Independent, unofficial information guide β€” Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by BC.Game. 18+ only. Gamble responsibly.

BC.Game Fish Prawn Crab Explained

Fish Prawn Crab (also known as Hoo Hey How or BαΊ§u Cua CΓ‘ Cọp) is a traditional dice game popular across Southeast Asia, especially at Lunar New Year. BC.Game’s version is a multiplayer BC Original. Players bet on symbols that appear on three custom dice, and all bets are settled together when the dice are rolled. It’s simple to learn, but the odds are often misunderstood.

The symbols

Each of the three dice has six faces, each showing a picture instead of a number. In the traditional game the symbols are:

  • Fish
  • Prawn
  • Crab
  • Rooster
  • Gourd
  • Stag (deer) or tiger, depending on the version

BC.Game’s artwork and symbol names may differ slightly. The board in the game shows the symbols in use.

How to play

  1. Wait for the betting window to open.
  2. Choose your stake and place it on one or more symbols, or on any combination bets offered.
  3. When betting closes, the three dice are rolled for all players at once.
  4. Bets are settled according to how many dice show your chosen symbol.

Typical payouts for a single-symbol bet

In the traditional game, a bet on one symbol pays according to how many of the three dice show it:

Dice showing your symbol Traditional payout
0 Bet lost
1 1:1 (stake back + 1Γ—)
2 2:1
3 3:1

BC.Game’s payouts may be different. Always check the paytable inside the game before betting. Some versions also offer combination bets, such as two specific symbols appearing, with their own payouts.

The real odds

Many players assume a single-symbol bet is close to a fair 50/50, because there are three dice and six symbols. In fact:

  • The chance your symbol appears on none of the three dice is (5/6)Β³ β‰ˆ 57.9%.
  • On exactly one die: β‰ˆ 34.7%
  • On exactly two dice: β‰ˆ 6.9%
  • On all three: β‰ˆ 0.46%

With traditional 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1 payouts, that gives the house an edge of roughly 7.9% on single-symbol bets, higher than many BC Originals. BC.Game may set different payouts and RTP for its version, so check the game’s info panel for the actual figure.

Common misconceptions

  • “Covering all six symbols guarantees a win.” You’ll always get some return, but over time you’ll lose the house edge on every stake.
  • “A symbol that hasn’t appeared is due.” Each roll is independent.
  • “Betting where most players bet is safer.” Other players’ choices don’t affect the dice.

Playing responsibly

Fish Prawn Crab is often played at festivals and family gatherings, which can make it feel harmless. Online, rounds run back to back. Set a budget and time limit, keep a fixed stake and don’t chase losses. See our responsible gambling guide.

Is it fair?

As a BC Original, BC.Game’s Fish Prawn Crab should use the platform’s provably fair system. Check the game’s fairness panel for how multiplayer rolls can be verified.

Fish Prawn Crab quick summary

  • Dice: three, each with six picture symbols
  • Bets: on one or more symbols, plus any combination bets offered
  • Payouts: depend on how many dice show your symbol. Check BC.Game’s paytable.
  • Odds: your symbol misses all three dice about 58% of the time
  • Edge: check the game’s info panel for its RTP

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as Sic Bo?

It’s related. Both use three dice, but Fish Prawn Crab uses picture symbols and simpler bets.

What’s the best bet?

Check the paytable and RTP in the game. Generally, the simplest bets are the easiest to understand, but all bets carry a house edge.

Can I bet on several symbols at once?

Yes. You can usually spread stakes across multiple symbols in one round.

18+ only. Independent informational resource. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by BC.Game. Payouts in BC.Game’s version may differ from traditional rules.