Originally an old Chinese game of chance, Sic Bo is presently one of the only two widely available dice Casino games. It is a game of three dice, and the dice are tossed, and the numbers decide wins and losses. Sic Bo is also called the “big and small game,” Dai Sui, Tai Sai, or Hi-Lo. While not as popular as slots, Blackjack, Baccarat, and others, you can find it in most casinos on and offline.
Sic Bo traces its roots back to ancient China, where it was played with three dice and a unique betting board. Today, it has evolved into a modern casino game played with a glass dome and three dice, but the essence of the game remains unchanged – predict the outcomes of the dice roll.
Below is our short guide to help place you in a good position to play Sic Bo. It also includes some pointers on popular beginner mistakes you can avoid.
The Origins of Sic Bo
The exact origins of Sic Bo are shrouded in history, but it is widely believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty, around 2000 years ago. Over time, the game spread across Asia, and with the migration of Chinese communities, it found its way to various parts of the world.
Understanding the Sic Bo Table and Rules
The Dice Combinations
It is played with three dice, and players place their bets on different dice combinations. The dealer then shakes the dice in a glass dome, and players eagerly await the results.
Types of Bets in Sic Bo
There are numerous betting options in Sic Bo, ranging from small and big bets to specific triple combinations. Players can choose their bets based on their risk appetite and understanding of probabilities.
Payouts and House Edge
The payouts in Sic Bo vary based on the type of bet placed, and each bet comes with its own house edge. Understanding these odds is crucial for making informed decisions while playing the game.
Types of Sic Bo
There are many types of Sic Bo bets. Below are the most common;
Any Number
You choose a set of numbers and win if an outcome of the spin tally. Its payout depends on how many numbers you chose correctly.
Two Dice Combinations
Also called a domino bet, you choose any two numbers. You win if the spin rolls the numbers on two of the three dice, and It has a payout of 8:1
Triple Bets
This Sic Bo bet type has the highest odds and payouts of 150:1. If the spin gives the same outcome for all three dice, it is a triple outcome. Thus, you can wager on three ones, three twos, etc.
You can also choose not to bet on a specific triple but instead choose any triple. Here, the odds are less. Thus, the payout is at 24:1
Totals
These have a wide range of payout, unique to all the possible sums you can bet under Totals types. Therefore, you can bet on a varying total of the sum of the outcomes of a spin.
Big Small Bets
After the dice are spun, the dealer totals the outcome. If the result falls from four to ten, it is small, while if it falls from 11 to 17, it is big. You can place your bets on either with a 1:1 payout and a 2.78 house edge.
Odd Even Bets
In this Sic Bo bet type, you either bet that the spin’s outcome is an odd number or an even number. The three dice are rolled, and the numbers are totaled. It is a low odd type with a house edge of 2.78 and a payout of 1:1.
Sic Bo Odds and Payouts
The odds and payouts of the Sic Bo game are associated. The payout depends on the odds of the bets you place. The payout you get is directly proportional to the odd difficulty.
Sic Bo Strategies
The game of Sic Bo is very straightforward. Further, the learning curve is relatively easier than many other game tables like roulettes or blackjack. As a game of dice, it progresses in three steps.
First, you make your predictions and place your bets on the corresponding outcomes you choose. It can either be a dice number or a sum of numbers.
Next, the software rolls the three dice for online casino Singapore playing, or the dealer shakes and rolls the dice for “on-ground” casinos. This gives resulting random outcomes. Finally, you get a win for your predictions and losses on your wrong forecasts.
With the base knowledge taken care of, below are a few strategies you can consider using while betting, depending on your gaming preferences.
- Understand House Advantage
All casinos have a house advantage on their Sic Bo games, and it’s the edge the casino has against you as a player and differs from the Sic Bo types. It can be as low as 2.78 and as high as 30%. Knowing the house advantage of the bets you choose helps you further assess the risks of your bets.
- Bets on Options With the Best Odds
This is the lowest-risk strategy if you are invested in Sic Bo and intend to play on for a long time. Thus, it is the best option for total beginners. Big and small bets generally have the best odds and the smallest house advantage. Therefore, it is a Sic Bo strategy for playing it safe. Many players explore other bet types but keep their highest bets on the lower payouts to minimize risks.
- Using Combination Bets
Combination bets allow you to set up a range of winning results for a roll. Further, it is a medium-risk Sic Bo strategy. It also has the potential to increase your winning probability and payout. However, while good, there is the risk of being tempted to wager on too much. Many casinos restrict multiple betting at a time to 16 areas, which is a lot. It may up your chances of winning some, but the corresponding losses may not make up for it.
- High Payouts – Short Play
Intend to hit the jackpot and go? This strategy is great for short plays of a few spins. Here you opt for odds with the highest payout, triple bets.
Sic Bo Probabilities: Sic Bo is not a game of pattern; thus, the future outcomes are not dependent on past results.