Dice Games: Rolling the Odds – A Comprehensive Guide

Dice games have been a favorite pastime for generations, and as we step into November 2023, they’re still as popular as ever. These games offer excitement, surprise, and a lot of fun for everyone. In this blog, we’re going to explore what dice games are, why people love them, and introduce you to the best ones you can play. We’ll also break down different types of dice games, so you can find the perfect one for your next game night. So, let’s get rolling and start your gaming adventure!

Before you move forward, here are the top 20 Dice games to play in 2023:

Dice games	No. of Dice at play
Ludo	1
Snakes and Ladders	1
Bunco	3
Sevens	6
Beetle	1
Zanzibar	3
Left, Right, Center	3
Chicago	2
Pig	1
Farkle	6
The ship, captain, and crew	5
Going to Boston	3
Backgammon	2
Dudo	5
Boggle	16
Shut the Box	2
Las Vegas	8
Yahtzee	5
Zombie Dice	3
Sagrada	3

What Are Dice Games?

Dice games are a timeless form of entertainment that has been enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds for centuries. At their core, dice games involve the use of one or more dice, typically six-sided, to determine outcomes. The dice are rolled, and the numbers or patterns that appear dictate the course of the game. What makes dice games so fascinating is their simplicity and versatility. They can range from straightforward games of chance to complex strategic challenges, making them accessible to players of all skill levels.

Roll the die, Win real money!

Why Are Dice Games So Popular?

There are several reasons behind the enduring popularity of dice games:

1. Accessibility: Dice games require minimal equipment and can be played almost anywhere. All you need are dice and a flat surface, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings and travel. Look at the best travel games to play in 2023.
2. Quick and Easy: Many dice games are quick to learn and play, making them ideal for casual gaming sessions. They offer instant gratification and can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
3. Variety: Dice games come in a wide variety of forms, from classic games like Yahtzee and Ludo to modern innovations like Zombie Dice and Bunco. This diversity ensures there’s a dice game for everyone’s taste.
4. Luck and Strategy: Dice games strike a balance between luck and strategy. While the roll of the dice introduces an element of chance, players often need to make strategic decisions based on the outcomes.
5. Social Interaction: Dice games encourage social interaction and friendly competition, making them excellent choices for gatherings and parties.

Types of Dice Games

Dice games can be broadly categorized into 6 types:

1. Classic Dice Games
2. Role-playing Games (RPGs)
3. Push-your-luck Games
4. Educational Dice Games
5. Custom Dice Games
6. Party Dice Games

Classic Dice Games

These include timeless favorites like Craps, Ludo, and Yahtzee, which have been enjoyed for generations.

• Craps: A popular casino game where players bet on the outcome of the roll of two six-sided dice.
• Ludo: A timeless board game that combines strategy and luck as players race their tokens around the board. Play Ludo online games that are purely based on strategy and win real Ludo money!
• Yahtzee: Players aim to achieve specific combinations of dice rolls to score points in this classic game of chance and strategy.

Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

Games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and Pathfinder use specialized dice sets to determine the outcomes of character actions and adventures.

• Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): Perhaps the most iconic RPG, D&D uses a set of polyhedral dice to determine the outcomes of character actions, battles, and adventures.
• Pathfinder: Similar to D&D, Pathfinder employs specialized dice sets for character customization and storytelling.

Push-Your-Luck Games

Players must decide whether to roll the dice again to achieve a higher score or risk losing points. For instance:

• Farkle: In this game, players roll six dice and must decide whether to risk rolling again to accumulate points or stop and secure their current score.
• Can’t Stop: Players roll dice to advance along numbered tracks, with the risk of losing progress if they push their luck too far.

Educational Dice Games

Some dice games are designed to teach math, strategy, and critical thinking skills while having fun. For instance:

• Math Dice: Designed for learning and fun, Math Dice challenges players to use arithmetic skills to reach a target number through dice combinations.
• Qwixx: A math-focused game where players mark off numbers on their score sheets based on dice rolls, encouraging quick mental math calculations.

Custom Dice Games

Many board games incorporate custom dice with unique symbols or actions, adding an extra layer of complexity and strategy. For instance:

• Risk: This classic strategy game incorporates custom dice featuring different outcomes for battles, adding complexity to the game’s warfare dynamics.
• King of Tokyo: Players roll custom dice representing monsters battling for control of Tokyo, each with its unique powers and abilities.

Party Dice Games

These games are designed for larger groups and often involve humor, storytelling, and social interaction. For instance,

• Apples to Apples Dice Game: Based on the popular party game, this version uses dice and humor to match words or phrases to create amusing combinations.
• Telestrations After Dark: A hilarious drawing and guessing game where players roll dice to determine the prompt for their drawings, leading to often outrageous results.

