The Mathematics of Sic Bo
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Sic Bo was so popular in ancient times that it was one of the Big Four Chinese games. It was categorized as a Fortune game. Ancient people used to test themselves rather than winning money, which is the prime motive these days. The Mathematics of Sic Bo. Michael Shackleford. January 21, 2005. Sic Bo, meaning 'dice pair' is an ancient Chinese gambling game. Today it is one of the lesser known casino games and is often confined to designated rooms for Asian games. The game uses three dice and a table with a variety of betting options on the roll of those dice.
Michael Shackleford
January 21, 2005
Sic Bo, meaning 'dice pair' is an ancient Chinese gambling game. Today it is one of the lesser known casino games and is often confined to designated rooms for Asian games. The game uses three dice and a table with a variety of betting options on the roll of those dice. The odds and table layout may also vary from place to place. If you must play Sic Bo I would suggest sticking to only the 'low' and 'high' bets.
Following is a list of the bets available. The payoffs listed are for Atlantic City and the Mirage in Las Vegas. Other casino’s odds will vary.
The critical step in calculating the odds in Sic Bo is to find the probability of any given total in the throw of three dice. Following is a formula for s spots over n dice, taken from The Theory of Gambling and Statistical Logic by Richard A. Epstein, formula 5-14.
For example, let's look at the number of ways to get 11 spots over 3 dice.
int[(s-n)/6] = int[(11-3)/6] = int[1.33] = 1
The total would be 6-3 * [-10*combin(3,0)*combin(11-6*0-1,3-1) + -11*combin(3,1)*combin(11-6*1-1,3-1) ] =
1/218 * [1*1*combin(10,2) + -1*3*combin(4,2)] =
1/218 * [1*1*45 + -1*3*6] =
1/218 * [45-18] = 27/216 = 12.50%
Alternatively, if you can program a computer that would probably be the fastest way to get the results.
Here is a simple function in C++.
Following is the output of the function.
Total | Permutations | Probability |
3 | 1 | 0.00463 |
4 | 3 | 0.013889 |
5 | 6 | 0.027778 |
6 | 10 | 0.046296 |
7 | 15 | 0.069444 |
8 | 21 | 0.097222 |
9 | 25 | 0.115741 |
10 | 27 | 0.125 |
11 | 27 | 0.125 |
12 | 25 | 0.115741 |
13 | 21 | 0.097222 |
14 | 15 | 0.069444 |
15 | 10 | 0.046296 |
16 | 6 | 0.027778 |
17 | 3 | 0.013889 |
18 | 1 | 0.00463 |
If you don’t know how to program you’re going to have to do this the hard way. What I recommend is list every combination of 3 dice. To avoid the list being 63=216 items long do not repeat the same combinations in different orders. In the interests of not listing the same number twice always order each combination from lowest to highest, not forgetting combinations with a pair or three of a kind.
So we start with 1,1,1.
Next would be 1,1,2.
Then 1,1,3; 1,1,4; 1,1,5; and 1,1,6.
Obviously you can’t roll a 7 with one dice so next we increment the second die.
1,2,?
The third die must be greater or equal to the second die so the next combination in full would be 1,2,2.
Next comes 1,2,3; 1,2,4; 1,2,5; and 1,2,6.
Then comes 1,3,3.
I hope you see the pattern. The whole list would look like the following.
