How to Play Left Right Center (LCR): Rules & Setup
Key takeaways
- LCR uses 3 special dice with faces marked L, C, R, and a dot (three dot faces per die).
- Each player begins with 3 chips; a standard set includes 24 chips total.
- You roll one die per chip you hold, up to a maximum of three dice.
- L passes a chip left, R passes right, C goes to the center pot, and a dot keeps the chip.
- The last player with at least one chip wins and takes the entire center pot.
What Is Left Right Center?
Left Right Center, usually shortened to LCR, is a quick and social dice game built almost entirely on luck. There is no strategy to master and no reading of opponents; you simply roll, pass chips, and hope the dice keep your pile intact. That simplicity is exactly why it is a staple at family gatherings, holiday tables, and casual game nights, where players of any age can join in within seconds.
A game usually lasts only a few minutes, so it is easy to play several rounds back to back. It scales well too, working with as few as three players and comfortably handling large groups of a dozen or more, making it a reliable icebreaker when a crowd gathers.
What You Need to Play
A retail LCR set comes with three specially marked dice and a stack of chips, but you can play with everyday items if you improvise the dice faces. Here is the standard equipment.
- Three LCR dice. Each die has six faces: one L, one C, one R, and three dots.
- Chips. A typical set includes 24 chips. Each player needs three to start, so larger groups can substitute coins, tokens, or candy.
- Three or more players. LCR needs at least three people so that “left” and “right” are meaningfully different seats.
- A center area. Any open space in the middle of the table serves as the center pot.
Understanding the LCR Dice Faces
Everything in LCR hinges on what the dice show. Each of the three dice carries the same six faces, and half of those faces are neutral dots, which is why players often keep their chips on any given roll. The table below explains what each result means.
| Die face | Faces per die | What it means | Your action |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (Left) | 1 | Left | Pass one chip to the player on your left. |
| R (Right) | 1 | Right | Pass one chip to the player on your right. |
| C (Center) | 1 | Center | Put one chip into the center pot; it is out of play. |
| Dot | 3 | Neutral | Do nothing. You keep that chip. |
Because each die has three dot faces, you have a 50% chance on any single die of keeping your chip. That balance is what keeps games swinging back and forth, as a player who looked finished can suddenly receive chips from both neighbors and climb back in.
How to Set Up the Game
Setup takes under a minute. Follow these steps before the first roll.
- Sit in a circle. Gather all players around a table so each person has a clear neighbor to the left and right.
- Give everyone three chips. Deal exactly three chips to each player. This is every player’s starting bank.
- Clear the center. Leave an open space in the middle of the table to serve as the center pot.
- Choose who goes first. Any method works; a common approach is that each player rolls one die and the highest (or an agreed result) starts. Play then proceeds clockwise.
How to Play Left Right Center: Step by Step
Once everyone has three chips, the rounds move quickly. Here is exactly what happens on a turn.
- Roll one die per chip. On your turn, roll a number of dice equal to your chips, up to three. With three or more chips you roll all three dice; with two chips you roll two; with one chip you roll one.
- Read every die. Resolve each die you rolled. There is no choosing; you must act on whatever comes up.
- Pass on L and R. For each L, pass one chip to the neighbor on your left. For each R, pass one chip to the neighbor on your right.
- Pay the center on C. For each C, place one chip in the center pot. Chips in the center are gone for the rest of the game and cannot be won back except by the final winner.
- Keep on dots. For every dot, do nothing. Those chips stay in your pile.
- Pass the dice on. After you finish resolving your roll, hand the dice to the player on your left and play continues clockwise.
What happens when you run out of chips?
A player with zero chips is not eliminated. They simply skip their turn without rolling, because they have no dice to roll, and wait. If a neighbor later rolls an L or R in their direction, that player receives chips and rejoins the action on their next turn. This is why LCR games can stretch out unexpectedly, and why it is never truly over until one person holds every remaining chip.
How to Win Left Right Center
The game keeps going, turn after turn, until only one player has any chips left. That last remaining player is the winner. As their prize, they collect every chip sitting in the center pot. If you play for stakes, players often ante a small amount into the center at the start, and the winner takes that pot; otherwise the win is simply for bragging rights.
Note the subtle final rule: the player to the winner’s left still takes their turn only if the winner passes chips their way. In practice, once a single player holds all the in-play chips and it is confirmed no one else can receive any, that player wins the pot outright.
Quick Reference: A Turn at a Glance
| Situation | What you do |
|---|---|
| You have 3+ chips | Roll all three dice. |
| You have 2 chips | Roll two dice. |
| You have 1 chip | Roll one die. |
| You have 0 chips | Skip your turn; stay in and wait to receive chips. |
| Roll shows L / R | Pass one chip left / right per symbol. |
| Roll shows C | Move one chip to the center pot per symbol. |
| Roll shows a dot | Keep the chip; take no action. |
Tips and Fun for Game Night
Because LCR is pure luck, it is one of the most inclusive games you can put on the table, and it pairs perfectly with a broader family game night. Keep rounds short, play best-of-several, and let younger players roll for older relatives who prefer to watch. If your gathering spans a few generations, a simple wearable can help keep things moving; our roundup of the best smartwatch for seniors in 2026 covers easy-to-use options that suit relaxed evenings at home.
LCR also travels beautifully. The dice and a handful of chips fit in any bag, making it ideal for road trips, cabins, and airport layovers. If you are planning a trip, pair the game with a few digital helpers from our guide to the best travel apps for 2026 so downtime never feels dull.
FAQ
How many dice and chips do you need for LCR?
You need three LCR dice and enough chips for every player to start with three. A standard retail set includes 24 chips, but you can substitute coins or tokens for larger groups.
What do the letters on the dice mean?
Each die shows L, C, R, and three dots. L means pass a chip to your left, R means pass to your right, C means put a chip in the center pot, and a dot means do nothing and keep the chip.
How many players do you need to play Left Right Center?
You need at least three players so that “left” and “right” are different people. There is no strict upper limit, so LCR works well with large groups by adding more chips.
Can a player with no chips come back?
Yes. A player with zero chips is not out; they simply skip rolling until a neighbor passes chips their way with an L or R. They can climb back into the game at any time.
How do you win LCR?
Play continues until only one player still has chips. That last player wins the game and takes all the chips sitting in the center pot.
