Basics of Sic Bo

The game of Sic Bo has its roots in Asia and means "two dice" or "dice pair". It uses three dice with six faces each and has several betting options depending on the dice combinations the throws yield. It is also indicative of higher paying bets in a game. By placing their bets on the Sic Bo table, players predict various outcomes, totals and combinations of the three dice. Multiple bets can be placed and they pay off according to the odds indicated on the table. Payoffs are marked right on the table and vary according to the type of bet you place.

1. Dice Face: The call here is that the player may bet any one of his six dice will show. If that number comes up on any of the dice, the player wins even money. If two of the dice show the decided number, the bet is paid off at 2-to-1. And if all three dice show the same face, the bet is paid at 3-to-1. The house edge here is approximately 8%.
2. Two Faces: This the bet sees a combination of two particular numbers. If the player bets, that a 2 and a 4 will appear and it does, the house pays off at 5:1. The house advantage here is about 17%.
3. Totals: Players can bet on the total of all three dice. The player chooses a specific total anywhere between 4 and 17. Since the combination of faces that can result in the selected total varies, so will the payoff.
4. Small or Big: Here is a bet that the total of the three dice will fall in a specific range. A bet on "Small" is on the total being between 4 and 10; a bet on "Big" is on the total between 11 and 17. However, if any three-of-a-kind comes up, the house takes your bet. Still, the odds of winning Small or Big remain good. The house edge is about a 3%
5. Triple: Here you bet that all three faces come up with a specific number. The payoff is large, 150:1, and the chances are 215:1 against you giving the casino a 30% advantage.
6. Any Triple: The bet here is that all three faces will be the same. This pays out at 24:1, but the true odds are 35:1. Again there is a 30% house advantage.
7. Any Pair: Betting that a pair of any particular number will come up. It pays 8:1 and the house holds a 33% advantage.
   Sic Bo is a game of chance so the best strategy is to stay with the best odds. The best and smartest bet is on Big and Small as the house edge is fairly reasonable at 3%.