What Is Tai Xiu?
Tai Xiu — literally meaning "Big Small" in Vietnamese — is a popular dice-based casino game widely played across Southeast Asia. Known internationally as Sic Bo or Over-Under, the game revolves around three standard six-sided dice. Players place bets on the predicted outcome of a single dice roll, making it fast-paced, easy to learn, and highly engaging.
The game has deep roots in Chinese gaming culture and has spread throughout Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and beyond. Today, it's a staple offering on virtually every online casino platform in the region.
Basic Rules of Tai Xiu
The core objective is straightforward: predict the combined total of three dice rolled by the dealer (or a random number generator in online versions). The total can range from 3 to 18.
- Tài (Big/Over): The total is between 11 and 17
- Xỉu (Small/Under): The total is between 4 and 10
- Triple (Ba Càng): All three dice show the same number — this is a special losing condition for both Tài and Xỉu bets
If the dice land on a triple (e.g., three 2s, three 5s), all standard Tài/Xỉu bets lose, regardless of the total. This is how the house maintains its edge on those wagers.
Bet Types Explained
Beyond the basic Big/Small wager, most Tai Xiu tables offer a range of additional bet types:
| Bet Type | Description | Typical Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Tài / Xỉu | Total is 11–17 (Big) or 4–10 (Small) | 1:1 |
| Specific Total | Bet on an exact total (e.g., 9, 12) | 6:1 to 60:1 |
| Specific Triple | All three dice show one chosen number | 150:1 to 180:1 |
| Any Triple | All three dice match (any number) | 24:1 to 30:1 |
| Pair | At least two dice show a chosen number | 8:1 to 11:1 |
| Single Number | Chosen number appears on 1, 2, or 3 dice | 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 |
How a Round Works
- Place Your Bet: Select your chip value and click on the desired betting area on the table.
- Betting Closes: A countdown timer signals when no more bets can be placed.
- Dice Are Rolled: In live dealer versions, the dealer shakes a covered container. In RNG versions, results are generated instantly.
- Results Revealed: The three dice values are displayed and winning bets are paid out automatically.
Understanding the House Edge
Every bet in Tai Xiu carries a house edge — the statistical advantage the casino holds. Here's what you should know:
- The Tài/Xỉu bet has a relatively low house edge (around 2.78%) compared to most other bets in the game.
- Specific total bets have a much higher house edge, sometimes exceeding 15–30% depending on the number.
- Specific triple bets offer large payouts but come with a very high house edge — often over 16%.
Understanding these odds helps you make more informed decisions about where to place your chips.
Tips for New Players
- Start with Tài/Xỉu bets to get comfortable with the game's pace.
- Set a session budget before you begin and stick to it.
- Try free demo versions of Tai Xiu before playing for real money.
- Learn the payout table of each platform, as payouts can vary between casinos.
Final Thoughts
Tai Xiu is one of the most accessible casino games available — its rules can be learned in minutes, yet the variety of betting options provides depth for those who want to explore further. Whether you're playing on a live dealer table or a mobile app, understanding the fundamentals puts you in a much better position to enjoy the game responsibly.