If you’ve ever wanted a game that combines sheer luck with endless fun, Left Center Right (LCR) Game is your answer! This wildly popular dice game has been the life of countless family nights and party gatherings, turning a few simple rolls into moments of hilarity and suspense. Whether you’re competing for bragging rights, candy, or cold hard cash, the rules are easy to grasp, making it perfect for all ages.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you—LCR comes with plenty of twists, creative variations, and even strategies to give you an edge. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this game, from the basics to winning strategies that will leave your opponents in awe!
Table of Contents
How to Play the LCR Game for 3+ Players
The Left Center Right (LCR) game is a fast-paced dice game suitable for all ages. Designed for 3 or more players, it requires only three special dice, a few tokens, and an appetite for fun.
Game Setup
To get started, you’ll need:
- Three LCR dice: These are special dice with “L,” “C,” “R,” and dots.
- Tokens: Chips, coins, candy, or any substitute can work. Start with three tokens per player.
- Players: A group of 3 or more works best.
Dice Outcomes Explained
Each roll of the dice determines your move:
- L (Left): Pass one token to the player on your left.
- R (Right): Pass one token to the player on your right.
- C (Center): Place one token in the “center” pot, out of play.
- Dot: Keep your token.
Rules for LCR Game
- All players start with three tokens.
- On your turn, roll as many dice as you have tokens (up to 3).
- Follow the dice instructions to pass, keep, or lose tokens.
- The last player with a token wins the center pot.
Popular Variations of the LCR Dice Game
1. Betting with Money or Prizes: Make the game more exciting by replacing tokens with coins or dollar bills. Each player contributes to the “center” pot, and the winner takes it all!
2. Themed Variations: Hosting a themed party? Replace tokens with items like candy for Halloween, ornaments for Christmas, or party favors for birthdays.
3. House Rules to Add More Fun
- Allow players to “buy back” into the game if they run out of tokens.
- Add a “wild” side to the dice that lets you take a token from the pot!
How to Play LCR Dice Game for 2 Players
While the LCR dice game is traditionally played with a group, you can absolutely enjoy the game with just two players! The gameplay remains fast-paced and fun, but with a slight twist to keep things interesting in a two-player setting.
Setup for Two Players
- What You’ll Need:
- Three LCR dice: The special dice with “L,” “R,” “C,” and dot sides.
- Tokens: Each player starts with 5 tokens (or coins, candy, or anything else you like).
- A Center Pot: A place for tokens lost to the “C” rolls.
- Decide First Player:
- Roll a die to decide who starts. Highest roll wins!
LCR Gameplay for Two Players
The basic rules of LCR still apply, with slight tweaks to accommodate only two players:
Dice Outcomes:
- L (Left): Pass one token to your opponent.
- R (Right): Same as Left—pass a token to your opponent.
- C (Center): Place one token in the center pot, removing it from play.
- Dot: Keep your token; no action is needed.
Special Two-Player Adjustments
- Increased Starting Tokens:
Start with 5 tokens each instead of the usual 3. This increases gameplay duration and adds more excitement to each roll. - All About the Center Pot:
The center pot becomes the focal point since both players are constantly exchanging tokens. The winner claims the center pot, which makes for a satisfying reward at the end. - Win Condition:
The game ends when one player is left with all the tokens, including those in the center pot. This adds extra stakes to every roll.
Optional Variations for Two Players
- Double Rolls:
Allow each player to roll twice during their turn. This speeds up the game and creates more unpredictability. - Wild Dice Rule:
Add a “wild” rule where rolling a dot three times in a row lets you take a token from the center pot. This gives players a fighting chance if they’re running out of tokens. - Best Out of Three:
For more fun, play multiple rounds. The player who wins two out of three games is crowned the ultimate LCR champion! - Themed Tokens:
Use something meaningful or fun as tokens—like favorite candies, poker chips, or mini figurines. This adds a personal touch to the game.
Left Center Right: A Fun Icebreaker Game
Looking for a fun and easy way to break the ice at your next gathering? Left Center Right is the perfect game to get people laughing, chatting, and bonding—no awkward introductions required!
How to Set It Up as an Icebreaker
- Gather Your Group:
Form a circle so everyone can see each other. This promotes conversation and keeps the energy lively. - Pick Fun Tokens:
Use quirky items as tokens, like candy, office supplies, or small toys. This adds a playful element and can even spark conversations. - Encourage Lively Banter:
Encourage players to cheer, groan, or tease (in good fun, of course!) after each roll. The more noise and laughter, the better the icebreaker effect.
