How to Play Fish Prawn Crab: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

If you’ve ever found yourself at a lively Asian festival or a bustling Lunar New Year celebration, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a colorful little dice game that’s got people yelling, laughing, and placing bets with wide-eyed excitement. That game is Fish Prawn Crab — or as some know it, Hoo Hey How in Cantonese. It’s fast, fun, and ridiculously easy to pick up — no matter your age or experience level.

In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know to play Fish Prawn Crab like a pro, even if you’ve never heard of it until now. So grab a seat, roll the dice, and let’s get started!

What Is Fish Prawn Crab?

Fish Prawn Crab is a traditional Chinese dice game that’s a cross between roulette and a street carnival. Think of it like the Eastern cousin of Sic Bo or Crown and Anchor from the UK. It’s a game of chance— simple rules, quick rounds, and pure adrenaline.

The History (Just a Bit!)

This game has been around for centuries, especially popular in southern China, Vietnam (where it’s called Bầu Cua Cá Cọp), and in Chinese communities all over Southeast Asia. It usually shows up around big holidays, especially during Chinese New Year. It’s not just a game — it’s a tradition.

What You’ll Need to Play

Before you start throwing money down and shouting for a shrimp, here’s what you’ll need:

1. The Game Board

The Fish Prawn Crab board has six symbols: Fish, Prawn (or Shrimp), Crab, Rooster, Gourd, and Stag (or Deer). Each symbol has an equal chance of landing, and they’re arranged clearly on the board so players can place their bets.

2. Three Dice

Unlike standard numbered dice, these ones are printed with the same six symbols from the board. Each face represents one of the six animals or icons.

3. Chips or Coins for Betting

You can use real cash, poker chips, buttons — anything works, really. The point is to wager on what you think the dice will land on.

Basic Objective of the Game

Your mission? Predict which symbols will appear on the dice. That’s it.

You place your bets on the symbols you think will be rolled. After the dice are shaken and revealed, you win based on how many times your chosen symbol shows up.

It’s fast, intuitive, and loaded with luck.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Fish Prawn Crab

Let’s walk through the game from start to finish, step by step.

Step 1: Set Up the Game

Lay out the game board where everyone can see it. Each player should have some chips, coins, or something to wager with.

One person is chosen to be the dealer— they’ll be in charge of shaking and rolling the dice, as well as paying out winnings.

Tip: You can rotate the dealer each round to keep things fair and fun.

Step 2: Place Your Bets

Players place their bets on one or more of the six symbols on the board. There’s no limit to how many symbols you can bet on — but the more you spread your bets, the lower your overall risk and reward.

For example: You could put three chips on Fish, one chip on Gourd, and two chips on Deer.

Note: All players bet at the same time, which keeps the energy high and the rounds quick.

Step 3: Shake and Reveal the Dice

The dealer places all three dice into a container (traditionally a wooden bowl with a lid) and gives them a good shake before revealing the result.

The dice are rolled, and the three symbols that land face-up determine the winning bets.

Step 4: Payouts

Here’s how the payouts work:

• One matching symbol = 1:1 payout

• Two matching symbols = 2:1 payout

• Three matching symbols = 3:1 payout

Let’s say you bet 5 chips on Crab. The dice land: Crab, Fish, Crab. That’s two Crabs — so you win 10 chips (2:1 payout), plus you get to keep your original 5 chips.

Any symbols that don’t show up? The house (or the dealer) collects those chips. Ouch!

Optional Rule Variations

Like many traditional games, Fish Prawn Crab comes with its own house rules, depending on where and with whom you’re playing. Some fun variations you might run into:

1. Lucky Dealer Rule

If none of the players win in a round, the dealer keeps the entire pot. This makes the dealer position a little more strategic — and fun to play!

2. Double Trouble

Some groups add a bonus if a player correctly guesses two or more of the same symbol. For example, guessing two Crabs correctly might have a boosted payout like 3:1 instead of 2:1.

3. All-in Chaos

In a party setting, sometimes a symbol that appears on all three dice wins triple for every player who bet on it — even if they only put down one chip!

Keep it flexible — half the fun is tweaking the rules to suit your group.

Why People Love This Game

There’s a reason Fish Prawn Crab has stuck around for centuries. It’s not just the betting or the thrill of the dice — it’s about people, connection, and celebration.

Here’s why people keep coming back:

• It’s super easy to learn.

• Every round is quick.

• It brings people together.

• It’s rich in culture.

And hey, if you happen to win some extra snacks or pocket change, that’s just a bonus!

Tips for Beginners

New to the game? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with a few smart tips:

1. Start Small

Bet low your first few rounds until you get a feel for how often symbols hit. There’s no shame in playing it safe.

2. Watch the Dice

Even though it’s a game of chance, you might notice patterns — or at least think you do! Just don’t fall into the trap of assuming a symbol is “due” to show up.

3. Don’t Bet on Everything

Sure, it’s tempting to spread your bets to cover all bases, but that can eat up your chips fast. Pick two or three symbols and stick with them.

4. Rotate the Dealer

Letting everyone take a turn keeps things lively and levels the playing field.

Final Thoughts

Fish Prawn Crab is more than just a dice game. It’s a celebration of luck, laughter, and shared moments. Whether you’re playing with friends at a Lunar New Year gathering, or introducing it to your game night crew for the first time, it’s a game that never fails to bring energy to the table.

So grab a set, gather some friends, and get ready to yell out for Fish, Prawn, or Crab like your fortune depends on it — because for one wild roll, maybe it does!

Now that you know how to play — what are you waiting for? Let the good times roll!