Gambling has a long tradition in Japan and was already part of the amusement industry in feudal Edo-times. Nowadays, pachinko and game halls are ruling the Japanese gambling world, but there are still more traditional styles of gambling around that are actively played. One of them is the classic dice game Chō-Han (丁半)

Chō-Han Bakuchi or simply Chō-Han is a traditional Japanese gambling game using dice. The game uses two standard six-sided dice, which are shaken in a bamboo cup or bowl by a dealer. The cup is then overturned onto the floor. Players then place their wagers on whether the sum total of numbers showing on the two dice will be “Chō” (even) or “Han” (odd). The dealer then removes the cup, displaying the dice. The winners collect their money.

Depending on the situation, the dealer will sometimes act as the house, collecting all losing bets. But more often, the players will bet against each other (this requires an equal number of players betting on odd and even) and the house will collect a set percentage of winning bets.
The game was a mainstay of the bakuto, itinerant gamblers in old Japan, and is still played by the modern yakuza. In a traditional Chou-Han setting, players sit on a tatami floor. The dealer sits in the formal seiza position and is often shirtless to prevent accusations of cheating.

Many Japanese films, especially chambara and yakuza movies, feature Chō-Han scenes. It is also a playable minigame in most of the Japanese video-games in the Ryū ga Gotoku (Yakuza) series.
Chō-Han is really easy to play, have a go with your friends! It doesn’t necessarily have to include money, maybe play for snacks !