Low die | Medium Die | High Die |
1 | 1 | 1 |
1 | 1 | 2 |
1 | 1 | 3 |
1 | 1 | 4 |
1 | 1 | 5 |
1 | 1 | 6 |
1 | 2 | 2 |
1 | 2 | 3 |
1 | 2 | 4 |
1 | 2 | 5 |
1 | 2 | 6 |
1 | 3 | 3 |
1 | 3 | 4 |
1 | 3 | 5 |
1 | 3 | 6 |
1 | 4 | 4 |
1 | 4 | 5 |
1 | 4 | 6 |
1 | 5 | 5 |
1 | 5 | 6 |
1 | 6 | 6 |
2 | 2 | 2 |
2 | 2 | 3 |
2 | 2 | 4 |
2 | 2 | 5 |
2 | 2 | 6 |
2 | 3 | 3 |
2 | 3 | 4 |
2 | 3 | 5 |
2 | 3 | 6 |
2 | 4 | 4 |
2 | 4 | 5 |
2 | 4 | 6 |
2 | 5 | 5 |
2 | 5 | 6 |
2 | 6 | 6 |
3 | 3 | 3 |
3 | 3 | 4 |
3 | 3 | 5 |
3 | 3 | 6 |
3 | 4 | 4 |
3 | 4 | 5 |
3 | 4 | 6 |
3 | 5 | 5 |
3 | 5 | 6 |
3 | 6 | 6 |
4 | 4 | 4 |
4 | 4 | 5 |
4 | 4 | 6 |
4 | 5 | 5 |
4 | 5 | 6 |
4 | 6 | 6 |
5 | 5 | 5 |
5 | 5 | 6 |
5 | 6 | 6 |
6 | 6 | 6 |
Next we have to determine the number of permutations of each combination. A combination is a set without regard to order and a permutation is a set with regard to order.
With a three of a kind there is only one way permutation. For example if the three dice are 1,1,1 there is only one way to roll that a 1 each time.
If the combination is 1,1,2 there are three ways to roll that: 1,1,2; 1,2,1; and 2,1,1.
If all three dice are 1,2,3 there are six possible permutations: 1,2,3; 1,3,2; 2,1,3; 2,3,1; 3,1,2; 3,2,1
The general formula is that if you have a total of d dice and the totals of each number are x1, x2, x3…xn then the number of permutations are d!/(x1!*x2!*x3*…*xn). So the number of ways to get a three of a kind would be 3!/3! = 6/6 = 1. The number of ways to get a pair would be 3!/(2!*1!) = 6/(2*1) = 3. The number of ways to get three different numbers would be 3!/(1!*1!*1!) = 6/(1*1*1) = 6.
Low die | Medium die | High die | Total | Permutations |
1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 3 |
1 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 3 |
1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 |
1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
1 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 6 |
1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 6 |
1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 |
1 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 6 |
1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 6 |
1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
1 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 3 |
1 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 6 |
1 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 6 |
1 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 3 |
1 | 5 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
1 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 3 |
2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 3 |
2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 3 |
2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 3 |
2 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 3 |
2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 3 |
2 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 6 |
2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 6 |
2 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 6 |
2 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 3 |
2 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 6 |
2 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 6 |
2 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 3 |
2 | 5 | 6 | 13 | 6 |
2 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 3 |
3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 1 |
3 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 3 |
3 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 3 |
3 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 3 |
3 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 3 |
3 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 6 |
3 | 4 | 6 | 13 | 6 |
3 | 5 | 5 | 13 | 3 |
3 | 5 | 6 | 14 | 6 |
3 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 3 |
4 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 1 |
4 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 3 |
4 | 4 | 6 | 14 | 3 |
4 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 3 |
4 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 6 |
4 | 6 | 6 | 16 | 3 |
5 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 1 |
5 | 5 | 6 | 16 | 3 |
5 | 6 | 6 | 17 | 3 |
6 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 1 |
Total | 216 |
Next we go through the tedious process of adding the number of permutations for each total. For example a total of 6 has the following combinations with the corresponding number of permutations.
Combinations | Number of Permutations |
1,1,4 | 3 |
1,2,3 | 6 |
2,2,2 | 1 |
Total | 10 |
The final table will look like this, not unlike the result of the computer function earlier.
So now lets add a column to our list for the number of combinations of each set. Let’s also add a total for the three dice.
