What Is Sic Bo?
Sic Bo (骰寶), meaning "precious dice," is a traditional Chinese dice game found in casinos throughout Asia and increasingly popular in online gaming. Three dice are shaken inside a chest or electronic shaker, and players bet on the outcome of that roll. The table layout may look intimidating at first glance, but once you understand the bet categories, everything clicks into place.
The Sic Bo Table Layout
The Sic Bo table displays all possible bets. These fall into several clear categories:
1. Small and Big Bets
These are the simplest bets and carry the lowest house edge:
- Small — the total of three dice is between 4 and 10. Pays 1:1. Loses on Triple.
- Big — the total is between 11 and 17. Pays 1:1. Loses on Triple.
The house edge on Small and Big is approximately 2.78% — making them the best bets on the table for new players.
2. Odd and Even Bets
Some tables offer Odd/Even betting on the total of the three dice. Similar to Small/Big, these pay 1:1 and lose on triples. House edge is comparable.
3. Total Bets
You bet on the specific total of all three dice (ranging from 4 to 17). Payouts vary based on how likely that total is:
- Totals of 4 or 17 (hardest to hit): typically pay 60:1
- Totals of 5 or 16: typically pay 30:1
- Totals of 6 or 15: typically pay 17:1
- Totals of 7 or 14: typically pay 12:1
- Totals of 8 or 13: typically pay 8:1
- Totals of 9, 10, 11, or 12: typically pay 6:1
Note: the house edge on total bets is generally higher, ranging from around 9% to 15% depending on the total.
4. Single Dice Bets
Bet that a specific number (1–6) appears on at least one of the three dice:
- Appears on 1 die: pays 1:1
- Appears on 2 dice: pays 2:1
- Appears on all 3 dice: pays 3:1
5. Double Bets
Bet that two specific dice will show the same number (e.g., two 4s). Payout is typically 10:1. House edge is around 18%.
6. Triple Bets
The highest-paying bets on the table:
- Any Triple — all three dice show the same number (any). Pays 30:1. House edge ~13.9%.
- Specific Triple — all three dice show one exact number. Pays 180:1. House edge ~16.2%.
Beginner Strategy: Where to Start
- Start with Small or Big bets — they are easiest to understand and have the best odds.
- Avoid Specific Triple bets until you are fully comfortable with the game.
- Use total bets occasionally for variety, but be aware of the higher house edge.
- Set a session budget and treat each roll as an independent event.
A Quick Reference Summary
| Bet Type | Approximate House Edge | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small / Big | ~2.78% | Beginners, frequent play |
| Single Dice | ~7.9% | Variety play |
| Total (specific) | 9–15% | Higher risk, higher reward |
| Double | ~18% | Occasional excitement |
| Specific Triple | ~16% | Max payout chasers |
Final Thoughts
Sic Bo is a fast, exciting game once you understand the layout. The key is to start simple, appreciate the probabilities behind each bet, and build from there. The Small and Big bets are your foundation — learn those first, then explore the rest of the table at your own pace.