Chinese Dice Games: Liar’s Dice, Bo Bing, Sic Bo, and Heaven and Nine

Ready to roll the dice? Dive into the thrilling world of Chinese dice games! Whether you’re bluffing your way through Liar’s Dice, going wild with Bo Bing, chasing big wins in Sic Bo, or testing your luck in Heaven and Nine, there’s a perfect mix of fun, luck, and strategy waiting for you. So gather your friends and let the games begin—who knows what fortunes you might uncover!

Liar’s Dice: China’s Ultimate Party and Drinking Game

Why Liar’s Dice Is So Popular?

Liar’s Dice is a game of wit, bluffing, and sheer nerve. The objective is simple: make your opponents believe your lies or catch them in one. Liar’s Dice is popular because of its perfect mix of simplicity and strategy. The game’s easy-to-learn rules make it accessible to anyone, but its focus on bluffing and reading opponents keeps it engaging and unpredictable.

How to Play Liar’s Dice: Rules & Gameplay

Setup:

• Each player starts with 5 dice and a cup.
• Players roll their dice inside the cup, keeping the results hidden from others.

Gameplay:

1. Starting the Game: All players roll their dice under their cups and secretly view their results.
2. Bidding: The first player bids on how many of a particular number (1 through 6) they think are present among all players’ dice. For example, they might say, “There are five 3s.”
3. Raising or Calling:
   • The next player can either:
     • Raise the bid: They can increase the number of dice or change the dice face they’re bidding on. For example, instead of “five 3s,” they can say, “six 4s.”
     • Call a bluff: If they believe the previous player is bluffing, they can challenge the claim by calling “bluff.”
4. Revealing the Dice: If someone calls a bluff, all players reveal their dice. Count the dice showing the face that was bid on.
5. Outcome:
   • Bluff is successful: If the bid is accurate, the player who made the bid takes a drink.
   • Bluff fails: If the bid is inaccurate, the player who called the bluff takes a drink.

Liar’s Dice Strategies to Outsmart Your Friends

Winning Liar’s Dice isn’t just about luck—it’s about outthinking your opponents. Bluffing is the heart of the game, and you’ll need a mix of confidence and caution. 

A smart strategy is to observe patterns in how your friends play: do they raise stakes too quickly? Are they too cautious? Exploiting these tendencies can be your key to victory.

Be bold but watchful—after all, it’s a Chinese Liar’s Dice strategy to make big claims, but sometimes the quieter bluffs win.

Bo Bing: The Mid-Autumn Festival’s Traditional Dice Game

What is Bo Bing Chinese Dice Game? 

Bo Bing is a dice game that brings families together to celebrate the full moon and wish for good fortune. The game traces back to ancient China, where it was invented as a way to predict one’s luck for the upcoming year. Today, it remains an integral part of the festival, with the central prize being mooncakes, a traditional sweet treat.

This Chinese Mid-Autumn dice game isn’t just about winning snacks—there’s real excitement as families eagerly roll the dice to see who will claim the best mooncake and, with it, the best fortune.

How to Play Bo Bing: Rules and Prizes

Setup:

• 6 dice are rolled per player.
• There are six prize categories, typically tied to mooncake sizes or other festival treats.

Prize Categories (from lowest to highest):

1. One 4 (秀才): If you roll exactly one 4, you win the smallest prize.
2. Two 4s (举人): Rolling two 4s wins a slightly bigger prize.
3. Three 4s (会元): Roll three 4s to win the next prize tier.
4. Four of a kind (进士): Rolling four dice of the same number (not necessarily 4s) wins this category.
5. Four 4s (榜眼/探花): Earn the second-highest prize
   1. Rolling four 4s gives you the second-highest prize.
   2. Two sets of three identical numbers.
   3. Rolling a sequence of 1-2-3-4-5-6.
6. Six of a kind (状元): Earn the biggest prize.
   1. Six Fours: Rolling six dice, each showing the number 4.
   2. Six Ones: Rolling six dice, each showing the number 1.
   3. Six of a Kind: Any six identical numbers, except ones or fours.
   4. Five Fours: Five 4-faces and any other number on the sixth die.

Gameplay:

1. Rolling the Dice: Each player rolls the six dice once per turn.
2. Matching Prizes: Based on the result of the dice, the player wins the corresponding prize category.
3. Continue Playing: Play continues with each player taking turns, usually until all prizes (mooncakes) are claimed.

Bo Bing Variants: How It’s Played Across Different Regions

While the core rules of Bo Bing remain the same, some regional variants exist, especially in different parts of southern China. For instance, in some areas, different kinds of prizes besides mooncakes are used—such as small trinkets or cash prizes—to bring a modern twist to the game. This adaptability keeps Bo Bing alive and exciting, making it a much-anticipated tradition in many Chinese homes.