Total | Permutations |
3 | 1 |
4 | 3 |
5 | 6 |
6 | 10 |
7 | 15 |
8 | 21 |
9 | 25 |
10 | 27 |
11 | 27 |
12 | 25 |
13 | 21 |
14 | 15 |
15 | 10 |
16 | 6 |
17 | 3 |
18 | 1 |
Total | 216 |
Now we can divide each total number permutations by the total number 3-dice permutations (216) to get the probability of each total.
Total | Permutations | Probability |
3 | 1 | 0.00463 |
4 | 3 | 0.013889 |
5 | 6 | 0.027778 |
6 | 10 | 0.046296 |
7 | 15 | 0.069444 |
8 | 21 | 0.097222 |
9 | 25 | 0.115741 |
10 | 27 | 0.125 |
11 | 27 | 0.125 |
12 | 25 | 0.115741 |
13 | 21 | 0.097222 |
14 | 15 | 0.069444 |
15 | 10 | 0.046296 |
16 | 6 | 0.027778 |
17 | 3 | 0.013889 |
18 | 1 | 0.00463 |
Total | 216 | 1 |
Finally, we are ready to evaluate the expected value of each bet. The expected value is the ratio of the amount the player can expect to win to the amount he bets on any given bet. So a fair bet would an expected value of zero. A positive expected value would mean the player has the advantage. A negative expected value would mean the dealer has the advantage.
Let’s start with the 4 bet. This wins with a total of 4 and pays 60 to 1. For those who don’t know, '60 to 1' means if the player wins he wins 60 times his bet and KEEPS his original wager. Had the odds paid '60 for 1' the player would NOT keep his original bet. Most table games pay on a 'to 1' basis.
The probability of a total of 4 is 3/216 = 0.013889. Thus the probability of losing is 1-(3/216) = 1-0.013889 = 0.986111.
The expected value of any bet with only two possibilities, winning or losing, is:
(Probability of winning)*(Amount of win) + (Probability of losing)*(Amount of loss).
For the 4 bet the expected value is
0.013889 * 60 - 0.986111*-1 = -0.15278.
So, this tells us that for every dollar the player bets on a total of 4 he can expect to lose 15.278 cents on average. Or, the house edge is 15.278%.
The next table shows the expected value and how it was calculated for all bets of a total of 4 to 17.
Total | Pays | Probability of Win | Probability of Losing | Formula of expected value | Expected Value |
4 | 60 | 0.013889 | 0.986111 | 0.0138889*60-0.986111*-1 | -0.15278 |
5 | 30 | 0.027778 | 0.972222 | 0.0277778*30-0.972222*-1 | -0.13889 |
6 | 17 | 0.046296 | 0.953704 | 0.0462963*17-0.953704*-1 | -0.16667 |
7 | 12 | 0.069444 | 0.930556 | 0.0694444*12-0.930556*-1 | -0.09722 |
8 | 8 | 0.097222 | 0.902778 | 0.0972222*8-0.902778*-1 | -0.125 |
9 | 6 | 0.115741 | 0.884259 | 0.115741*6-0.884259*-1 | -0.18981 |
10 | 6 | 0.125 | 0.875 | 0.125*6-0.875*-1 | -0.125 |
11 | 6 | 0.125 | 0.875 | 0.125*6-0.875*-1 | -0.125 |
12 | 6 | 0.115741 | 0.884259 | 0.115741*6-0.884259*-1 | -0.18981 |
13 | 8 | 0.097222 | 0.902778 | 0.0972222*8-0.902778*-1 | -0.125 |
14 | 12 | 0.069444 | 0.930556 | 0.0694444*12-0.930556*-1 | -0.09722 |
15 | 17 | 0.046296 | 0.953704 | 0.0462963*17-0.953704*-1 | -0.16667 |
16 | 30 | 0.027778 | 0.972222 | 0.0277778*30-0.972222*-1 | -0.13889 |
17 | 60 | 0.013889 | 0.986111 | 0.0138889*60-0.986111*-1 | -0.15278 |
Two of a kind
There are combin(6,2)=6!/(4!*2!)=15 ways to choose two numbers out of six. Each of these combinations is listed on the table and the player bet on as many as he wishes. If both numbers appear on the roll of the three dice then the player wins and is paid 15 to 1.