Bonus Icebreaker Variations
- Fact or Dare Tokens:
Write a fun fact or dare on each token. When someone loses a token, they have to share the fact or perform the dare before passing it on. - Name-Game Twist:
When a player rolls “L” or “R,” they must say the name of the person they’re passing to. A great way to learn names in a new group! - Token Storytime:
Each time someone rolls “C,” they must share a quick story about themselves before placing the token in the center.
Party Chaos: Top 6 LCR Drinking Games
If you’re looking to spice up your game night with laughter and a few drinks, transforming Left Center Right into a drinking game is the perfect solution. Here are some innovative, funny, and wildly entertaining variations to try:
1. Sip, Gulp, Chug LCR
Replace the standard dice actions with drink-related consequences:
- L (Left): Pass your drink to the person on your left, and they take a sip.
- R (Right): Pass your drink to the person on your right, and they take a sip.
- C (Center): Pour a gulp of your drink into a communal “drink pot” (a big mug or pitcher). The loser at the end of the game has to chug the entire pot!
- Dot: You’re safe—no drinks for now.
2. Shot Roulette LCR
Add some high stakes to the game:
- Each player starts with three shots (or smaller drink portions).
- Instead of tokens, shots are passed Left, Right, or to the Center pot.
- The last person with a shot wins and gets to assign all the shots in the center pot to other players.
3. Mystery Drink Madness
Prepare a tray of mystery drinks (some delicious, some terrible). Each drink is numbered and corresponds to dice outcomes:
- L (Left): Choose a drink for the person on your left to down.
- R (Right): Assign a drink to the person on your right.
- C (Center): You have to take a random drink from the mystery tray.
- Dot: Keep your drink and enjoy the chaos.
4. Truth-or-Sip LCR
Combine the classic Truth or Dare with LCR:
- L (Left): Pass a drink to the left and ask them a “Truth” question. If they refuse to answer, they drink.
- R (Right): Same as above, but to the right.
- C (Center): Add a drink to the center pot. The person who rolls the next “C” has to finish all drinks in the pot.
- Dot: No action, but if you don’t participate, you have to take a sip.
5. LCR Power Hour
This fast-paced version involves a timer and smaller drinks:
- Every roll triggers the standard LCR actions, but the timer goes off every minute, and everyone must take a sip.
- Whoever wins the game assigns a “punishment” drink to another player, such as finishing a large glass or doing a hilarious task (like singing a karaoke song).
6. Spin-the-Rule LCR
Add a wheel or card deck with random drinking rules (e.g., “Swap drinks,” “Take 2 gulps,” “Dance while drinking”).
- Rolling L, R, or C triggers the player to spin the wheel or draw a card.
- The results add unpredictable chaos to the game.
Safety Note:
While these variations are designed for fun, always ensure that all players are drinking responsibly. Keep water or non-alcoholic beverages available, and remember that participation is voluntary—no peer pressure!
How to Make Your Own LCR Dice and Tokens
Let’s face it: the official Left Center Right dice and tokens are great, but what if you’re in the mood to get crafty or simply don’t have them on hand? Enter the DIY version of LCR—equally fun, and often even more creative.
Step 1: Craft Your Dice
Don’t have the official LCR dice? No problem! Grab some standard six-sided dice and a marker or stickers. Here’s how to label them:
- Sides 1, 2, 3: Replace with “L” (Left), “R” (Right), and “C” (Center).
- Sides 4, 5, 6: Keep one as a dot (safe) and get creative with the other two—maybe a “Wild” side that lets you take tokens back or assign them to someone else.
For extra flair, paint your dice in fun colors or themes. Want a holiday vibe? Paint them red and green for Christmas or pastel for Easter!
Step 2: Get Creative with Tokens
Sure, you can use poker chips or coins, but why stop there? Here are some fun alternatives:
- Candy: M&Ms, Skittles, or even wrapped chocolates.
- Mini Toys: Lego pieces, plastic animals, or action figures.
- Personalized Items: Use objects that reflect the group, like tiny souvenirs or charms.
Step 3: Bonus DIY Touches
To keep your LCR game organized, consider crafting a game box. Decorate a small tin or cardboard box with stickers, glitter, or even the words “LCR Emergency Kit” for a laugh.