Sic Bo: The Thrilling Chinese Casino Dice Game

What is Sic Bo Dice Game?

One of the most popular Chinese gambling dice games, Sic Bo is fast-paced and full of adrenaline. Originating from ancient China, Sic Bo means “precious dice,” and the game is based on betting on the outcome of three dice. Over time, this traditional game evolved into a staple of casinos from Macau to Las Vegas.

Sic Bo Gameplay and Betting Rules

Sic Bo is simple to learn but hard to master. Players place bets on a variety of possible dice combinations, and then the dealer shakes a container holding three dice. The dice outcomes determine the winners, with high-risk bets offering the largest payouts. This makes Sic Bo the ultimate dice game for those who enjoy a bit of risk.

Setup:

• 3 dice are shaken in a container or using an electronic machine.
• Players place bets on various possible outcomes before the dice are rolled.

Betting Types:

1. Small Bet (4-10): Bet that the total of the three dice will be between 4 and 10. Payouts are usually 1:1.
2. Big Bet (11-17): Bet that the total will be between 11 and 17. Payouts are typically 1:1.
3. Specific Triple: Bet that all three dice will show the same specific number (e.g., three 6s). This bet has the highest payout (often 180:1).
4. Any Triple: Bet that all three dice will show any identical number (e.g., three of a kind). Payouts are lower than for a specific triple (often 30:1).
5. Double: Bet that two of the dice will show a specific number (e.g., two 5s). Payouts vary.
6. Total: Bet on the exact total of the three dice (4 through 17). Each total has a different payout (e.g., 10 pays 6:1, while 4 pays 60:1).
7. Single Number: Bet on a specific number appearing on one, two, or all three dice.

Gameplay:

1. Placing Bets: Before the dice are rolled, players place their bets on the betting table by selecting one or more betting types.
2. Rolling the Dice: The dealer (or machine) rolls the dice.
3. Payouts: Winning bets are paid out according to the odds, and the losing bets are collected by the house.

Sic Bo’s Casino Influence: From China to Worldwide Popularity

While the game remains a beloved gambling option in China, particularly in Macau, Sic Bo has also gained significant popularity abroad, being featured in casinos across the globe. Gambling enthusiasts love the game for its unique blend of luck and strategy, and online versions of the game have further boosted its reach.

Heaven and Nine: A Dice Game to Play in Chinese New Year

What is Heaven and Nine Dice Game?

Heaven and Nine (Tien Gow) is a game traditionally played during Chinese New Year. This game is steeped in symbolism, as players roll the dice in hopes of achieving a combination of numbers that symbolizes heaven’s favor, particularly the number nine, which is believed to bring ultimate luck.

How to Play Heaven and Nine: Rules and Gameplay

Players compete to roll a 9 as often as possible, and the player with the most 9s at the end of the game is declared the luckiest. The game is simple enough for even the youngest family members, making it a key part of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Setup:

• Each player takes turns rolling 2 dice.

Gameplay:

1. Rolling the Dice: Players roll two dice and sum the total.
2. Scoring:
   • 9 (Heaven): A total of 9 is the luckiest roll and wins the game for that round.
   • 7 (Earth): Rolling a 7 is also considered lucky but not as lucky as 9.
   • Other Totals: Players may assign meanings to other totals, such as 5 representing average fortune and 2 being unlucky.
3. Continuing the Game: The game continues with each player taking turns until all rounds are complete or until one player wins the majority of rounds by rolling a 9.

Why Heaven and Nine is Perfect for Chinese New Year

Heaven and Nine is an ideal game for New Year’s gatherings because of its focus on luck, making it a perfect fit for a holiday that revolves around prosperity, good fortune, and family unity. Families play this game to predict their luck in the year ahead, with much excitement and celebration around each roll of the dice.

Asian Drinking Games: A Cultural Twist on Party Fun

In addition to the Chinese dice game, there are plenty of other Asian drinking games that add excitement to any gathering. Korean drinking games, like “Titanic” or “Baskin Robbins 31,” are easy and fun with no need for preparation, making them perfect for spontaneous parties. These games often involve quick decision-making and fast-paced rounds that keep everyone on their toes. On the other hand, Japanese drinking games inspired by anime culture, such as “Naruto Drink!” or “One Piece Drinking Adventure,” combine classic anime moments with drinks, offering a playful and nostalgic twist. 

Whether you’re diving into Korean simplicity or getting creative with anime-themed fun, these games bring together diverse cultural backgrounds for an unforgettable drinking experience!

FAQs About Chinese Dice Games