Some games need a long rulebook. Left Right Center needs about 30 seconds of explanation. It’s a fast, noisy, luck-based dice game that works for kids, grandparents, and holiday parties alike. No strategy, no math, just rolling and passing chips around the table.
In this guide you’ll learn how to play Left Right Center dice game step by step, including what you need, what each symbol means, how to win, and a few popular house rules to make it even more fun.
Left Right Center at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Also called | LCR |
| Players | 3 or more (best with 5 to 10) |
| Ages | 5 and up |
| Time | 5 to 15 minutes per game |
| Skill needed | None, it’s pure luck |
What You Need to Play
- Three special LCR dice. Each die has an L, a C, an R, and three sides with a dot (or blank).
- Three chips per player. These can be the chips from the boxed game, poker chips, coins, candies, or even small pieces of paper.
- A center pot. Any bowl or just a spot in the middle of the table.
No LCR dice? Use three regular dice and agree that 1 = Left, 2 = Center, 3 = Right, and 4, 5, or 6 = Keep (dot).
How to Set Up the Game
- Everyone sits in a circle.
- Give each player three chips.
- Choose who goes first. A common way is for everyone to roll one die, and the highest roll starts.
- Play moves clockwise (to the left).
How to Play Left Right Center: Step by Step
Step 1: Roll the Right Number of Dice
On your turn, roll one die for each chip you have, up to a maximum of three.
- 3 or more chips: roll 3 dice
- 2 chips: roll 2 dice
- 1 chip: roll 1 die
- 0 chips: you don’t roll, but you’re still in the game
Step 2: Follow What the Dice Say
For each die you roll:
- L: Pass one chip to the player on your left.
- R: Pass one chip to the player on your right.
- C: Put one chip in the center pot. Chips in the center are out of play for the rest of the game.
- Dot: Keep that chip.
For example, if you roll L, C, and a dot, you give one chip to your left neighbor, put one chip in the center, and keep one.
Step 3: Pass the Dice
Hand the dice to the player on your left, and the next turn begins.
What Happens When You Run Out of Chips?
This is the best part of LCR. You’re never fully out until the game ends. If you have zero chips, you skip rolling on your turn. But if the player next to you rolls an L or an R in your direction, you get a chip and you’re back in the action.
That’s why the game can swing back and forth so quickly, and why even the person who lost everything early can still win.
How to Win Left Right Center
The game ends when only one player has chips left. That person is the winner and takes everything in the center pot.
If you’re playing with real money (like quarters or dollar bills), the winner collects the pot. Many families play with candy, coins, or simple tokens instead, especially with kids.
Popular LCR Variations and House Rules
- LCR Wild: Some newer versions include a wild symbol. Rolling it lets you take a chip from any player. Rolling three wilds can win the whole game instantly.
- Last chip rule: When only one player has chips, they must roll one last time. If they roll a dot, they win. If not, they pass the chip and play continues. This makes the ending more dramatic.
- Gift exchange LCR: Use small wrapped gifts or gift cards instead of chips. It’s a fun alternative to holiday party games like White Elephant.
- Bigger starting stacks: Give everyone 5 chips for a longer game.
- Candy version: Use small candies as chips. Everyone gets to eat whatever they have left at the end.
Tips for Hosting a Great LCR Game
- Use a tray or game mat to keep dice from rolling off the table.
- Pick a fun center pot, like a big jar, so the growing pile is easy to see.
- Keep stakes small. Coins or candy keep it fun without anyone feeling bad about losing.
- Play several rounds. Games are short, so it’s easy to play five or six in a row.
Looking for more quick games for a group? Try Speed for two players or one of our 2-player card games for couples for date night.
Is Left Right Center Good for Kids?
Yes. It’s one of the easiest dice games for children because:
- There’s no reading beyond three letters
- Kids practice left and right in a fun way
- It teaches turn-taking and how to win or lose with a smile
- Everyone has an equal chance to win
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chips do you start with in Left Right Center?
Each player starts with three chips in the standard rules.
What happens to chips in the center?
Chips placed in the center stay there for the rest of the game. The winner collects them at the end.
Can you play LCR with 2 players?
You can, but it’s much less exciting. The game is designed for at least three players, and it gets more fun as more people join.
Is Left Right Center gambling?
It can be if you play for real money, but most people play with chips, candy, or small coins just for fun. Follow your local laws if you play for money.
Can you play LCR with regular dice?
Yes. Assign 1 = Left, 2 = Center, 3 = Right, and 4 to 6 = Keep. It plays exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to play Left Right Center dice game: give everyone three chips, roll one die per chip (up to three), pass chips left, right, or into the center, and keep going until only one player has chips. It’s simple, fast, and full of surprises, which is exactly why it’s become a favorite at family gatherings and parties.
