Each player starts his/her/its turn by rolling all six dice. From this roll, any/all of the scoring possibilities may be 'held', and the remainder rolled again. If all six of the dice become 'held'. If all six dice have been set aside for scoring (known as having 'hot dice'), the player can choose to roll all six dice again and continue adding to their accumulated score or they can bank their points, end their turn, and pass the dice to the next player. Occasionally, a player may score on all dice. This is called 'hot dice;' the player has a choice to roll all of the dice again or bank her points and pass to the next player. Each player must write down the points that he scored in his turn and pass the dice to the next player. The dice are passed clockwise.
How to Play Dice - Rules Before Rolls
If you want to learn how to play dice games, then I'll make you a deal: This site will deliver free dice games,instructions, and tips on a variety of the best games. You bring the enthusiasm. The dice will provide the excitement.
They always do.
These games are fun. The dice game instructions are easy to learn too. You'll find a list of free dice games at the bottom of the page under the section Let the Games Begin!
Like beer making and fantasy sports, playing dice qualifies as one of the popular guy hobbies. Dice inspire men to create countless beer drinking games too.
Don't get me wrong. Ladies love dice too. Case in point: Bunco's popularity among women is impressive. All I'm saying is that when you learn how to play dice, you and your buddies will have something to do while enjoying your latest home brew.
Keep reading to find helpful information on how to play dice, including: dice game instructions and the answers for the questions below. I've sprinkled in definitions for some fun words to answer the following questions:
What happens if they are cocked?
Or a player tells you to flop?
Or someone asks you for a box?
Basic Dice Game Instructions
Always agree upon the basic rules before playing a game. Games are fun. Arguments are not.Here are widely accepted basic dice game rules for all games that will help you learn how to play dice quickly:
1. The results of a roll must land flat on the table or playing surface.
2. If they fall off a table or lean against an object, they are said to be 'cocked'. They must be rolled again.
3. 'Stacked' means one die landed on top of another after being rolled.
They must be rolled again.
4. Each player 'flops', or rolls, one die to determine who goes first. The highest number wins.
5. Players can change these rules as long as other players are in agreement.
TIP: The last rule is worth re-reading. Rule variations can add to the fun, but everyone must agree to them first.
Rules for individual games may alter these common rules too.
Game Supplies
1. Type to Use
Most games can be played with the novelty or board game type. Put a pair in your pocket for fun anytime. You never know when you can make a new friend by teaching him or her how to play dice!
'Precision dice' are required by casinos for gambling games, like craps. These are made as perfect as humanly possible. The goal is to give an equal chance for any side of a die to land face up when rolled.
Casinos don't like them imperfect, crooked or loaded.
2. A Dice Cup (also known as a 'box')
Depending on the game, you may need one per player. Almost any cup will work as long as it isn't clear. I don't recommend glass cups. Players tend to slam the cups down on the table during the game. Hard.
Baccarat probability calculator present value. 3. Counters
If you're gambling, these are called poker chips or money. Otherwise, a counter could be anything. Each player needs an equal number for certain games.
Some of the games you'll want to play require them for scoring. Here are a few fun household items you could use:
They always do.
These games are fun. The dice game instructions are easy to learn too. You'll find a list of free dice games at the bottom of the page under the section Let the Games Begin!
Like beer making and fantasy sports, playing dice qualifies as one of the popular guy hobbies. Dice inspire men to create countless beer drinking games too.
Don't get me wrong. Ladies love dice too. Case in point: Bunco's popularity among women is impressive. All I'm saying is that when you learn how to play dice, you and your buddies will have something to do while enjoying your latest home brew.
Keep reading to find helpful information on how to play dice, including: dice game instructions and the answers for the questions below. I've sprinkled in definitions for some fun words to answer the following questions:
What happens if they are cocked?
Or a player tells you to flop?
Or someone asks you for a box?
Basic Dice Game Instructions
Always agree upon the basic rules before playing a game. Games are fun. Arguments are not.Here are widely accepted basic dice game rules for all games that will help you learn how to play dice quickly:
1. The results of a roll must land flat on the table or playing surface.
2. If they fall off a table or lean against an object, they are said to be 'cocked'. They must be rolled again.
3. 'Stacked' means one die landed on top of another after being rolled.
They must be rolled again.
4. Each player 'flops', or rolls, one die to determine who goes first. The highest number wins.
5. Players can change these rules as long as other players are in agreement.
TIP: The last rule is worth re-reading. Rule variations can add to the fun, but everyone must agree to them first.
Rules for individual games may alter these common rules too.
Game Supplies
1. Type to Use
Most games can be played with the novelty or board game type. Put a pair in your pocket for fun anytime. You never know when you can make a new friend by teaching him or her how to play dice!
'Precision dice' are required by casinos for gambling games, like craps. These are made as perfect as humanly possible. The goal is to give an equal chance for any side of a die to land face up when rolled.
Casinos don't like them imperfect, crooked or loaded.
2. A Dice Cup (also known as a 'box')
Depending on the game, you may need one per player. Almost any cup will work as long as it isn't clear. I don't recommend glass cups. Players tend to slam the cups down on the table during the game. Hard.
Baccarat probability calculator present value. 3. Counters
If you're gambling, these are called poker chips or money. Otherwise, a counter could be anything. Each player needs an equal number for certain games.
