How to Play Fan Tan?

Fan Tan is a traditional Chinese game of chance with a long history tracing back to the Qing Dynasty. Once a favorite pastime in gambling halls across China, it has transformed over the years and is now available in modern online casinos, still captivating players with its distinctive gameplay and exciting betting choices.

What is Fan Tan?

Fan Tan is unlike most games of chance because it doesn’t involve dice or cards. Traditionally, it was played with beads made from ivory or bone in large gambling dens, while in smaller gatherings, players often used coins, buttons, or beans.

In today’s version, plastic beads and wands are commonly used. Interestingly, Chinese immigrants introduced Fan Tan to the West in the 1800s, bringing it with them while working on the Transcontinental Railroad and later while settling in cities like San Francisco and New York.

Now, the game has moved online, with live dealers recreating the suspense of the classic bead-splashing ritual. The dealer reveals the outcome by dividing the beads into groups of four, keeping Fan Tan’s sense of mystery alive.

The Origins of Fan Tan

The game began with simple household items like buttons or coins. The dealer would hide a random quantity under a bowl, and players would bet on how many would remain after being counted off in groups of four. Its simplicity mixed with strategy helped Fan Tan gain strong popularity.

How to Play Fan Tan

The concept is easy to follow: players select a number between 1 and 4, predicting how many beads will remain once the dealer removes them in sets of four.

Place your bet by choosing chips (ranging from 1 to 100).
Betting options include Fan (single number), Kwok (two numbers), or other variations that lower the house edge to around 1.25% with bets like Sheh-Sam-Hong and Nga Tan.
Once ready, click the “Throw” button.
The dealer spreads about 60 beads on the table, separates them, and reveals the final remainder (1, 2, 3, or 4).

Players can repeat their wagers with the Re-bet button or clear their stake with the Clear Bet option.

Fan Tan Rules (Card Version)

There’s another variation of Fan Tan played with cards, often called Sevens. Using a single deck, 3–8 players take turns placing cards in sequence. The number 7 is key, as sequences build up or down from it. For example, if the 5 of hearts is on the table, the 4 or 6 of hearts can follow. The winner is the first to play all their cards.

Types of Bets

When playing online Fan Tan with a dealer, you’ll find several betting formats:

Fan (3/1 odds): Wager on the exact remainder (1–4).
Nim (2/1 odds): Similar to Fan, but covers two numbers.
Kwok (Evens): Both selected numbers win.
Sheh-Sam-Hong (1/3 odds): Three numbers win.
Nga Tan (½ odds): Another variation where three numbers are winners.

Why Play Fan Tan Online?

Online casinos have reimagined Fan Tan with live dealers, creating a real-time interactive atmosphere that blends tradition with modern technology. With multiple bet types and authentic visuals, it’s an engaging choice for those who want something different from roulette wheels or card tables.

Where to Play Fan Tan Online

Though it may appear complicated at first glance, Fan Tan is simple once you understand the counting process. It offers a refreshing live dealer experience.

You can enjoy Fan Tan at platforms like Nova88Best, which partners with global providers such as Sexy Baccarat, Playtech, Microgaming, SA Gaming, Gameplay Interactive, and more.

Ready to Play Fan Tan?

Step into our live casino and experience the thrill of Fan Tan yourself. Whether you’re an experienced gambler or just exploring, this game offers both tradition and excitement. Try it today at Nova88best.com and put your prediction skills to the test!