Cho-han bakuchi
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Chou-Han Bakuchi (or Chou Ka Han Ka, or simply Chou-Han (丁半?)) 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 "Chou" (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), exposing his elaborate tattoos.
[edit] In popular culture
Many Japanese films, especially chambara and yakuza movies, have Chou-Han scenes. The anime series Samurai Champloo makes use of this dice game early on in its first few episodes.
The character Zatoichi is a noted fan of the game.
In the comic Usagi Yojimbo, Chou-Han plays an important role in Volume 2, Issue 16. The character known as Inazuma began her career as a swords woman by avenging her husband's death. Her husband was killed by mobsters after racking up debt playing Chou-Han.
In Rurouni Kenshin, a local crime group invents some dice that always land 1-1 for the use of gambling.
Also in the Japanese anime Naruto, when Jiraiya is looking for Tsunade, whom is being appointed to be Hokage, and needs information on her location. So a game of Chou-Han will decide the price for the information on her location, if hes wins he get it free, if he loses he has to pay 1000 ryoo.
