What Is The Difference Between Craps And Sic Bo?
Craps and Sic Bo both are dice games that you can easily find at any online casinos. Also both these games see players bet on outcomes of the rolls of dice.
As the two primary types of dice games, both Sic Bo and Craps are very popular among players. However, Sic Bo is not as popular as craps. Let’s explore both games and find what is the difference between Craps and Sic Bo dice games.
Craps does require a little more skill to play than Sic Bo. In Craps, players make bets in the outcome of a series of rolls. There are many different combinations to bet on relating to both the dice and the Craps table it is rolled on, so there is quite a lot to memorise. On the other hand, Sic Bo is much more simple. The bets are related to either the combination of numbers on three dice, or on the dice totals. Beginners or who want simple game go for Sic Bo as it is an easy game.
See also: 5 Enticing Casino Dice Games You Must Try
Table of Contents
What is the difference between Craps and Sic Bo?
To know the difference between Craps and Sic Bo first let’s see how they are played.
How to Play Craps?
Craps, a fascinating and complex dice game, can be enjoyed online, and understanding its rules is critical for effective gameplay. An experienced Kiwi punter knows that Craps is played with two dice on a distinctive table that hosts a variety of bets.
See also: A Guide to Playing Live Craps by Evolution at NZ Live Casinos
Understanding the Craps Table Layout
Frequent play will help you understand the Craps table layout, which is essential for making strategic decisions. The table is divided into three sections: left, right, and centre, each containing specific bets.
- On the left side, you’ll find the Come, Don’t Come, and certain Odds bets.
- The right side hosts the Pass, Don’t Pass, and other Odds bets.
- The centre section is reserved for various Proposition bets.
Several bets in Craps can be won by rolling one of two numbers. Other results will either lose the bet or establish the Point. In the case of the latter, you’re given another opportunity to throw the dice and attempt to win your wager.
Craps Bets Explained with Examples
To illustrate, consider the Pass Line bet, one of the most fundamental wagers in Craps. If you place this bet, you need to roll a 7 or 11 to win. Rolling a 2, 3, or 12, however, results in a loss. Any other number rolled becomes the Point. To win the bet after establishing the Point, you must roll the Point number again before rolling a 7.
Other notable bets in Craps include:
- Pass Line Odds: This bet can be placed after establishing the Point on a Pass Line bet.
- Come bet: This is similar to the Pass Line bet but can be made after the Point is established.
- Come Odds bet: This follows the same rules as the Pass Line Odds but is placed on a Come bet.
- Don’t Come bet: This is essentially the opposite of the Come bet.
| Bet | Outcome Needed to Win |
|---|---|
| Pass Line | Roll a 7 or 11 initially, or roll the Point number before a 7 after the Point is established |
| Pass Line Odds | Roll the Point number before a 7 after the Point is established |
| Come | Roll a 7 or 11 after the bet is made, or roll the newly established Come Point before a 7 |
| Come Odds | Roll the Come Point before a 7 after the Come Point is established |
| Don’t Come | Roll a 2 or 3 after the bet is made, or roll a 7 before the newly established Don’t Come Point |
How to Play Sic Bo?
Sic Bo is a captivating game of chance, played with three dice. While its table layout may initially confuse newcomers, dedicating time to understand the betting options and table structure can lead to a rewarding gameplay experience.
Understanding the Sic Bo Table Layout
Just like Craps, Sic Bo involves a unique table layout that is divided into sections for various betting options. One of the notable distinctions between Sic Bo and Craps is the relative simplicity of Sic Bo’s betting options. Unlike Craps, Sic Bo does not feature phases in rounds.
Navigating Sic Bo’s Betting Options
- Big Bet: This wager posits that the total sum produced by the three dice will fall between 11 and 17.
- Small Bet: In contrast, a Small bet predicts that the total will range between 4 and 10.
- Pair Bet: This wager is placed on one of the 15 potential combinations formed by two of the three dice.
- Total Bet: This is when you bet that the three dice will yield a specific total.
- Double Bet: Here, you’re wagering that a particular pair of numbers will be rolled on two of the dice.
- Triple Bet: This daring bet proposes that all three dice will roll a specific number.
| Bet | Description |
|---|---|
| Big | Total sum of the dice will be between 11 and 17 |
| Small | Total sum of the dice will be between 4 and 10 |
| Pair | One of 15 combinations will appear on two of the dice |
| Total | The dice will yield a specific total sum |
| Double | A certain pair of numbers will appear on two of the dice |
| Triple | All three dice will roll a specific number |
Craps and Sic Bo offer different gaming experiences. If you try them both, start off by placing simpler bets, and take it from there.
Craps and Sic Bo Bets – The Difference
Sic Bo and Craps are two popular dice games that offer a diverse range of betting options. In essence, the fundamental difference lies in the bets offered, the potential payouts, and most importantly, the house edge associated with each bet.
