Left Center Right (LCR), or, if you’re like me, Left Right Center, is one of those fun, easy-to-learn dice games that instantly fills the room with laughter and excitement. We love how everyone—from the kids to the grandparents—can jump right in without needing a long explanation.
What makes LCR so special for us is how it blends just the right mix of luck, quick decisions, and a dash of strategy. One minute you’re sure you’re out of chips, and the next you’re back in the game. That surprise factor keeps us all on our toes and brings out plenty of playful competition.
If you’re looking for a way to turn an ordinary evening into a lively family moment, Left, Center, Right is a perfect choice. It’s fast-paced, endlessly replayable, and simple enough for all ages to enjoy together. No wonder it’s become a favorite at our family gatherings! Plus, you can even turn this into an adult drinking game, see below.
What is Left Center Right (LCR)
- 20-30 minutes
- 8+
- 3 to 12 Players
A fast-paced party game where players roll dice and pass chips:
Roll L, C, or R to pass chips left, to the center (pot), or right.
Roll a dot to keep your chip.
Last player with chips wins the game.
Super simple, totally random, great for groups and all ages.
How to Play Left Center Right – Popular Dice Game
Setup The setup is quick and easy. You’ll need at least three players to start. Each player starts with three chips. Next, each competitor rolls all the dice to see who has the most dots to see who starts.
Rolling the Dice On your first turn, roll all three dice. Each die has three possible outcomes:
L: Give one chip to the player on your left.
C: Place one chip in the center (the pot).
R: Give one chip to the player on your right.
Dot: Keep your chip (no action).
After rolling, you take the appropriate action based on the results. For example, if you roll two “L”s and one “R”, you’ll give two chips to the player on your left and one chip to the player on your right. If you roll “C”, the chip goes into the center, where it stays until someone wins the game. Players continue taking turns rolling the dice and passing chips.
On your next turn, roll as may die as you have chips and continue as above.
Losing Chips If you ever run out of chips, you’re not out of the game completely—you just sit out until your turn comes back around because someone may have to pass a chip to you.
Once your turn is up again, if there are any chips in the center, you can grab them to keep playing.
Left, Center, Right keeps the game exciting, even for players who might be down to zero chips.
How to Win at Left Center Right
The game continues until only one player has chips left. When there’s only one person holding chips, that player wins the entire pot in the center.
The great thing about Left Center Right is that the rules are simple, but the game can get surprisingly intense as the stakes rise and players try to outlast each other.
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Why I Like Left Center Right
Left Center Right is a fantastic adult party game because it’s quick, easy to learn, and doesn’t require a lot of setup.
Since each round only takes a few minutes, you can play multiple rounds without anyone getting bored. This is a fabulous group game, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a big party. Ideally, it is best suited for 3-12 people. It’s also a hit with kids because of the lighthearted, no-pressure nature of the game.
But don’t be fooled by how simple this dice game seems—Left Center Right can get pretty competitive as players try to outlast one another, making for an exciting atmosphere.
Plus, there’s plenty of laughter when players roll three “L”s and have to pass their chips to the left.
The unpredictability of the dice keeps things fun and fresh, and the relaxed pace means no one feels rushed or stressed. Whether you’re playing for an hour or just a quick round, LCR is a great way to pass the time and bond with friends and family.
Easy peasy, you’re set to go.
Left Center Right Wild
Don’t forget to check out Left Center Right Wild. If you roll a wild, you get to take from anyone. Grab this travel friendly tinned version from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Left Center Right LCR – Popular Dice Game
What happens if you have no chips in Left Right Center?
You are not out of the game!
Here is exactly how it works (and why it’s one of the best parts of the game):
1. You “Sit Out” the Rolling
If it becomes your turn and you have zero chips, you do not get to roll the dice. You simply pass the dice to the player on your left.
2. You Stay in the Game
Even with zero chips, you stay in your seat. Because the players to your left and right are still rolling, they might roll an “L” or an “R” and be forced to pass a chip to you.
3. The “Comeback”
If someone passes you a chip, you are officially “back in.” On your next turn, you get to roll the dice again (rolling one die for each chip you now have, up to a maximum of three).
4. How You Actually Lose
You only truly “lose” the game when the very last person with chips rolls the dice and does not pass any to you, or when they are the only person left with chips and the center pot is awarded to them.
Q. How do you play Left Center Right, LCR for money?
Each player starts with 3 one-dollar bills (or coins).
Use LCR dice to determine where your money goes:
- L = pass $1 to the player on your left
- R = pass $1 to the player on your right
- C = put $1 in the center pot
- Dot = keep your dollar
Once you lose all your money, you’re out—unless someone passes you more.
The last player with money wins the entire center pot.
How much money do you start with in Left Center Right (LCR)?
The classic version starts with 3 tokens. If you wish to play with money, 3 x $? bills/coins per player. Of course you make that decision in your group at the time.
How do you win LCR?
You win by being the last player holding any token (or money). Once everyone else is out, you automatically win the center pot. No strategy needed—just luck and laughs.
Can you play Left Right Center with any dice?
Yes, you can. All you need is three dice, and assign numbers to L, R, C, and Dot.
For example, numbers 1, 2, and 3 = Dot, 4 = L, 5 = C, and 6 = R.
Grab any kind of tokens, buttons, coins to use for the passing of tokens. Or grab poker chips here.
What are the rules for LCR drinking game?
The drinking version swaps cash for sips:
Each player starts with 3 “drinks” or tokens.
On your turn:
- L = assign a drink to the person on your left
- R = assign a drink to the person on your right
- C = take a drink yourself
- Dot = no drinks!
For a fun twist, the last player “wins” and assigns finishing drinks to everyone else. Drink responsibly!
Final Thoughts on Left Center Right (LCR)
Left Center Right is the ultimate “emergency” game to have in your collection. Perfect if you are stuck in a rainstorm on a family camping trip or looking for a low-stress icebreaker at a dinner party, LCR delivers. It’s fast, portable, and—most importantly—inclusive of every age group.
While there isn’t much strategy involved (it’s all in the luck of the roll!), the high-energy “comeback” mechanic keeps everyone at the table until the very last chip is in the pot.
What to Play Next?
If you loved the fast-paced nature of LCR but are looking for a bit more depth or a different player count, check out our other top recommendations:
- Another fast-paced family game with a press-your-luck style game is Flip 7.
- Looking for a challenge? Dive into our guide on the Best Strategy Board Games for your next game night.
- Just the two of you? Not every game needs a crowd. See our picks for the Best 2 Player Board Games that are actually fun.
- Want more variety? Explore our full list of Popular Board Games for Adults to find your next favorite.
- Or explore more adult party games
- Head back to main page of Best Board Games for Adults
- Tiny games for travel
