Fan-Tan is a traditional Chinese gambling game that dates back thousands of years, played with a handful of small buttons, beads, or coins. The dealer covers a random number of objects with a cup, then players bet on the remainder when the objects are divided by four . At 7Spin, Filipino players can experience this classic game in its live dealer format, with professional croupiers, real equipment, and authentic gameplay . The rules are simple: predict the remainder (1, 2, 3, or 4) after the dealer removes groups of four from a pile of buttons. With multiple betting options including Fan, Nim, Kwok, and Nga, Fan-Tan offers a unique blend of simplicity and strategic depth .
The History of Fan-Tan
Ancient Origins
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| Ancient China | Originated as a simple counting game among villagers |
| Qing Dynasty | Became popular in gambling houses across China |
| 19th Century | Spread to Southeast Asia with Chinese immigrants |
| 20th Century | Established in Macau casinos as a classic table game |
| Present Day | Available online at casinos like 7Spin |
Fan-Tan’s name comes from the Chinese “fan tan” meaning “repeated divisions” – referring to the constant removal of four objects from the pile.
Cultural Significance
- One of the oldest gambling games in Asian history
- Traditionally played during Chinese New Year celebrations
- Popular among Filipino-Chinese communities
- Preserved as a cultural heritage game in Macau
Basic Fan-Tan Rules
The Equipment
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Buttons/Beads | Small objects used for betting (usually 50-200) |
| Cup or Bowl | Used to cover the pile |
| Wand | Long stick used to remove buttons in groups of four |
| Betting Table | Layout showing all betting options |
How a Fan-Tan Round Works
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dealer covers pile | Random number of buttons placed under cup |
| 2 | Players place bets | Bet on Fan, Nim, Kwok, or Nga options |
| 3 | Betting closes | Dealer announces “No more bets” |
| 4 | Wand removal | Dealer removes buttons in groups of four |
| 5 | Remainder revealed | Final remainder (1-4) determines winners |
| 6 | Payouts processed | Winning bets paid according to odds |
The Remainder System
The dealer starts with a random pile of buttons (usually between 50 and 200). They use a wand to remove groups of four buttons at a time until less than four remain. This final number (1, 2, 3, or 4) is the winning remainder.
Example:
- Pile has 23 buttons
- Remove 4 groups (16 buttons) = 7 remain
- Remove 1 more group (4 buttons) = 3 remain
- Winning remainder = 3
Fan-Tan Betting Options Explained
Fan Bet (Single Number)
| Bet | Description | Payout | Winning Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fan 1 | Bet on remainder 1 | 3:1 | 25% |
| Fan 2 | Bet on remainder 2 | 3:1 | 25% |
| Fan 3 | Bet on remainder 3 | 3:1 | 25% |
| Fan 4 | Bet on remainder 4 | 3:1 | 25% |
House Edge: Approximately 2.5-3% (varies by casino)
Nim Bet (Two Numbers)
A Nim bet combines two numbers – one “strong” and one “weak”:
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Nim 1-2 | Wins if remainder is 1; pushes if remainder is 2 | Win: 1:1 |
| Nim 1-3 | Wins if remainder is 1; pushes if remainder is 3 | Win: 1:1 |
| Nim 1-4 | Wins if remainder is 1; pushes if remainder is 4 | Win: 1:1 |
How Nim Works:
- You bet on a primary number (strong)
- A secondary number (weak) gives your stake back
- Any other number loses
Example: Bet Nim 1-2
- Remainder 1: Win (paid 1:1)
- Remainder 2: Push (stake returned)
- Remainder 3 or 4: Lose
Kwok Bet (Two Numbers)
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Kwok 1-2 | Wins if remainder is 1 or 2 | 1:1 |
| Kwok 1-3 | Wins if remainder is 1 or 3 | 1:1 |
| Kwok 1-4 | Wins if remainder is 1 or 4 | 1:1 |
| Kwok 2-3 | Wins if remainder is 2 or 3 | 1:1 |
| Kwok 2-4 | Wins if remainder is 2 or 4 | 1:1 |
| Kwok 3-4 | Wins if remainder is 3 or 4 | 1:1 |
House Edge: Approximately 2.5% – slightly better than Fan bets
Nga Bet (Three Numbers)
| Bet Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Nga 1-2-3 | Wins if remainder is 1, 2, or 3 | 0.5:1 |
| Nga 1-2-4 | Wins if remainder is 1, 2, or 4 | 0.5:1 |
| Nga 1-3-4 | Wins if remainder is 1, 3, or 4 | 0.5:1 |
| Nga 2-3-4 | Wins if remainder is 2, 3, or 4 | 0.5:1 |
Payout: Even money (1:1) but typically paid at 0.5:1 due to high probability
Example: Bet Nga 1-2-3
- Remainder 1,2,3: Win (paid 0.5:1)
- Remainder 4: Lose
Playing Fan-Tan at 7Spin
Why Choose 7Spin
| Feature | 7Spin Advantage |
|---|---|
| Live Dealer | Professional croupiers trained in Fan-Tan |
| Real Equipment | Authentic buttons, wand, and cup |
| HD Streaming | Multiple camera angles |
| Mobile Play | Fully optimised for smartphones |
| Bonuses | Generous welcome offers |
Step-by-Step Guide
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create Account | Sign up at 7Spin |
| 2 | Make Deposit | Fund using GCash, PayMaya, bank transfer |
| 3 | Claim Bonus | Activate welcome offer |
| 4 | Navigate to Live Casino | Find Fan-Tan tables |
| 5 | Choose Table | Select limits that suit you |
| 6 | Place Bets | Click on Fan, Nim, Kwok, or Nga options |
| 7 | Watch the Action | Dealer removes buttons in groups of four |
| 8 | Collect Winnings | Automatic crediting |
Frequently Asked Questions About Fan-Tan
What is Fan-Tan?
Fan-Tan is a traditional Chinese gambling game where players bet on the remainder when a pile of buttons is divided by four .
How do I play Fan-Tan?
Place bets on the remainder (1-4), then watch the dealer remove buttons in groups of four until fewer than four remain – the final number wins .
What are the different bet types?
Fan (single number), Nim (one win, one push), Kwok (two numbers win), and Nga (three numbers win) .
What is the house edge in Fan-Tan?
The house edge is typically 2.5-3% depending on the bet type – comparable to European Roulette .
Conclusion
Fan-Tan is one of the oldest and most culturally significant gambling games in Asian history. With its simple rules, multiple betting options, and low house edge, it’s perfect for Filipino players looking for something different from traditional casino games.