Every gambler needs to mix it up every once in a while. If you’re bored with your regular roster of games, why not give sic bo a try? Fans of craps or roulette are sure to like sic bo. You can play sic bo games at a real, live casino or at many reputable online casinos, too.
In this article, we’ll take you through the basics of the game, and outline some common sic bo betting strategies suitable for beginners and intermediate and advanced players. If playing sic bo online for real money sounds appealing, we’ll show you how to get started. Read along and we’ll let you in on some expert tips.
What is Sic Bo?
Sic bo is an ancient Chinese game and incredibly popular among gamblers in Asia, especially China, the Philippines and Macau. In some places, you may hear it referred to as “tai sai” or “dai siu”, and the name can be loosely translated to “precious dice” in English. It was introduced in the U.S. by Chinese immigrants early in the 20th century. Since then, it’s become one of the most popular casino games.
Sic bo is a game of chance played with three dice. It’s lightning-fast, but beginners can easily pick up the basics. Here’s how the game works.
How to Play Sic Bo: A Beginner’s Guide
Like craps or blackjack, sic bo is played on a table marked with sections. Bets are placed by setting chips on the table in the various sections. Once wagers are placed, the dealer then shakes three dice in a chest (online, the game software takes care of this step) and reveals the outcome to the players. Players win if they bet correctly on the outcome of the dice and lose if they were incorrect. The play then starts again.
How to Bet in Sic Bo
Although sic bo has an easy premise, the betting can be complicated. Sic bo has many options for wagering. Here are some examples of possible sic bo betting options, but your best bet is to study a sic bo table if you want to get serious.
- Big - the dice roll has a total score of between 11-17, not counting a triple
- Small - the dice roll has a total score of between 4-10, not counting a triple
- Odd - the score is odd
- Even - the score is even
- Specific ‘Alls’ or ‘Triples’ - all three of the dice will show a specific number
- Specific Doubles - at least two of the dice show a specific number
- Any ‘Alls’ or ‘Triples’ - the dice roll shows any triple number
- Three Dice Total - players must get a specific score from presented options
- Various Dice Combos - the dice must show a combo of two different numbers
Sic Bo Betting Strategy: Beginner to Advanced
As you might have guessed, different betting options will pay out differently depending on the odds. Big and Small bets are the most common bets. They have the smallest house edge and usually pay 1:1.
Understanding house edge and betting odds for the different wagering options is the key to building a solid sic bo strategy. Here are a few betting tips you might want to try, depending on your comfort level at the table.
Sic Bo Strategy for Beginners
Beginners will want to adopt a low-risk sic bo betting strategy. This means making the smallest edged bets — betting on big/small or odds/evens. You may only win about half the time, but if you do win, your money will double. It’s similar to betting on red or black in roulette. This is a great way to get in on some sic bo action without losing your shirt. You’ll also extend your game with low-wager bets if you’re just playing for fun.
Sic Bo Strategy for Intermediate Players
Intermediate players will want to level up their betting game by moving into some riskier territory. A good example of this is betting on a single number. Given that there are three dice, there’s a good chance the number will come up, but the odds aren’t quite as good as 1:1.
If you’re getting comfortable with single-number bets, you can move into dice combos and other more lucrative bets.
The Best Sic Bo Strategy for Experts
High-risk wagers can be exciting and have huge payouts, but you want to be comfortable at the tables (and with your bankroll) before you start making riskier moves. These bets are best left to expert (or at least gutsy) players:
- Three Single Number Combo - In order to win, there must be a specific combination of three different numbers. This move has 30:1 odds.
- Specific Double and Single Number Combo - One of the dice has to show a specific number, and the other two have to show a pair of another specific number. This one is a risky bet at 50:1 odds.
- Specific ‘Alls’ or ‘Triples’ - This bet has the highest odds in sic bo at 180:1. In order to win, you need all three dice to show a specific number.
Playing Sic Bo Online for Real Money
When you’re comfy enough with sic bo betting, you’ll be in a great position to start playing online for real money. There are plenty of online casinos out there, but before you sign on, make sure the casino has a good reputation. Here are some things to consider when looking for an online casino:
- Solid welcome bonuses with low wagering requirements
- Good promotions and VIP programs
- Numerous deposit and withdrawal options
- The latest safety and security measures
- Up-to-date licensing and regulations
- Great game selection (of course!)
Sic Bo: Top Tips to Win
- Play Free Online. Before you start playing sic bo online for real money, sharpen your skills with a few free games. Most reputable online casinos will let you try their games for free before you make a wager. You may need to deposit a minimum amount in your casino account, but you’ll be allowed to play a few rounds without dipping into your bankroll.
- Go for 10s and 11s. In sic bo, the most likely totals are 10s and 11s. Payouts are usually lower, but will still pay better than 1:1 wagers. Betting on 10 or 11 is a good gateway into riskier wagers.
- Keep Your Bets Small. Playing sic bo is all about the experience, and this means finding ways to extend your gameplay. Keeping your bets small means smaller payouts, but you get to keep playing for longer. Remember, practice is the key to sic bo. By studying betting tables, you’ll be well on your way to a win!