Let’s assume the player picks a 1 and 2 as his two numbers. What is the probability that both a 1 and 2 occur in the roll of 3 dice? One way to do this would be to note all the possible winning permutations:
Dice | Number of Permutations |
1,2,3 | 6 |
1,2,4 | 6 |
1,2,5 | 6 |
1,2,6 | 6 |
1,1,2 | 3 |
1,2,2 | 3 |
Total | 30 |
Thus there are a total of 30 winning permutations.
There are 63=216 total permutations, so the probability of winning is 30/216 = 1/36 = 0.1388889
The two of a kind bet pays 5 to 1. So the expected value is 0.1388889*5 + (1-0.1388889)*-1 = -0.16667. In other words the house edge is 16.67%.
Double
There are six double bets available, one for each number from 1 to 6. The player may be on any one or combination of bets. Any given bet wins if at least two of the three dice land on that number.
Let’s assume the player bets on the 1.
One way to solve it would be to note all the winning permutations:
Dice | Number of Permutations |
1,1,2 | 3 |
1,1,3 | 3 |
1,1,4 | 3 |
1,1,5 | 3 |
1,1,6 | 3 |
1,1,1 | 1 |
Total | 16 |
Thus there are a total of 16 winning permutations.
There are 63=216 total permutations, so the probability of winning is 16/216 = 0.0740741.
The double bet pays 10 to 1. So the expected value is 0.0740741*10 + (1-0.0740741)*-1 = -0.18518. In other words the house edge is 18.52% (ouch!).
Triple
Player may bet on any specific number (for example a 1). Player wins if all 3 dice land on that number.
There is obviously only one way to win this bet, so the probability of winning is 1/216 = 0.0046296. The bet pays 180 to 1 so the expected value is 0.0046296*180 + (1-0.0046296)*-1 = -0.16204. So the house edge is 16.204%.
Any Triple
The Any Triple bet pays if any three of a kind is thrown. There are obviously six winning combinations (1,1,1; 2,2,2; 3,3,3; etc.). So the probability of winning is 6/216 = 0.027778. The bet pays 30 to 1 so the expected value is 0.027778*30 + (1-0.027778)*-1 = -0.13889. So the house edge is 13.89%.
Low
The low bet wins if the total of the three dice is 3 to 10, without being a three of a kind. The probability of any total 10 or less is exactly 50%. The average number on any one die is (1+2+3+4+5+6)/6 = 21/6 = 3.5. So the average of three dice is 3*3.5 = 10.5. It stands to reason that the probability of getting under or over 10.5 is 50%.
However the bet loses on a three of a kind. There are 3 three of a kinds that would turn a winner into a loser: 1,1,1; 2,2,2; and 3,3,3. So the probability of having a total of 10 or less as a three of a kind is 3/216 = 0.0188889. So the overall probability of winning is 0.5 – 0.188889 = 0.4861111. The bet pays 1 to 1 so the expected value is 0.4861111*1 + (1-0.4861111)*-1 = -0.02778. Thus the house edge is 2.78%.
High
The high is just the opposite of the low bet, so it stands to reason the house edge would also be 2.78%.
Individual Number
Player may bet on any specific number from 1 to 6. If chosen number appears 1 time bet pays 1 to 1, if it appears 2 times bet pays 2 to 1, and if it appears 3 times it pays 3 to 1. Probability of 1 match is 34.72%, 2 matches is 6.94%, 3 matches is 0.46%.
Let’s assume the player picks the number one.
There is only one way to get three ones: 1,1,1. So the probability of three ones is 1/63 = 1/216.
Following are the ways to get two 1’s and the number of permutations of each.
