How to Play Fan Tan

Katrina Sirotta

Contributor

Updated:
How to Play Fan Tan

Dive into the world of Fan Tan, an ancient game with over two millennia of history. This Asian game is not only distinctive but also exhilarating. Our Fan Tan tutorial makes it simple to learn, and we guide you through fundamental concepts, introduce advanced techniques, and offer useful advice for your journey.

Fan Tan 101: An Introduction to the Game

Smiling man in Chinese Casino

Fan Tan is steeped in history, predating well-known casino games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker by several centuries. It originated in China during the third or fourth century, but the name 'Fan Tan' became popular in the mid-19th century.thcentury.

The game's name emanates from two crucial elements: 'Fan' signifies 'turn over,' and 'Tan' means 'spread out.'

Initially an exclusive pastime in Asia, Fan Tan expanded to regions like the United States around 1850 due to the surge in Cantonese migration. Once gambling became lawful in Macau in 1847, authorized Fan Tan booths thrived, and the game remains a key attraction in Asian casinos.

If you wander through Victoria, BC, you might hear about Fan Tan Alley nestled within Chinatown, a nod to the game that captivated the area during the '40s.

Despite a decline in land casino popularity in various locales, Fan Tan has revived through online gambling platforms, reaching unprecedented popularity globally.

The Basics: How to Play Fan Tan

Introduction

Fan Tan is straightforward to grasp. Like most casino games, it features uncomplicated rules. The goal is to accurately predict how many counters will persist by a round's end. Players can choose from multiple betting options.

Players initiate a round by placing their bets. The dealer then randomly selects some counters using a cup. Subsequently, the dealer unveils the counters and counts them out in groups of four using a wand. The round concludes when four or fewer counters remain.

Successful bets are rewarded accordingly.

Equipment

Understanding the necessary tools is key to mastering Fan Tan. Unlike typical card games, Fan Tan requires specific items, with quality equipment being a hallmark of top-notch Fan Tan games.

The game uses counters, often resembling white buttons, coins, or traditional beads. A cup, called 'Tan koi,' covers the counters, and a wand known as 'Tan pong' is used to arrange them.

Lastly, a playing surface is needed, typically a Fan Tan board or mat, known as 'Tan ching,' although any table surface will work. Prestige Fan Tan games will use a Tan ching.

Setup

Visiting a Fan Tan casino unveils a simple setup. We analyzed Fan Tan Live, a premier live version by Evolution, to illustrate how straightforward the game design can be.

A container keeps all counters at the table's right-hand side. Players have different bet types accessible from their front, arranged centrally on a Tan ching mat.

Advanced mats or boards feature small/big, odd/even, and Fan bets centered, with others encircling them. The counters are revealed by the dealer in the table's center, ensuring clear visibility to all players.

How Bets Are Placed

Online Fan Tan limits can differ, but each game typically includes a detailed Fan Tan manual. For instance, some versions boast a popup table displaying all bet types, allowing players to digitally position their chips at selected bets.

Bets are placed before any game actions occur, meaning the dealer hasn't yet picked any counters. Remember, you'll predict the remaining counters in the last four.

Direct your chips to selected bets, like 'Fan' or 'Nim,' and await the countdown timer to finish.

How the Game Progresses

Fan Tan Alley Sign

Players can always refer to a paytable, outlining potential winnings and odds tied to each bet type. Most games share a standard paytable, though variations may exist online.

Winnings are tied to the payout rate. For instance, with a 2.85:1 rate, a C$100 win equals C$285. When factoring the casino's fee, you can also determine 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 provides detailed insights on every unique bet type, aiding strategic development.

  1. Fan (Exact Number): Select the precise number of counters left. Your bet hinges on choosing 1, 2, 3, or 4.
  2. Nim (Two Numbers): Akin to a Fan bet with two number selections. If the primary stays, you win, whereas a secondary choice results in a standoff. Use it as a 50/50 safety net.
  3. Kwok (Two Numbers): Like Nim, but either choice leads to victory.
  4. Sheh Sam Hong (Three Numbers): An optimistic pick of three numbers, where a match on any wins.
  5. Nga Tan (Three Numbers): Choose three numbers akin to Sheh Sam Hong. One acts as a safety, while the remaining two can secure your win.
  6. Odd/Even: Mirroring roulette predictions, this wager guesses an odd or even outcome. Capture 1 or 3 counters for 'odd' success, or 2 or 4 for 'even.'
  7. Big/Small: This resembles the 'odd/even' bet. Secure 'small' with 1 or 2 counters, or 'big' with 3 or 4.