Sic Bo, an ancient Chinese game of chance, provides gamblers with a myriad of betting possibilities. Despite this variety, it’s important to remember that not all bets are created equal. Some carry an extraordinarily high house edge. The two most favourable bets are the Small and Big bets, which offer a 1 to 1 payout ratio. Here, you’re forecasting that the sum of the three dice will total between 4 and 10 (Small) or between 11 and 17 (Big). Another enticing bet is the Combination bet, paying 2 to 1, which is based on correctly predicting the value of two out of the three dice. Yet, certain Sic Bo bets such as Specific Triple bets and Specific Dice Combination carry immense risk but provide substantial rewards.
| Bet | Payout Ratio | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Small/Big | 1:1 | 2.78% |
| Combination | 2:1 | 2.77% |
| Specific Triple | 180:1 | 16.2% |
| Specific Dice Combination | 50:1 | 29.2% |
On the other hand, Craps offers a similar variety of bets, which may confuse novice players. The two most prevalent wagers are Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets, which pay 1:1 and boast the lowest house edge. Come and Don’t Come bets follow suit, also offering 1:1 payouts. A notable feature in Craps is the Odd bets. Regarded as extensions of the four wagers mentioned earlier, these bets come with no house edge but are subject to wagering caps set by the casino. However, steer clear of risky bets like Any 7, betting on 2 or 12, Yo (11) and Hi-Lo.
When choosing between Craps and Sic Bo, remember to always take into consideration the house edge and potential payouts.
Craps and Sic Bo: A Detailed Analysis of the House Edge
Understanding the house edge is a crucial aspect of becoming a skilled punter, whether you’re betting on card games like blackjack, video poker, dice games like Craps and Sic Bo, or even slot machines. The house edge is essentially the casino’s average profit on each bet, and it varies from game to game.
The House Edge in Different Games
For Blackjack and Video Poker, the house edge is typically around 0.5%. However, this low percentage assumes that the player has honed their skills and fully comprehends the strategic elements of these games. Beginners are advised to avoid these games until they’ve practiced enough to understand the nuances involved.
Slot machines, on the other hand, offer a higher house edge, typically hovering around 5% online. This is due to the nature of the game itself, where skill and strategy don’t play a significant role. Every player is on equal footing, and the outcome is largely left to chance.
The House Edge in Dice Games
When it comes to dice games like Craps and Sic Bo, an informed punter will look for bets with a house advantage of less than 5%.
In the case of Sic Bo, unfortunately, only two wagers fall within this category – the Small and Big bets. In a Small bet, you win if the total of three dice is between 4 and 10, excluding triples. Similarly, in a Big bet, you win if the total lies between 11 and 17, again excluding triples. Both bets carry a house edge of around 2.8%, and pay out at even odds.
| Sic Bo Bet | House Edge | Payout Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 2.8% | 1:1 |
| Big | 2.8% | 1:1 |
For players who prefer the simplicity of a single roll bet in Craps, options are rather limited. The Field bet is the only wager in this category that carries a house edge of less than 5%, standing at around 2.7%. You win this bet if the dice roll yields 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. Payouts vary, with a roll of 2 paying 2:1 and a roll of 12 paying 3:1.
When it comes to multiple bets in Craps, there are several wagers with a house edge of less than 5%. However, these require a solid understanding of the game’s complex rules. If simplicity is your aim, venturing into these bets might not be ideal.
Which is Best To Play Craps or Sic Bo?
Deciding between Craps and Sic Bo boils down to personal preference, your level of familiarity with each game’s rules, and your appetite for complexity and strategy.
Sic Bo: Simplicity Meets Variety
Sic Bo’s charm lies in its straightforward gameplay and a rich array of possible outcomes. With three dice in play, the game offers more potential combinations than Craps. While this might mean more initial study to understand the odds, the betting options are straightforward, and winners are determined in a single roll. This makes Sic Bo particularly appealing to newcomers seeking simplicity.
Craps: Complexity & Strategy
Craps, on the other hand, offers a dynamic and continuous betting experience. The game lasts as long as the shooter keeps rolling, creating an engaging and immersive atmosphere. With a Pass Line bet, you’re rooting for the shooter, while a Don’t Pass Line bet backs the house. The game becomes even more nuanced if the shooter sets a point, opening up a variety of betting options. This complexity allows for the use of more sophisticated betting strategies, although it may require a steeper learning curve.
Making the Right Choice
When deciding between the two, consider your personal preference and betting style. If you appreciate straightforward mechanics and quick results, Sic Bo might be your game of choice. However, if you’re looking for a more strategic, immersive, and continuous gaming experience, Craps might be more up your alley.
Recommendation: I’d suggest starting with Sic Bo if you’re a beginner, due to its straightforward gameplay. Once you’ve grasped the basics of betting and dice games, you could then transition to Craps for a more strategic and engaging experience.
Finally, the choice is yours!
Conclusion:
The choice between Craps and Sic Bo ultimately depends on your preferences and gaming style. Sic Bo offers simplicity and a wide variety of betting options, making it ideal for newcomers who seek quick and straightforward gameplay. On the other hand, Craps offers complexity, strategy, and an immersive betting experience, especially appealing to those who enjoy continuous action and are willing to invest time in learning the game’s intricacies. Both games have their unique charm and appeal, so it’s recommended to start with Sic Bo if you’re new to dice games and gradually explore Craps as you become more comfortable with the nuances of dice-based gambling.