Best Settings and Events for Playing LCR
If there’s one thing LCR guarantees, it’s that it’ll be a hit wherever you play it. But some settings are just perfect for maximizing the fun.
Family Game Night
Looking for a way to get the whole family involved? LCR’s simplicity makes it ideal for multi-generational gatherings. Grandma might not want to play Fortnite, but she’ll roll those dice like a champ!
Holiday Gatherings
Thanksgiving? Christmas? Fourth of July? LCR fits right in. Swap tokens for seasonal items like candy canes or mini pumpkins, and you’ve got a festive game that matches the mood.
Picnics and BBQs
Take LCR outdoors for your next picnic or barbecue. Use sturdy tokens like rocks, bottle caps, or mini ketchup packets to avoid them blowing away, and let the dice rolls entertain the crowd between bites of burgers.
Corporate Icebreakers
Looking to break the ice at a company retreat? LCR is a low-pressure way to get everyone laughing and talking. Pro tip: replace tokens with silly office prizes like sticky notes or branded pens.
Themed Parties
Turn LCR into the centerpiece of a themed party. Hosting a pirate party? Play with gold coins. Throwing a space-themed bash? Use mini aliens or stars. The possibilities are endless!
Advanced Strategies for Competitive Players
Think LCR is just luck? Think again. While you can’t control the dice, you can play smarter to boost your chances of winning—or at least make the game more entertaining for yourself.
1. Token Management is Key
The fewer tokens you have, the fewer dice you roll. If you’re down to one or two tokens, roll conservatively to avoid losing them all.
2. Play the Long Game
Watch who has the most tokens and position yourself accordingly. For example, if the player to your left has a big stash, it might be worth focusing on rolls that send tokens their way to even things out.
3. Psychological Warfare
Sometimes, winning LCR isn’t about strategy—it’s about messing with your opponents. Tease them, joke about their dice rolls, or pretend to have a “winning streak” mojo. The laughs might distract them, giving you the upper hand.
4. The “Fake-Out” Move
If your group allows house rules, suggest adding a “Fake-Out” side to the dice. When rolled, you can bluff your next move to confuse everyone. It’s a hilarious way to shake up the game.
5. Don’t Underestimate the Center Pot
Keep an eye on how full the center pot is. Players tend to focus on who has the most tokens, but the real prize is in the middle. Plan your moves accordingly to keep yourself in contention.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, Left Center Right is the ultimate combination of fun, simplicity, and adaptability. Add your own twist with creative variations or up the stakes with prizes to keep things fresh. The next time you’re looking for a game to entertain the crowd, roll the dice, pass the tokens, and let the good times roll!
FAQs About Left Center Right Game
How many people can play LCR?
The game is flexible! While 3 is the minimum, larger groups make the game more exciting.
What to do if you don’t have the official LCR dice?
You can make your own with standard dice by assigning numbers (e.g., 1 for Left, 2 for Right, 3 for Center, 4/5/6 = Dots = keep token).
How do you win at Left Center Right?
The winner is the last player with any tokens. Once every other player has run out of tokens, they win the center pot! The key is surviving long enough and hoping for a bit of luck with the dice rolls.
What are some variations of Left Center Right?
1. Drinking Game: Dice rolls determine who sips, gulps, or pours into the pot.
2. Money LCR: Use dollar bills instead of tokens for a high-stakes version.
3. Candy Edition: Play with M&Ms or other treats that kids can enjoy.
4. Themed Tokens: Swap tokens with seasonal items like candy canes, mini pumpkins, or even action figures for added fun.
How do you play LCR with money?
Replace tokens with coins or bills. Each player starts with three dollar bills (or coins). The center pot grows as players roll “C.” The winner takes home the pot at the end of the game!
Can kids play Left Center Right?
LCR is suitable for ages 6 and up, depending on the tokens used. Kids can play with candy or toys, while adults might prefer cash or drinks for added excitement.
Can you play Left Center Right with just two players?
Yes! Two-player LCR works with a few adjustments, such as starting with more tokens and focusing on the center pot. It’s a fast-paced, competitive version of the game.
How long does a game of LCR last?
On average, a game takes about 10-20 minutes, depending on the number of players and tokens. Larger groups with more tokens may take longer.
Is there strategy in LCR, or is it all luck?
While LCR is largely a game of luck, you can strategize by managing your tokens and observing opponents’ rolls to anticipate their moves.