Dice | Number of Permutations |
1,1,2 | 3 |
1,1,3 | 3 |
1,1,4 | 3 |
1,1,5 | 3 |
1,1,6 | 3 |
Total | 15 |
So the probability of two ones is 15/63 = 15/216.
Following are the ways to get one 1 and the number of permutations of each.
Dice | Number of Permutations |
1,2,2 | 3 |
1,2,3 | 6 |
1,2,4 | 6 |
1,2,5 | 6 |
1,2,6 | 6 |
1,3,3 | 3 |
1,3,4 | 6 |
1,3,5 | 6 |
1,3,6 | 6 |
1,4,4 | 3 |
1,4,5 | 6 |
1,4,6 | 6 |
1,5,5 | 3 |
1,5,6 | 6 |
1,6,6 | 3 |
Total | 75 |
So the probability of two ones is 75/63 = 75/216.
Another way to arrive at the probability of one 1 would be find the probability that the first die is a one and the second and third are not:
Pr(one)*Pr(not one)*Pr(not one) = (1/6)*(5/6)*(5/6) = 25/216.
However the one could appear in the first, second, or third position, so multiply by 3: 3*(25/216) = 75/216.
The probability of rolling zero ones is Pr(not one)*Pr(not one)*Pr(not one) = (5/6)*(5/6)*(5/6) = (5/6)3 = 125/216.
The following return table shows the possible outcomes, and the number of combinations, probability, and return of each. The return is the product of the probability and the win or loss to the player.
Event | Permutations | Probability | Pays | Return |
Player rolls 3 ones | 1 | 0.00463 | 3 | 0.013889 |
Player rolls 2 ones | 15 | 0.069444 | 2 | 0.138889 |
Player roll 1 one | 75 | 0.347222 | 1 | 0.347222 |
Player rolls 0 ones | 125 | 0.578704 | -1 | -0.5787 |
Total | 216 | 1 | -0.0787 |
So the total expected return is -0.0787, or the house edge is 7.87%.
Sic Bo section at the Wizard of Odds.
How to calcualte the 3-dice permutation in Visual Basic.
18+ BeGambleAware, Gamble Responsibly
18+ BeGambleAware, Gamble Responsibly
18+ BeGambleAware, Gamble Responsibly
18+ BeGambleAware, Gamble Responsibly
Live Super Sic Bo is the first dice game by Evolution Gaming, the most successful live gaming provider worldwide. The live presenter game is based on the asian ancient game of Sic Bo. In a custom built studio three dice are shaken, while you bet on the possible outcome. How is this release by Evolution Gaming different form the regular Sic Bo? Here the multipliers make the whole difference. Rules might be similar to the regular game, but you need to adjust your strategy so you can get a multiplier up to x1000! At Super Sic Bo every game can be a big win.
Evolution Gaming Super Sic Bo is a rather simple game, you can learn how it works in just a few rounds. However, it is highly entertaining, since the simplicity of the game is balanced on a rather complex betting grid. The many possible outcomes of the game make intelligent and strategic betting absolute priorities. You will have lots of fun trying to figure out patterns and trends and bet accordingly.
The game unfolds in a fantastic custom built studio, based on the colours of red and gold. The presenter does not interact with the dices, that are rolled in a completely automated way. There is no possible interference with the results of the game.
Live Super Sic Bo follows the rules of the classic game, but like in Lightning Roulette and Lightning Dice, there are random multipliers that spice up the game. When all bets are closed, random multipliers up to x1000 are applied to some of the numbers on the betting grid. Good luck!
It is true that multipliers are randomly applied to any possible bet, however x1000 multiplier is given only to a certain type of bet. We are talking about triple bets, the only betting strategy that will get you one of those x1000 multipliers. Different bets are allotted different multipliers - keep reading to find out all about it.
Are you looking for the best casinos to play Super Sic Bo with bonus? Choosing the best casino for playing live is extremely important. Only the perfect casino can guarantee the quality you need for enjoying Super Sic Bo 100%. We are talking about safety, graphics and customer service. But also about having a fantastic experience from all devices, including your smartphone.
