inaccurate predictions lead to losses.
Sic Bo Rules
Sic Bo involves three dice and a table layout where players make their bets.
You can bet on various outcomes, such as the total of the three dice, high or low dice, doubles, triples, specific non-pair two-dice combinations, and individual numbers.
After each dice throw, bets are settled. This game shares similarities with Grand Hazard.
Betting Options
Betting in Sic Bo comes with a diverse range of options, each carrying its own distinct payout structure. Let’s explore some of the prevalent betting choices:
1. Small and Big Bets:
Small bets hinge on the cumulative total of the three dice falling between 4 and 10, while big bets revolve around totals between 11 and 17.
The payout for both is set at 1:1, with a house edge of 2.78%.
2. Other Sums Bets:
Players can wager on the specific total of the three dice, ranging from 4 to 17. Payouts vary based on the chosen number, with higher rewards for less probable outcomes. The house edge for this category spans from 7.41% to 9.72%.
3. Single Dice Bet:
Betting on a particular number appearing on one, two, or all three dice is an option.
Payouts adjust according to the number of dice the chosen number lands on, with higher payouts for less foreseeable results.
The house edge in this category fluctuates from 7.87% to 18.98%.
4. Doubles and Triples:
Players can place bets on specific doubles or triples occurring on the three dice.
Payouts differ based on the chosen number, with elevated rewards for less likely outcomes. The house edge for this category ranges from 2.78% to 18.52%.
5. Combination Bet:
Betting on any two specific numbers appearing on the three dice yields a payout of 5:1, accompanied by a house edge of 16.67%.
| Bets | Pays | Probability of Winning | House Edge |
| Small | 1 | 48.61% | -2.78% |
| Big | 1 | 48.61% | -2.78% |
| Total 4 | 60 | 1.39% | -15.28% |
| Total 5 | 30 | 2.78% | -13.89% |
| Total 6 | 17 | 2.78% | -16.20% |
| Total 7 | 12 | 6.94% | -9.72% |
| Total 8 | 8 | 9.72% | -12.50% |
| Total 9 | 6 | 11.57% | -18.98% |
| Total 10 | 6 | 12.50% | -12.50% |
| Total 11 | 6 | 11.57% | -18.98% |
| Triple | 180 | 0.46% | -16.20% |
| Any Triple | 30 | 2.78% | -13.89% |
| Double | 10 | 7.41% | -18.52% |
What are the best ways to increase your chances of winning at Sic Bo?
Exploring optimal strategies for playing Sic Bo may have led you to this article, and I’ve got both good and bad news for you.
Unfortunately, Sic Bo is inherently a game of chance, making it impossible to predict exact dice outcomes.
However, there’s a silver lining – you can enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of winning with some Sic Bo strategy tips.
1. Avoid Over-Betting:
The temptation to place multiple bets simultaneously is real when playing Sic Bo online.
While online casinos may allow up to 16 bets per roll, it’s advisable not to succumb to this temptation.
Instead, take a closer look at all betting options. Analyze the winning chances and evaluate whether the payouts justify the risks.
By doing so, you can develop your own Sic Bo strategy, ensuring better management of your bankroll compared to random gameplay.
2. Focus on Big or Small Bets:
Concentrating your bets on the Big or Small areas is a straightforward but effective approach.
There is a small house edge on these bets, and the odds are the best. While some players may stick exclusively to these bets, injecting a bit of variety into your gameplay can maintain the entertainment factor.
Maintain a significant portion of your wagers in the Big or Small areas while exploring other betting options.
3. Beware of Gambler’s Fallacy:
The Gambler’s Fallacy is a prevalent myth in gambling, suggesting that if an event occurs frequently, it will happen less often in the future.
For instance, believing that after a streak of Big sums, Small sums are due. This, however, is false. Dice outcomes are independent of past results.
Whether in Sic Bo, Craps, or any game of chance, don’t blindly follow the Gambler’s Fallacy; it doesn’t hold water.
Super Sic Bo tricks
When it comes to improving your performance in Super Sic Bo, you need to adopt various tricks and strategies.
Over the course of my 15 years of playing Sic Bo, I have learned a number of valuable tips. These valuable tips are as follows:
1. Practice Online for Free:
Remember that “practice makes perfect.” Engaging in free online Sic Bo games allows you to acquaint yourself with the game’s nuances and explore its array of betting options.
2. Set and Stick to Betting Limits:
Discipline is key. Establish clear betting limits to manage your bankroll and prevent exceeding predetermined thresholds effectively.
This ensures a controlled and sustainable approach to your gameplay.
3. Understand Sic Bo Odds:
Knowledge is power. Familiarize yourself with the odds and probabilities associated with various Sic Bo bets.
Armed with this understanding, you can make informed decisions when placing your wagers.
4. Emphasize Big or Small Bets:
Prioritize bets on the big or small areas. These bets boast a 48.6% probability and a comparatively low house edge, offering favorable odds for strategic gameplay.
5. Exercise Wager Restraint:
Resist the temptation to go all in. Despite Sic Bo allowing multiple simultaneous wagers, you should exercise caution so that you remain in control of your investment.
6. Stay Away from Triple Bets:
Triple bets, being the least likely to occur, are best avoided. Due to their limited frequency, they are not a particularly strategic choice for your Sic Bo game.
Conclusion
Sic Bo is a popular casino game of ancient Chinese origin played with three dice.
The game is a game of chance and every roll on the dice results in a win or loss on any bet.
Sic Bo offers a variety of betting options, and each bet has a different payout.
As per my experience, the best strategy for beginners is to stick to small and big bets, avoid combination bets, manage your bankroll, and avoid superstitions.
While there is no guaranteed winning strategy, following these tips can help you increase your chances of winning.
Read More: Live 3 Card Poker: Where Skill Meets Excitement in Real Time
