Chuck-a-Luck Dice Game Rules

Chuck-a-Luck is played with three dice, chips or points to bet with, and a simple layout showing the numbers 1 to 6. Drawing the layout on a sheet of paper works fine. Two to eight players is a good number, and one of you acts as banker. Let the role rotate.

In casinos and at fairs the dice tumble inside an hourglass-shaped wire cage that is spun around, which earned the game its nickname Bird Cage. At home a cup does the job just as well. The game is traditionally played for stakes, but chips keep it friendly.

Each round is quick and simple:

1. The players place their bets on one or more numbers from 1 to 6.
2. The banker shakes or spins the three dice and shows the result.
3. The bets are settled: if no die shows your number, the bank takes your stake. Otherwise you are paid for every die that matches.

Then a new round begins. Leave the dice alone until every bet has been placed.

When you win, you keep your stake and receive on top of it:

• One match: the same as your stake.
• Two matches: twice your stake.
• Three matches: three times your stake.

Some tables pay better for triples, for example ten times the stake. Agree on the payout table before you start, and stick to it.

Chuck-a-Luck has no natural end point, so agree beforehand how many rounds you play. The bank comes out ahead in the long run, so swap bankers often, ideally every round. Whoever holds the most chips at the end is the winner.