Looking for a fast-paced dice game that's perfect for all ages? The Left Right Center game (LCR) is an exciting game that's easy to learn and play, making it perfect for family game nights, team-building activities, or just a fun night out with friends. In this guide, we'll cover the essential components, gameplay, and some recommended sets to get you started.

So gather your poker chips, dice, and players, and let's dive into the world of the Left Right Center Dice game!

Game Components

To play Left Right Center, you'll need a few simple items that are all included in any LCD Game set: three special six-sided dice, poker chips (or any small tokens), and at least three players.

The Dice

In the classic game, there are 3 six-sided dice. They are all the same. The six faces are marked with L, C, and R, and the other three sides have a single dot.

The Poker Chips

Each player will be given 3 poker chips or tokens. These will be passed between players and the center pot. Most sets will have more than enough chips, place chips that are leftover to the side.

The Players

A minimum of three players is required to play a Left Center Right Dice Game. The game revolves around passing poker chips to other players, and if there are only one or two of you, that doesn't amount to much excitement!

You can easily accommodate more players. Everyone rolls the same dice, so no problem there. You will just need enough chips or tokens for everyone to start with three chips in front of them.

Gameplay

To select the first player, players roll the three dice, and the person with the most dots rolled starts the game. If there is a tie, continue rolling until the first player is established.

Player Rolls

Each player takes turns rolling the dice to determine the fate of their chips and where to pass them. The player will roll up to 3 dice each turn. The number of dice that will be rolled is determined by how many chips that player has. If the player has 3 or more poker chips, the player rolls 3 dice. If he has 2 chips, roll two dice, and 1 chip roll one die. If the player does not have any chips, that player is not out of the game - but will not roll. The turn just moves to the next player.

Actions and Outcome

The dice tell exactly what action the player will take. Each die provides an instruction. If it shows a dot, that die is ignored and no action is taken on its behalf. If it shows an L, the player will pass one of his chips to the player on his left; an R and he will pass a chip to his right; a C and a chip is moved to the center pot.

Game play continues clockwise, with each player taking turns rolling the dice and passing or keeping chips based on the roll outcome. There are no decisions to be made and no strategy is needed (at least in the classic game). The game ends when only one player is left holding any chips.

Variations and Strategies for the Left Center Right Dice Game

LCR Wild Dice Game

One variant of the game is LCR Wild. In this version of the game, each of the dice replaces one of the dot faces with a WILD. When a player rolls a wild a little strategy and decision making comes into play.

If a player rolls a wild, that player can take a chip from any other player and add it to his stash. If two wilds are rolled, two chips may be taken from any other player (or one chip from two other players). And, if three wilds are rolled, the player gets to take any chips in the center pot.

The wild variation of the game allows for another level of excitement and gives the players opportunities to impact the game's outcome by moving chips around to their advantage.

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Peter Piper's Picks

The way Peter Piper sees it, you really can't go wrong with any of the LCR Games. As the rules are so simple, the game is essentially the same regardless of the brand that you purchase.

That said, we are always partial to established products that are both popular, trusted and have delivered time and time again. The go-to choice for Left Right Center is George & Company, with the Original LCR and LCR Wild being the most popular versions. So, presented here are a few George & Co options that will surely make you a winner!

Classic Blue Tin

The Original Left Center Right Dice Game by George & Co

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Why Peter Piper Picked It

The LCR Dice Game has become a staple in the collections of avid board game enthusiasts and casual players alike and for good reason. The game comes in a compact blue tin box, making storage easy and convenient. The materials are made from durable plastic, ensuring longevity even with regular use. Despite its compact size, this little tin packs a lot of fun.

The manufacturer, George & Co, is renowned for its quality products, and the LCR Dice Game is no exception. If you're looking for a classic game that combines simplicity, fun, and excitement, then the LCR Dice Game should be on your list.

Super Portable LCR Dice Game

George & Co Left Center Right Dice Game Tube

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Why Peter Piper Picked It

This product from George and Company is the solution for those who are looking for an LCR game that is highly portable. It's an excellent option for a variety of social settings - family gatherings, parties, or casual game nights.

