How to Play Fan Tan

Katrina Sirotta

Contributor

Updated:
How to Play Fan Tan

Dive into the World of Fan Tan and Embrace a Game Steeped in Over Two Millennia of History. This Captivating Asian Classic Offers a Truly Unique and Thrilling Experience. Our Extensive Guide Will Simplify the Game for You, Unveil Expert Strategies, and Equip You with Handy Tips Along Your Journey.

Fan Tan 101: An Introduction to the Game

Smiling man in Chinese Casino

Originating from China, Fan Tan is an Ancient Game Surpassing the Age of Standard Casino Staples like Roulette and Poker. Its History Traces Back to the 3rd or 4th Century, Although the Name 'Fan Tan' Wasn't Coined Until Much Later.thcentury.

The Term 'Fan Tan' Comes from Two Core Elements of the Game: 'Fan' Signifying 'Turn Over', and 'Tan' Meaning 'Spread Out'.

Initially Confined to Asia, Fan Tan's Popularity Extended as Cantonese Immigrants Emigrated in the 1850s, Especially Thriving in Macau's Legalized Gambling Scene from 1847. The Game Remains a Fixture in Asian Casinos.

Explore Victoria, BC's Enchanting Fan Tan Alley in Chinatown, Reflecting the Game's Impact during Its Peak in the 1940s.

Though Its Presence in Land-Based Casinos Has Waned Across Multiple Regions, the Emergence of Online Platforms Has Breathed New Life into Fan Tan, Making It Widely Accessible Across Global iGaming Sites.

The Basics: How to Play Fan Tan

Introduction

Fan Tan's Simplicity is Part of Its Charm. With Easy-to-Grasp Rules, the Game Involves Betting on the Number of Counters Remaining at the Conclusion of a Round, Offering Various Betting Options.

Each Round of Fan Tan Begins with Players Placing Their Bets. The Dealer Then Randomly Selects Counters Using a Cup and Proceeds to Count Them in Sets of Four, Culminating the Round Once Four or Fewer Counters Remain.

Successful Bets are Rewarded Accordingly.

Equipment

Familiarizing Yourself with the Necessary Gear is Crucial for Grasping Fan Tan. Unlike Other Casino Games Relying Solely on Playing Cards, Fan Tan Requires Specific Equipment for Play.

The Game Utilizes Counters, Traditionally Made from Beads or Improvized with Coins or Buttons. Additionally, You'll Need a Cup Known as 'Tan Koi' and a Wand Named 'Tan Pong' for Manipulating Counters.

Finally, a Surface to Play On is Essential. Though 'Tan Ching' Mats or Boards are Common, Any Standard Table Can Serve. Premium Fan Tan Games Often Employ a Tan Ching.

Setup

A Visit to Any Fan Tan Casino Reveals a Fairly Straightforward Setup. We Used Evolution's Fan Tan Live as a Benchmark for Its Simple Configuration.

Counters are Stored in a Container on the Table's Right. The Various Betting Options are Displayed in Front on a Tan Ching Mat at the Table's Center.

On an Advanced Tan Ching Layout, Standard Bet Types like Small/Big and Odd/Even are Centrally Positioned, with Additional Bets Surrounding Them. The Dealer Replaces Counters Mid-Table, Ensuring Maximum Visibility.

How Bets Are Placed

While Online Versions May Differ, Each Offers a Comprehensive Fan Tan Guide. These Usually Feature a Pop-Up Bet Board, Allowing Players to Place Virtual Chips on Desired Bets.

Bets Must Be Placed Before Any Game Actions. The Dealer Selects Counters Randomly Later On. Remember, the Game revolves Around Betting on the Counter Quantity Left Securely in the Closing Four.

Navigate the Betting Interface to Place Chips on Choices like 'Fan' or 'Nim', Awaiting the Countdown to Kickstart.

How the Game Progresses

Fan Tan Alley Sign

Every Fan Tan Session Comes Equipped with a Paytable, Enlightening Players on Potential Winnings and Bet Adjustments. Although There Is General Consistency Across Games, Variants Might Present Unique Odds.

Your Payout Rate Dictates Your Earnings. A Rate of 2.85:1 Ensures a Successful C$100 Bet Ends with C$285. Calculating with the Casino’s Commission Aids in Figuring Out the House Edge.

Name of Bet Odds of Winning Payout Rate

Fan (Exact Number)

1 in 4 (25%)

2.85:1

Nim (Two Numbers)

1 in 2 (25%)

1.90:1

Kwok (Two Numbers)

1 in 2 (50%)

0.95:1

Sheh Sam Hong (Three Numbers)

3 in 4 (75%)

0.316667:1

Odd/Even

1 in 2 (50%)

0.95:1

Nga Tan (Three numbers)

1 in 2 (25%)

0.475:1

Description of Each Bet:

Our Fan Tan Guide Dives Deep into Each Unique Bet Type to Assist You in Crafting Your Winning Strategies.

  1. Fan (Exact Number): Bet on a Specific Number of Counters Remaining - Options Include 1, 2, 3, or 4.
  2. Nim (Two Numbers): Similar to the Fan Bet, But with Two Chosen Numbers. A Win Occurs When Your Primary Number is Left, but You Get a Push on Your Secondary Pick. View This as a 50/50 Risk When Crafting Tactics.
  3. Kwok (Two Numbers): Like Nim, But Winning is Secured with Either Number.
  4. Sheh Sam Hong (Three Numbers): This Bet Offers the Highest Success Rate by Choosing Three Numbers and Winning if Any Stay.
  5. Nga Tan (Three Numbers): A Trio Bet Like Sheh Sam Hong, But One Pick Yields a Push. Remaining Two, if Ending the Game, Lead to Success.
  6. Odd/Even: Similar to Roulette, This Bet Pits Odd vs. Even. 1 and 3 Secure an Odd Win, While 2 and 4 Seal Even.
  7. Big/Small: Resembling the Odd/Even Bet, This Wager Requires 1 or 2 Counters Left for Small Wins and 3 or 4 for Big Bowls.