Some of the games you'll want to play require them for scoring. Here are a few fun household items you could use:
4. Scoring Sheet
Many games just require a pencil and paper to add up scores. Some have more elaborate scoring sheets. It will depend on the dice game instructions. Whenever possible, I'll provide a scoring sheet for the free dice games listed on this site.
The Rolling Question: Cup or Hand?
You should use a cup to roll, if:
You should use your hand to roll, if:
Some dice shooters--a nickname for people who throw them, so you are one too-- claim that it is possible to influence a roll based on grip, arm motion and other techniques. This is called dice control.
The subject is a bit controversial.
If true, this means throwing is a skill that can be practiced after you've learned how to play dice. It also means that winning gambling games, like craps, involves skill and not just luck.
Two Common Ways of Scoring Games
Scoring is important when learning how to play dice. Many games can be grouped into two categories: Score Keeping and Best Hand.
'Score Keeping' games often require a pen and a score sheet. These are the most enjoyable for kids and families too. The first player to reach a set number of points wins.
'Best Hand' games are often based on poker hands, like Three of a Kind, a Straight or a Full House. The player who rolls the best hand wins the round. Or, the player who bluffs the best wins.
The losing player(s) puts a counter into the pot or loses 1 die. The winner is the player with the most counters or dice at the end of the game.
Let the Games Begin!
Take it from me: These games are great fun. The element of chance keeps everyone on their toes. Many of the score keeping games are easy for children to enjoy and win.
Watch out Mom and Dad! After learning how to play dice, your son or daughter may soon be celebrating with a victory dance. And don't ruin their dancing fun by telling them this: Some games are very educational too.
To help you learn how to play dice, I've included a written description, rules, and a supply list for each game. Free printable scoring sheets are available for download, if needed.
If you are a visual learner, video demonstrations are available too.Isn't the Internet wonderful?
I've only just begun! This list of free dice games will grow. Please bookmark and visit again.
Score Keeping Games:
Bunco Dice Game
Lumps - the Elf Coal Dice Game*
Greed dice game, also known as Zilch or 5000
Matterhorn Dice Game
Cosmic Wimpout Dice*
Dice Baseball
Yacht (commercially known as Yahtzee)
Pig Dice Game
Drop Dead Dice
Farkle, also known as 10000
Shut the Box Dice Game
Golf Dice Game
Toss Up Dice*
Blisters Dice Game*
Bull Craps Dice Game*
* = Super fun but not free.
You should also consider buying a complete box of dice games, which includes 20 dice to play with and rules for 62 fun games.
Best Hand Games:
Blackjack Dice
Poker Dice
Indian Dice
Liars Dice
Aces in Pot
Hazard
Craps
Help Your Neighbor
Ship, Captain, Crew
If you don't see a game your looking for, visit this site for additional information on how to play dice.
Dice on Display
HOT DICE
General
The object is to score points by rolling combinations of dice, until one player scores over the 'game' score. The 'game score' is 10,000 points. There is, however, a bit of strategy and luck about how far you should press your luck. More later.
Play
Each player starts his/her/its turn by rolling all six dice. From this roll, any/all of the scoring possibilities may be 'held', and the remainder rolled again. If all six of the dice become 'held', then all six may be rolled again. This continues until the player decides to keep the points gathered so far and pass the dice to the next player, or until no scoring combinations are rolled. Any points for that turn when a player decides to stop rolling, with a scoring combination, are added to the score. Any points for that turn when a player has no scoring combinations, however, are lost. At the beginning of play, each player must score 1000 points in order to get 'on the board'.
When a player finally does go over the 'game score' (10,000 points) and passes the dice to the next player, each of the other players gets a final chance to beat that score (or whichever one is currently the highest). Thus the first one done does not necessarily win, and you must judge how far over the 'game' score is safe to stop at.
Scoring
Single 1 (1 2 2 3 4 6) 100 points.
Single Five (1 2 2 3 5 6) 50 points.
Other singles - Not counted
Three 1s, (111 2 3 4) 300 points. 1,000 points if all three 1's are rolled simultaneous.
Three of a kind (2 - 6) (2 2 2 3 4 6) rolled simultaneous 100 times value (200 points in this case)
When more than three of a set are held, and a matching fourth is rolled, the players total, up to that point in that round, is doubled. If a matching fifth is rolled the total is doubled again.
Therefor Six 2s (222222) would be 1600 points.
Six dice straight (123456) rolled simultaneous 1500 points.
Example
Five Dice Game Rules
All dice in a roll can be scored. Thus, a roll of (1 4 2 4 4 5) would score:
100 (one 1)
400 (three fours)
50 (one five)
550 total points.
The player here could keep all but the 2 and roll again.
If he then would roll a 1 it would add 100 points and he would continue to play.
If he then would roll a 4, his score would double to 1,100 points and he would continue
To play.
If he rolled a 5, he would add 50 points and continue to play.
If he rolled any other number, he would not have any scoring combination for that roll
and he would forfeit all points scored during that round. And the play would be passed
to the next player.
Of course, you could keep the one, or the five, or the three fours, or any combination. But you must keep something to be able to roll again
A roll of (1 5 1 5 5 1) would score:
1000 (three 1s)
+500 (three fives)
1500 total points.
Hot Dice Game
and..you would be able to roll all of the dice again.