LCR Dice Game Combo Pack

George & Co LCR Dice Game Classic and Wild Tins

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Why Peter Piper Picked It

The George & Co LCR and LCR Wild Gift Set Bundle adds a new spin to the traditional "LCR Dice Game" experience. This 2-pack bundle consists of the classic LCR game in a blue tin and the innovative LCR Wild game in a green tin. The "Wild" version introduces custom large dice and a new WILD twist that gives players a chance to steal chips from other players or cash in on the center pot!

Unraveling the Fun: Your LCR Game Questions Answered

You've read about LCR and perhaps you have a few questions on how to enjoy this fun, fast-paced game. Fear not! We've anticipated your queries and have provided you with the following Frequently Asked Questions.

What do you need to play the Left Right Center game?

To play Left Right Center, you'll need three six-sided dice, poker chips (three chips for each player), and at least three players. Any LCR Dice game set comes with these items.

How do you decide the starting player in Left Right Center?

To determine the first player, everyone rolls the three dice, and the person with the most dots starts the game. The game then continues in a clockwise direction.

How does rolling the dice determine the gameplay in Left Right Center?

In Left Right Center, the dice rolls determine the fate of the player's chips. When a player rolls a dot, nothing happens for that die (i.e. ignore each dot rolled). Rolling an L means passing one chip to the player on the left, a C requires placing one chip in the center pot, and rolling an R means passing one chip to the player on the right.

Is there a technique for winning Left Right Center?

In the classic game of Left Right Center the game is determined solely by chance. However, in the wild version of the game, the inclusion of WILD faces on the dice allows players to make decisions that increase their chances of winning.

How do you adapt Left Right Center for younger kids?

Left Right Center can be easily adapted for younger players by swapping chips for candies or small toys to make the game more engaging. Remember to consider small parts as they can be a choking hazard for very young children.

Where can I buy the LCR Game?

You can buy Left Right Center in many physical stores that sell board games, or online. Be sure to click the links under each of the reviewed products to check their current prices and availability.

Can you play LCR Dice Game with more than three players?

Yes, you can play LCR with more than three players. The more players, the more fun and engaging the game becomes. All you need is at least three chips or tokens per player.

Are there other games similar to Left Right Center (LCR) that I might enjoy?

Yes, if you enjoy LCR, several other games might pique your interest. Farkle is another popular dice game that involves technique and luck. Similarly, Yahtzee, which combines chance with decision-making, might be a great choice. 

What is it that we love about playing games like LCR?

People enjoy games like LCR for many reasons. They're easy to learn, quick to play, and inclusive for players of all ages. This makes them perfect for social gatherings or family game nights. Additionally, games like LCR Wild often involve a mix of tactics and luck, keeping everyone engaged and adding an element of suspense as players wait to see how the dice will fall.

Can you recommend other dice games that I might enjoy playing?

Certainly, there are many enjoyable dice games beyond LCR. Some popular ones include Qwixx, a fast-paced game where players try to cross off as many numbers on their scorecard as possible, King of Tokyo, a game of battling monsters with a Yahtzee-style dice rolling mechanic, and Roll for It!, a simple and quick dice game where players try to match their dice to cards for points.

What are some other good games for family game night?

Apart from LCR and the other dice games mentioned, there are numerous board games and card games suitable for family game nights. Some favorites include Ticket to Ride, a strategic game where players build train routes across a map, Uno, a classic card game that's simple to learn, and Codenames, a word-based party game that challenges players to find the words related to the clue given by their team's spymaster.

How can I introduce some variation into our game?

While LCR is primarily a game of luck, you can introduce some fun playing variations. For instance, you can introduce a house rule where a player gets an extra roll if they roll all dots. You can also use the "wild" version of the game to add decision-making. Additionally, using different tokens (like candies, coins, or small toys) can also add a new twist to the game.

Wrap-Up and Roll On

We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to enjoy Left Center Right from the first roll to the last. With its easy-to-learn rules, fast-paced gameplay, and adaptability for all ages, LCR is a perfect game for any occasion. Be sure to click the links under our product reviews to check current availability and pricing. Let your games begin!