Left Center Right (LCR)

1 Overview

Left Center Right (LCR) is a simple betting dice game for 3 or more players. Each player starts with 3 chips and rolls special dice showing L (left), C (center), and R (right) symbols, along with dots (keep). Players pass chips left, right, or to the center pot based on their roll. The last player with chips wins the entire pot. No skill required — LCR is pure gambling luck and plays in 10 to 20 minutes. It is one of the most popular casual betting games for family reunions, tailgates, and large groups.

2 Components

• 3 custom six-sided dice, each showing: L, L, C, C, R, dot (some editions vary)
• A supply of chips, coins, or dollar bills (players supply their own or use the included chips)

Variant: You can play LCR with standard dice by assigning: 1 = L, 2 = C, 3 = R, 4-6 = dot (keep).

3 Setup

1. All players sit in a circle.
2. Give each player 3 chips (or agree on a starting chip count — some groups use $1 bills as chips).
3. Place an empty spot in the center of the table for the center pot.
4. Choose who rolls first (random or youngest player).

4 Gameplay

On your turn, roll as many dice as you have chips — up to a maximum of 3 dice.

• If you have 3+ chips: roll all 3 dice.
• If you have 2 chips: roll only 2 dice.
• If you have 1 chip: roll only 1 die.
• If you have 0 chips: you are out but stay in the circle — you might receive chips from neighbors later.

For each die result:

• L: Pass 1 chip to the player on your left.
• R: Pass 1 chip to the player on your right.
• C: Put 1 chip in the center pot. It is out of play.
• Dot (●): Keep that chip. Do nothing.

After resolving all dice, play passes to the left. Players who have run out of chips are "out" but not eliminated from the circle — they simply skip their turn (rolling 0 dice) until they receive chips from a neighbor's roll.

5 Winning

The last player who has at least one chip wins the entire center pot. Since chips received from neighbors can "revive" a player, the game is not over until literally only one player has any chips remaining. This often leads to dramatic reversals where a player with 1 chip survives multiple turns to win.

6 Strategy & Tips

There Is No Strategy

LCR is a game of pure chance. Every result is determined by the dice. There are no decisions to make during the game — you simply roll and execute the results. This is by design: LCR is deliberately simple, requiring zero game knowledge or skill, making it accessible to all ages and the perfect game for groups with mixed backgrounds.

Seating Position Can Matter (Slightly)

The only meaningful meta-choice in LCR is seating position. In larger groups, sitting between two players who are likely to roll L and R frequently means you receive chips more often. However, this is purely statistical noise over a few rounds. There is no reliable way to exploit seating for a real advantage.

Choosing Your Chip Currency

LCR is much more exciting when played with real money. A standard game uses 3 chips per player — with $1 bills, a 6-player game has $18 in the center pot. Raise the stakes with $5 bills for a more thrilling game. Many groups keep a dedicated LCR chip supply (casino chips or custom chips) to avoid cash awkwardness while maintaining the betting feel.

Managing the "Dead" Phase

When you're down to 0 chips, your position in the game is entirely passive — you're waiting for a left-neighbor to roll R or a right-neighbor to roll L. Despite having no control, stay engaged: a single chip received can completely revive your chances. The game's tension comes partly from these dramatic revivals.

7 Variants

Wild Die

Replace one standard LCR die with a "wild" die that has: L, R, C, dot, dot, and WILD. On a WILD result, the roller may choose any outcome (L, R, C, or keep). This adds a single decision point per turn without overcomplicating the game.

Double Down

Each time you are the last player with chips (about to win), you must roll one die. If it shows L, R, or C, you give that chip away or to the pot and continue play. Only a dot lets you win. This variant extends play time and adds suspense at the end.

Tournament LCR

Play multiple rounds with a buy-in for each round. Track cumulative wins across rounds. The player who wins the most rounds (or most pots) over an agreed number of rounds wins a designated prize or title. Good for longer game sessions.

LCR with Side Bets

Before each player's roll, other players can make side bets on the outcome (will they pass left, pass right, or keep). Side bets are paid directly between players, not from the pot. This adds an extra layer of gambling without changing the core game mechanics.

8 Common Mistakes

• Eliminating players who run out of chips: In standard LCR, players who run out of chips are NOT eliminated — they simply don't roll until they receive chips from a neighbor. Kicking out chipless players changes the game significantly and violates the base rules.
• Rolling all 3 dice even with fewer chips: You must roll only as many dice as you have chips (up to 3). Rolling more dice than you have chips to lose gives incorrect results. A player with 1 chip rolls only 1 die.
• Putting chips in the center before the roll: Chips only go to the center on a C result. Pre-placing chips or paying into the center before rolling is an error.
• Declaring a winner too early: The game isn't over when one player has the most chips — it ends only when one player has ALL remaining chips. Multiple players can still hold chips simultaneously during most of the game.
• Not clarifying the chip currency before starting: Whether you're playing with coins, dollar bills, poker chips, or M&Ms matters for the stakes and tone. Agree on the chip type and value before the first roll to avoid confusion or disputes at the end.