If you're a fan of traditional Asian casino games, then you've probably heard of Fantan. This popular game originated in China and has been played for centuries. At New88, we offer the classic version of Fantan that stays true to its roots and provides an authentic experience for players.
In this blog post, we will provide detailed instructions on the rules of Fantan at New88. Whether you're new to the game or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the gameplay, betting options, payout structure, and more. So let's dive into the world of Fantan and learn how to play at New88!
Gameplay Overview: The Basics of Fantan
Fantan is a simple yet exciting game that is enjoyed by players of all skill levels. It can be played with 2-8 players, but at New88, it is available for single-player as well. The game uses a deck of Chinese dominoes, also known as tiles, and the objective is to get rid of all your tiles before your opponents do.
To start the game, all tiles are shuffled face down on the table and four piles of 10 tiles each are created. These piles represent the four cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west. The dealer then places a small marker, usually a small cup, on top of one of the piles to indicate the starting point. This pile is called the "ship" and the number of tiles left in this pile determines the round's winning number.
Each player is given a hand of tiles, which can vary depending on the number of players. For example, if there are four players, each will receive 13 tiles, leaving seven tiles in the "ship." The remaining tiles are set aside and not used in the current round.
Setting Up the Game: Dealing and Arranging the Tiles
Once you have a basic understanding of the gameplay, it's time to set up the game and start playing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to deal and arrange the tiles for Fantan at New88:
Step 1: Place the Piles of Tiles
As mentioned before, the dealer will place four piles of 10 tiles each on the table, representing the four cardinal directions. Make sure all players have a clear view of the piles.
Step 2: Shuffle the Tiles
After placing the piles, the dealer will shuffle all remaining tiles face down and place them in front of the "ship." This pile is known as the "head."
Step 3: Deal the Tiles
Each player receives their hand of tiles from the head, starting with the player to the right of the dealer and moving counterclockwise. The dealer deals out the tiles one by one until each player has the required number of tiles. Any leftover tiles are set aside and not used in the current round.
Step 4: Arrange Your Tiles
Now that everyone has their tiles, it's time to arrange them in your hand. Organize your tiles according to their suits and numbers for easier gameplay. The three suits are dots, characters, and sticks, and each suit has nine different tiles numbered 1-9.
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The Player's Turn: Understanding the Betting Options
After the tiles have been dealt and arranged, the game begins. The player seated to the left of the dealer goes first, and then the turns rotate counterclockwise. Each player has three betting options during their turn:
Option 1: Bet on a Single Tile
The player can bet on a single tile by placing a bet on any of the four piles. If the tile placed matches the winning number, the player wins and gets to keep the bet amount. However, if the tile does not match the winning number, the bet is considered lost.
Option 2: Bet on a Group of Tiles
Instead of betting on a single tile, players can also bet on a group of tiles. This means they place their bet on one of the four piles and predict that multiple tiles of the same number will be placed on top of it. If the predicted number appears, the player wins and receives a payout according to the game's multiplier (more on this in the next section).
Option 3: Pass or "Ko"
If a player does not wish to bet on a tile or group of tiles, they can pass and say "ko." This indicates that they do not want to make a bet and are passing the turn to the next player. However, if all players pass consecutively, the round ends, and a new round begins.
Betting Strategies: Maximizing Your Chances of Winning
Now that you understand the basic betting options, let's discuss some strategies that can help increase your chances of winning at Fantan:
- Keep track of the winning numbers: Since the winning number is determined by the number of tiles left in the "ship," keep an eye on it and try to remember the previous rounds' winning numbers. This can give you an idea of which numbers are more likely to appear.
- Bet on groups of tiles: Instead of placing bets on single tiles, consider betting on groups of tiles. This can increase your odds of winning since you're predicting that multiple tiles of the same number will appear.
- Mix up your bets: Don't always bet on the same pile. Mix it up and bet on different piles to increase your chances of catching the winning number.
- Start with small bets: When starting a new round, it's best to start with smaller bets and gradually increase them as the round progresses. This way, you won't risk losing a large amount in case you don't catch the winning number.
Understanding the Payout Structure: Winnings and Multipliers
At New88, we offer a payout structure of 1x, 2x, 3x, and 5x for Fantan. This means that if you bet on a single tile and win, you will receive your bet amount multiplied by the corresponding multiplier. For example, if you bet $10 on a single tile with a 2x multiplier and win, you will receive $20.
For group bets, the payouts are as follows:
- 2 tiles: 4x
- 3 tiles: 6x
- 4 tiles: 8x
- 5 tiles: 10x
- 6 tiles: 12x
- 7 tiles: 14x
- 8 tiles: 16x
Keep in mind that these payouts and multipliers may vary depending on the casino and its rules.
Winning and Losing Scenarios: Determining the Outcome
Once all players have had their turn, the round ends, and the winning number is determined. The dealer reveals the next tile from the head, and if it matches any of the four piles, that pile becomes the new "ship." If the revealed tile does not match any of the piles, then the "ship" remains the same for the next round.
Here are some scenarios that can occur at the end of each round:
- If only one player made a bet on the winning number, they collect their winnings and the round ends.
- If multiple players bet on the winning number, the one with the higher bet wins and collects their winnings.
- If no player bet on the winning number, the player who holds the most tiles in their hand wins.
- If no player has any tiles left in their hand, the player with the fewest tiles in their hand wins, and the round ends.
The game continues with new rounds until a player reaches the agreed-upon winning score. At New88, we offer a variety of scoring options, including 25, 50, or 100 points.
Common Fantan Variations: Exploring Different Rulesets
While we have covered the basic rules of Fantan at New88, there are many variations of this game that you may come across in different casinos. Here are some popular variations and how they differ from the classic version:
- "Long" Fantan: In this variation, players receive more tiles in their hand, usually 17 instead of 13.
- "Short" Fantan: As the name suggests, this version has fewer tiles in each player's hand, usually nine instead of 13.
- "Dynamic" Fantan: This variation uses a rotating winning number, meaning that the winning number changes every round depending on the number of tiles left in the "ship."
- "Money" Fantan: Instead of using tiles, this version uses coins with numbers printed on them.
It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the Fantan game you're playing to avoid any confusion during gameplay.
Tips and Tricks for Playing Fantan at New88
To wrap up our guide, here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind while playing Fantan at New88:
- Set a budget and stick to it: Like any other casino game, it's crucial to set a budget for your Fantan gameplay and stick to it. This will help you enjoy the game responsibly without risking more than you can afford.
- Take breaks: Playing for long periods can be tiring and can affect your decision-making. Take breaks between rounds and do not play for extended periods.
- Learn from others: If you're new to Fantan, don't be afraid to observe and learn from more experienced players. You can also ask the dealer for any clarification on rules or gameplay.
- Practice makes perfect: As with any game, practice is essential to improve your skills. At New88, we offer the option to play Fantan for free before playing with real money to help you get a feel for the game.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Game and Responsible Gambling
Fantan is a fascinating and straightforward game that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by players all over the world. At New88, we strive to provide an authentic and enjoyable gaming experience for our players. We hope this guide has helped you understand the rules of Fantan at New88 and will help you make the most out of your gaming experience. Remember to gamble responsibly and have fun!