Tai xiu (sic bo): rules, the main bets and the odds

Tai xiu is a game where you guess the total of three dice. Tai (big) wins on a total of 11 to 17, Xiu (small) wins on 4 to 10. If all three dice match (a triple), both Tai and Xiu lose. In casinos the game is called sic bo.

Rules

Each round three dice are shaken in a box or by a machine. You bet before the timer runs out, then the result is shown. There are no decisions to make after the shake.

The main bets

Bet	Wins when	Common payout
Tai (big)	Total 11 to 17, not a triple	1 to 1
Xiu (small)	Total 4 to 10, not a triple	1 to 1
Any triple	All three dice match	About 24 to 1 up to 30 to 1
Specific triple	All three show your number	About 150 to 1 up to 180 to 1
Total	The exact total you picked	Per table, highest on 4 and 17

Payouts differ between tables. The paytable of the table you are at is the one that applies.

The odds, worked out

Three dice have 6 × 6 × 6 = 216 equally likely results.

• Any triple: 6 of 216, about 2.8%.
• Tai (triples excluded): 105 of 216, about 48.6%. Xiu is the same.
• One specific triple: 1 of 216, about 0.46%.

Because a triple makes both Tai and Xiu lose, the 1-to-1 bets give the house an edge of about 2.8%. The high-paying bets such as triples usually carry a much larger house edge.

Are there “patterns”?

Many players follow streaks of Tai or Xiu and believe that after five Tai a Xiu is due. Each roll is independent, so the history board cannot predict the next round. It is there to look at, nothing more.

Playing tai xiu responsibly

Rounds are fast, so the total you stake per hour grows quicker than you think. Set a limit first, never double up to win back, and stop at your limit. A game with similar maths is xoc dia; for a real dealer on video, see live casino.