Deciphering the Casino Advantage in Fan Tan

Slot-with-High-RTP-Values

The house edge alludes to the inherent casino advantage. Grasping this concept is critical for effective Fan Tan strategy formation, helping players gauge win probabilities for various bets.

Casinos levy commission rates that influence house edge. In Macau, a 5% surcharge on Fan Tan means the casino claims a 5% share.

A 'Fan' bet yields a 2.85:1 return post-commission, establishing a 3.75% house edge. Conversely, the 'Nga Tan' bet at 0.475:1 offers a lower 1.25% edge, offering casinos a greater 'Fan' betting leverage.

Tips for the Fan Tan Beginner

There's always a starting point, and our beginner advice is an excellent foundation for Fan Tan novices, easing them into game familiarity, simple tactics, and building confidence.

  • Engage with simple bets like Fan or Nim to grasp game dynamics, easing into advanced bets with increased comfort.
  • Pace yourself whilst tackling Fan Tan. You're free to spectate live online Fan Tan matches at your leisure.
  • Choose tables showcasing reduced house edges and beneficial payouts, potentially enhancing both win size and frequency.
  • Watch a few rounds before betting for a clearer grasp of the dynamic pace.
  • Use no-deposit bonuses Practice helps secure wins sans risk, with potential cash gains included.

More Advanced Fan Tan Strategies

an exclusive path guiding you to strategy mastery

Note that, while no perfect Fan Tan blueprint exists, numerous advanced techniques can elevate winning chances.

Here are our top strategies to master Fan Tan once familiarity sets in.

  • Using combined bets like Kwok can widen victory chances by covering more outcomes, akin to employing extra insurance in roulette.
  • Notice patterns throughout gameplay to fine-tune bets. While cosmic luck isn't the goal, realizing human dealers often follow norms can provide valuable insights.
  • Effectively manage funds by placing session limits and knowing when to step back. Savvy players realize breaks prevent control loss and heavy losses.
  • Factor in house edge. Odds impact decision-making. Macau players often pursue the low-edge 'Nga Tan' bet.

Modern-Day Variations of Fan Tan in Casinos

Despite Fan Tan's scarcity in Western casinos, Macao remains a hub featuring it in six different establishments. Online Canadian casinos present two variations accessible via mobile and more.

Live Dealer Fan Tan

An image of a female croupier engaged and attentive

This is the premier way to indulge in online Fan Tan, combining real equipment with tangible bets and real-time streaming, creating a casino-like atmosphere at home.

While the experience rivals physical casinos, live Fan Tan games are always available, with numerous themes and exclusive versions offering a unique edge.

Interactivity through live chats lets you communicate with other enthusiasts and dealers. Sometimes, fellow players might surprising reveal top Fan Tan tips. It's the most engaging approach online.

RNG-Based Fan Tan

An acronym for Random Number Generator, RNG is the underpinning algorithm ensuring unpredictability each time, echoing real-game randomness.

Also referred to as 3D table games, RNG Fan Tan games offer digital takes of the game with video game-level graphics for remote dealerless play.

Random Number Generator (RNG) games serve as excellent platforms to hone your Fan Tan strategy. Many online casinos in Canada provide free 'demo mode' for these games, allowing you to practice and get familiar with the gameplay without putting any real money on the line.

While in demo mode, you can simultaneously follow our detailed Fan Tan tutorial to enhance your gaming experience.

Where to Play Fan Tan Online

What lies ahead for the realm of online casinos and video gaming?

You've mastered the basics of Fan Tan, and now it's all about choosing where to dive in. There hasn't been a more opportune moment to give this game a shot. Some of our top picks host the best Fan Tan games available. online casinos .

We cannot stress enough how essential it is to explore and try the games offered at these sites. 7bit Casino or you can give our 888 Casino review Delve into the available literature to discover the latest premium bonuses. Keep in mind that grabbing a bonus can be an excellent way to gently immerse yourself into the online Fan Tan experience.

We believe in diversifying your options and exploring a variety of online casinos to find the Fan Tan game that suits your tastes impeccably.