Decoding the House Edge in Fan Tan for Smarter Play

Slot-with-High-RTP-Values

The House Edge Represents the Statistical Advantage for the Casino. Understanding this Concept is Fundamental for Developing a Solid Fan Tan Strategy, Helping You Gauge the Likelihood of Wins Heretofore.

Casinos Impose a Commission Impacting the House Edge. For Instance, During Sessions in Macau, Fan Tan Commands a Normal 5% Commission. Therefore, the Casino Retains 5% from Payouts.

Take a Closer Look at the 'Fan' Bet. It Offers a 2.85:1 Return Post a 5% Commission Resulting in a House Edge of 3.75%. Conversely, the 'Nga Tan' Bet at 0.475:1 Oscillates to a Far Lower 1.25% House Edge.

Tips for the Fan Tan Beginner

Embarking on Your Fan Tan Journey? Our Newcomer Tips are a Nice Launchpad, Guiding You Gradually as You Hone Your Skills and Strategies.

  • Begin with Straightforward Bets like Fan or Nim to Capture the Game’s Pace and Feel Confident Encompassing More Complex Bets Later.
  • Enjoy Learning to Play at a Comfortable Rate. There’s No Need to Rush - Consider Observing Online Live Fan Tan Games.
  • Opt for Tables with Favorable House Edge and Payout Structures. This Approach May Encourage Bigger Wins and Greater Frequency.
  • Gaining Familiarization with the Game's Tempo by Watching a Few Rounds Before Placing Your First Bet.
  • Use no-deposit bonuses Perfect Your Skills Through Observation, Reducing Risk While still Possibly Winning Cash.

More Advanced Fan Tan Strategies

Develop Your Own Custom Strategy Compass.

Bear in Mind, No Flawless Fan Tan Tactic Exists, Although Advanced Concepts and Tactics Certainly Might Improve Profit Margins.

After Grasping the Game, These Are Our Preferred Fan Tan Techniques.

  • Embrace Combination Bets like Kwok to Broaden the Horizon. Similar to Roulette, This Diversity Covers a Wide Range of Potential Outcomes.
  • Pinpointing Game Patterns Sharpen Betting Decisions. While It’s Not About Crazy Enhancements or Lucky Numbers, Human Dealers Might Unknowingly Set Patterns.
  • Bankroll Management Is Essential. Define Session Boundaries and Learn Optimal Times to Step Back. Acknowledge When a Pause Is Warranted.
  • Consider the House Edge in Your Strategy, as Odds Can Influence Play. Macau's Scene Shows a Trend Towards the 'Nga Tan' Bet for Its Subdued House Edge.

Exploring Fan Tan Variations in Contemporary Gaming Hubs

Fan Tan's Accessibility at Canadian, American, or European Brick-and-Mortar Casinos is Increasingly Uncommon. Macao Shines with Its Six-Casino Fan Tan Scene. In Canada’s Online Sector, Two Different Variations Compete, Available Through Mobile, Tablet, or Laptop.

Live Dealer Fan Tan

A Candid Look of a Female Dealer Engagingly Gazing at You.

The Crème de la Crème Virtual Fan Tan Experience. Enjoy Live-Streamed Games with Authentic Tables, Real Counters, Human Dealers, and Genuine Cash Wagers.

This Online Adventure Closely Mimics Traditional Casino Visits, Offering All-New Benefits of Playing Anytime Joined by Varied Presentations and Unique Tweaks.

Take Advantage of Interactive Live Chat, Allowing Dialogue with Players and Dealers. Engage with Seasoned Players Eager to Share Useful Fan Tan Pointers.

RNG-Based Fan Tan

RNG is Short for Random Number Generator. This Mechanism Ensures the Game's Randomness, Delivering Consistency in Outcomes.

Defined as 3D Table Games, RNG-Based Fan Tan Mirrors the Classic Table Sensation, Encompassing Lifelike, Video-Game-Quality Visuals Minus the Physical Dealer.

RNG games serve as excellent practice arenas for honing your Fan Tan tactics. This is primarily because numerous online casinos in Canada provide RNG titles with a complimentary 'demo mode.' It’s a fantastic way to experiment with strategies or get acquainted with the game without putting your actual money on the line.

Take advantage of the demo mode to simultaneously dive into our Fan Tan guide and enjoy playing.

Where to Play Fan Tan Online

What directions will the future steer online casino and video gaming industries towards?

You've now mastered the essentials of Fan Tan. The next step is selecting where to embark on your journey. There has truly never been a more opportune moment to delve into this distinct game. Some of the finest Fan Tan experiences await at our top picks. online casinos .

We strongly encourage exploring the array of games available at 7bit Casino or you can give our 888 Casino review to uncover the freshest and most lucrative bonuses. Keep in mind that picking up a bonus is a fantastic way to smoothly transition into playing Fan Tan online.

We also think it’s beneficial to explore a range of online casinos until you find the version of Fan Tan that truly resonates with your preferences.