The online casinos for playing Super Sic Bo by Evolution gaming you find on our pages have all you need for relaxing and having a great time. They all hold a licence from the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission, the authority that regulates online gambling) and are 100% safe and reliable. They offer you the best possible gaming experience and great welcome bonuses for playing Super Sic Bo!
Evolution Gaming is known as the best live casino provider around the world. One of the reasons for that is the quality of their streamed games, another is their interface, so easy to use and understand.
At the bottom of the screen is the Live Super Sic Bo interface. As per other Evolution Gaming titles, the interface is divided in three blocks. In the left side is the logo and the are where you can type what you want to say to the presenter. they will reply to you in real time, and that’s what makes the game so entertaining!
On the right hand side are the latest statistics. Here you can see the latest numbers that have come out, and get an idea of the latest results in the game. At the top of the columns is the total, while the three numbers underneath show the three numbers that have actually come out. You can also switch to a roadmap that shows you the trend f big and small bets. You can make this part of the interface bigger or smaller, according to the number of statistics you’d like to see.
At the center bottom of the screen is the betting grid and the possible chips you can place on the grid. There is also a Repeat Button, that you can use if you have a set strategy and you just want to repeat it over several games, without placing your bets each time.
In Super Sic Bo, as in other live games by Evolution Gaming like Lightning Roulette and Lightning Dice, there is a very short time for betting, you have to pay attention not to loose any rounds! At the beginning of each game, the top od the interface will turn green. This is the time when you can place your bets. the game is fast paced and soon enough the bets will be closed. The interface will turn red and the game will start.
If you’ve never played Sic Bo before, the betting grid might seem a bit difficult to understand. On top of it, in Live Super Sic Bo there are some special bets which are given a random multiplier up to x1000. Let’s have a look at the betting greed and possible bets, so you can choose which strategy suits you better.
Being the game really simple, is nice to have a challenging aspect to it: betting. The betting grid is quite complex, because you can bet on any possible outcome of the three dices. therefore there are many possible strategies you can apply to this game, finding the one that is a winner is the real challenge of the game!
Let’s see the possible bets:
One of the main differences between Evolution Gaming’ Super Sic Bo and a regular Sic Bo game lies in the possibility of getting a random multiplier. This game, like many other successful titles by EG allows players to get multipliers up to x1000! This means that with a bit of luck and a good betting strategy you can get some serious wins here.
After having a close look to the betting grid, you’ll notice the multipliers only apply to certain numbers. An important thing to keep in mind is that you can get the x1000 multiplier only if you bet on a triple. There are no other bets that will give you such a big result. Another detail to keep in mind is that Random Multipliers do not apply to the Even bets.
Random Multipliers are not visible while you’re betting. They appear after all bets are closed, in the fashion of Lightning Roulette or Lightning Dice. They are completely unpredictable (ok, they follow some rules as we mentioned above) and they can get up to x1000. You need a lot of luck and good strategy for getting one of these multipliers, but the challenge of this game is right here!
Live Super Sic Bo is a rather straightforward game. There is nothing difficult to understand in the unfolding on the game, which consists only in waiting for the dice shaker to stop and reveal the result of the round.
While this is highly entertaining, the real challenge comes whit your betting strategy. There are so many possible outcomes, and so many possible betting numbers, you’ll have to take a decision and gamble strategically.
Let’s have a look at a few simple betting strategies. You will be able to use them or come up with a combination of more of those. Remember to select a bet size that can allow you to play for a long time, as the results of the game might not be as easily achieved as you think.
It is always interesting to know what the return to player of a game is. This number, based on statistics for thousands of games, states the odds for a player to win a game.
In the case of Super Sic Bo by Evolution Gaming, the base game has a RTP of 97.22%. This is a high RTP compared to industry standard, meaning the game (calculated on the simple bets odd/even and big/small) has a quite favourable percentage of wins for players.