When most people think of dice games, they picture age-old staples. Games like roulette and craps have been around for centuries. They continue to be a mainstay at online and brick-and-mortar casinos today. But, there’s one game that surpasses them all when it comes to age: Yee Hah Hi!
The History of Yee Hah Hi
Yee Hah Hi has a long and colourful history. The exact origins of the game are not known. However, we do know that Yee Hah Hi is a variant of Sic Bo.
Sic Bo is an ancient dice game that originated hundreds of years ago. The term “Sic Bo” translates to “precious dice.” However, this game goes by many different names. You might see it as Tai Sai, Dai Siu, Big and Small, or Hi-Lo.
Whatever you call it, the game plays the same!
Sic Bo is a classic table game in Chinese and Asian cultures. But, it didn’t take off in Western cultures until the 20th century. In the early 1900s, Chinese immigrants brought the game to the United States. Back then, it was a fun carnival game. But today, you can find Sic Bo in Asian card rooms at casinos all over the country.
For UK players, the Sic Bo is a newer experience. It wasn’t available for licensing in UK casinos until 2002.
Historians don’t know much about when the Yee Hah Hi variant came to fruition. Yee Hah Hi and Sic Bo have nearly identical gameplay experiences. The main difference is that Yee Hah Hi uses dice with symbols rather than dots or numbers. The name “Yee Hah Hi” translates to “Fish Shrimp Crab,” some of the symbols on the dice.
How to play Yee Hah Hi
Like Sic Bo, the Rules of Yee Hah Hi are very simple!
The outcome of the game relies on the three dice. The dice are six-sided like your standard dice. But, they contain symbols and colors. Each symbol corresponds to a specific color. The symbols also represent numbers, which you can use to make several bets They are as follows:
- 1. Fish – Red
- 2. Shrimp (or scorpion) – Green
- 3. Gourd – Blue
- 4. Coin – Blue
- 5. Crab – Green
- 6. Rooster – Red
In a traditional casino, the game plays on a unique table. It’s has a betting layout much like roulette or craps. In online casinos, the game simulates the layout. Players place their wager on the bet they want to make. Then, the dice go in a shaker or chest before the revelation.
It’s as easy as that!
Betting Glossary
There are many bets available. Names can vary depending on the software provider. However, they all operate similarly.
All Same Color
Bet on all dice landing on the same color.
Exactly Two of a Specific Color
This bet wins if two dice land on the chosen color.
Exactly One of a Specific Color
This bet wins if one of the dice lands on the chosen color.
Big
Number values equal between 11 and 17 with triples excluded.
Small
Number values equal between 4 and 10 with triples excluded.
Individual Totals
Individual totals are bets on specific numerical values of all three dice. There are 14 individual total bets available, each one with its own payout value.
Double
Land on a specific symbol pair.
Triple
Land on a specific symbol trio.
Any Triple
Land on any symbol trio.
Any One Symbol
Bet on a specific symbol. The payout depends on if you land on it one, two, or three times.
Odd
Number values equal an odd number.
Even
Number values equal an even number.
Domino
Bet on a specific two-symbol combination.
XYZ
Bet on a specific three-symbol combination.
XXY
Bet on a three-symbol combination using only two unique symbols. For example Shrimp, Shrimp, Gourd.
WXYZ
Bet on a four-symbol combination. You win if the dice land on any three of the chosen symbols.
Available Variations
Yee Hah Hi is a variation in itself. However, there are some other iterations to try out.
There’s Sic Bo, which uses traditional number dice.
Grand Hazard is a US-based game. It uses numbered dice and has most of the same betting options. However, the dice tumble down a chute with several planes.
Chuck-a-Luck is another US variant. This one uses a wire-frame birdcage to shake the dice.
FAQ
Does Yee Hah Hi have a fixed or variable house edge?
Yee Hah Hi is a unique game when it comes to the house edge. Remember: This game is a variant of Sic Bo. All of the same bets for Sic Bo are in play in Yee Hah Hi. They all come with variable house edges. The highest percentage comes with certain “Individual Total” bets.
Now, there are some additional bets with Yee Hah Hi. Color-based bets are unique to this variant. They all come with a fixed house edge. It’s 11.11 percent for everything. The bets are already simple enough. With the fixed house edge, it’s even easier for newcomers to grasp.
Can I use online casino bonus money to play Fan Tan?
The bonus money that you receive from an online casino can be used for any games that you want to play. Some casinos may not count play on some games toward your wagering requirement.
Can I play Yee Hah Hi for real money?
You can wager real money during Yee Hah Hi games.
Every online casino has its own rules and limits on what you can wager. Some may have small limits, allowing you to play low-risk games. Others are high-stakes. Make sure you read about limitations before you start playing!
If you’re not comfortable wagering real money yet, there are also free options. Many online casinos offer free rounds to help you familiarize yourself with gameplay. It’s a good way to get comfortable with the game before putting real money down.
Can Fan Tan be played on phones and tablets?
There are many online casinos today that are making their Fan Tan games available on phones and tablets. We recommend online casinos that offer play on a variety of different devices.
What kind of payouts does Yee Hah Hi offer?
This game offers several different payouts. Like any other casino game, the payout depends on the bet’s parameters. Riskier and more complex bets come with a much higher payout.
The most lucrative bet in Yee Hah Hi is the Triple. It’s the hardest bet to land. As a result, doing so provides a payout of 1 to 150! Other high-paying bets include the “XXY” and “Any Triple.” They have payouts of 50 to 1 and 24 to 1 respectively.
The lowest payout is 1 to 1. It comes with Big and Small bets as well as Odd and Even bets.
How do you win Yee Hah Hi?
Yee Hah Hi is one of the simpler online casino games. The gameplay is simple and quick.
Before the game starts, you must choose a bet. To win, the dice have to land on the combination you wagered. Every game lasts a single round and one roll of the dice.
There is some strategy involved in the betting process. But, the outcome is all up to luck!
How do I know if a Yee Hah Hi online casino is safe?
The online casino industry is heavily regulated. This is especially true for those in the UK. The best way to gauge a casino’s safety is to check its licensing.
Look out for a license from the UK Gambling Commission. If you’re in another country, look for information about your jurisdiction’s gambling regulatory body. If the casino doesn’t have any licensing information, try another platform!
Take a look at our recommended casinos. We only review licensed casinos to ensure that you stay safe as you play.