118 Gambling - History of Sic Bo

History of Sic Bo

It is often a good idea – before starting to play to play a gambling game – to find out a little bit about that game’s origins. Finding out the history and origins will not necessarily render you more of an expert in the topic, but it could peak your interest more. And the more interested you are in the game, the more motivated you are likely to be to play it with more gusto and thus win. In anything in life, if you get really in to something and show enthusiasm and demonstrate energy, you are more likely to be more successful. So that is probably why a lot of people are interested in the history of sic bo.

Besides which, the first question that so many potential sic bo players start to ask is, “what the hec is sic bo?” Clearly they have never heard of the word of the game before – given that it is not an English word with which they are familiar – as it is hardly a word commonly thrown around in society. Indeed, one is unlikely to hear the words sic bo even in the pub (as opposed to words that one is likely to hear, such as: slot machines; black jack; poker; 3 card poker; roulette; keno and scratch cards). So it is not surprising that people are looking to learn a bit more about sic bo, the name, the origins and the history of sic bo.

Well, the history of sic bo began thus: the name sic bo is Asian and it is a Chinese gambling game meaning ‘Dice Pair.’ Sic bo (or sic-bo) was originally played in southeast Asia, Korea, Nevada and Australia. It has also traditionally been popular in the Philippines, where it is called, Tai Sai, which means either ‘Lucky Dice’ or ‘Hi-Lo.’ In Macau the game was known as Dai Siu which means ‘Big Small’ which makes a reference to the betting option that seems to have traditionally been most popular amongst players. But when you look at these names, especially the original Chinese one they do seem a little strange (the name and meaning of the game sic bo) since sic bo is played with three dice! So that already adds an element of intrigue to the game to get your juices flowing!

No one knows for sure, but allegedly it was said that the game was played originally with bricks (rather than dice). The bricks were tumbled between two plates and a bowl turned upside down. It was only in time that sic bo was adapted to the use of dice.

Looking to current game playing, there is an English game called ‘Grand Hazard’ which uses the same concept as that displayed in the history of sic bo. Even though the history of sic bo teaches us that the game was traditionally played in the East, it has been gaining increasing popularity in the West today too.

Now that you have a basic understanding for the history of sic bo, aren’t you more excited and intrigued to start playing the game? Perhaps you might also want to watch different nationalities at play in sic bo, to see how the game is manifested in various countries and thus determine your particular preferred variety of the game. Thankfully with today’s excellent technology, you can do exactly that as you can find sic bo on many of the well established on line casinos. So check out all the different types and start getting the most out of your sic bo game playing!