The examples illustrated above provide a wide range of experiences that dice games offer, from intense battles in the world of RPGs to lighthearted fun at parties and from educational tools to classic favorites that have stood the test of time.

20 Best Dice games to play in 2023

Here is a list of the top 20 dice games to play in November 2023:

1. Ludo
2. Snakes and Ladders
3. Bunco
4. Sevens
5. Beetle
6. Zanzibar
7. Left, Right, Center
8. Chicago
9. Pig
10. Farkle
11. The Ship, Captain, and Crew
12. Going to Boston
13. Backgammon
14. Dudo
15. Boggle
16. Shut the Box
17. Las Vegas
18. Yahtzee
19. Zombie Dice
20. Sagrada

Ludo

Ludo is probably the most popular dice game, played in many countries with different rules. The game got its name from England, and it then entertained many people throughout the world. It is believed that Ludo was inspired by an old Indian game named ‘Pachisi’. Then after the English invasion, the game went to different countries.

Learn more about Ludo History!

What is required to play the game?

• A Ludo board that has 4 different colors
• Minimum 2 and maximum 4 players
• One die
• 4 tokens of each color

How to play Ludo dice game?

Every player has 4 tokens of a color of their choice. Every person gets a chance to roll the die, and whatever number shows up, they get to move their token that many steps. But before moving the tokens, we have to bring each of them out of their yard. To bring the token out of the Yard, we need to roll a 6. We have to play this game strategically as there are a lot of permutations and combinations. One needs to attack the other player, hold their ground, and save their token from the other’s attacks. Ultimately, all tokens must enter the home (at the center of the board) to win the game. Learn how to play Ludo in 5 simple steps!

Pro Tip: Create a block by landing two of your tokens in the same box. You cannot pass a block and it helps delay the opponent’s tokens to reach home.

Play Ludo Game Online

We can now play an online version of the classic Ludo game. Playing Zupee’s Ludo online games can also win us real cash up to 10 lakhs. There are four versions of the game:

Snakes and Ladders

The Snakes and Ladders game originated in India and is now one of the most played dice games globally. This game is easy to follow and engaging because of the tricky board sprawling with snakes.

What is required to play the game?

• A snakes and ladders board
• 2 to 4 players
• Single tokens of different colors
• One die

How to play Snakes and Ladders Dice game?

To play Snakes and Ladders, we navigate our tokens from start to finish while avoiding snakes and taking shortcuts by going up the ladder. The tokens can only move from the start point after a player gets 1 on their dice. If our token lands on the hood of a snake, we will have to bring our token down to its tail. Moreover, unlike Ludo, you cannot attack your opponent in this game. The first one to reach the number 100 wins the game. Take a look at how to play the Snakes and Ladders classic board game.

Pro Tip: Avoid landing on the snake’s head.

Play Snakes and Ladders online game

The traditional Snakes and Ladders is no doubt a lot of fun and nostalgia, but what it can’t do is win you money. That is where Zupee’s online Snakes and Ladders Plus game comes in. An online game of saanp-seedi designed not just to be modern and entertaining but also to help you win money! Take a look at how to play Snakes and Ladders online and win money:

Bunco

Bunco is also an excellent team-based board game. All the players have to roll 3 dice in this game, and they get points accordingly. In the end, the player with the most points wins.

What is required to play the game?

• Although the game can be played with more than four players, it is best enjoyed when the players are multiple of 4.
• 3 dice
• A score sheet for every player
• A marker, pencil, or pen

How to play Bunco dice game?

People sit around tables, and the players sitting in front of each other make one team. One of the tables in the game becomes the Head Table, and the others are then given a number. Every person gets to roll their dice, and the number of your die should correspond with the round number. For example, if you are playing the first round, you will have to get as many 1s as possible.

If we roll the dice and don’t get the number corresponding to the round, the turn passes to the left. This goes on until someone gets 21 points at the Head Table. If someone on any other table gets more than 21 points, they keep recording the points until the Head Table reaches the tally of 21.

Pro Tips: If you get 3 dice with the same number of the same round, it is a Bunco – you get 21 points right away. Achieve the same numbers in a different round and bag 5 points.

Sevens

Sevens is probably one of the most interesting and easy-to-play dice games across the globe. One has to keep in mind a few rules that would cover the entire game.

What is required to play the game?

• 2 or more players
• 6 dice
• A sheet to record the points
• A pen or pencil

How to play Sevens Dice game?

The game starts when a person rolls all 6 dice. If the combination of any number of dice in the playing area adds up to 7, those dice are removed. For example, if a player rolls a 4-6-3-2-1-1, remove the 4, 3, 6, 1. After removing the dice the player can either roll the dice again or note the total of the numbers that show up.

In this game, we get a total of 3 chances. The number of chances depends on the number of turns the first person takes. This way, you keep on going on and on until you come to the agreed number of rounds.

Pro Tip: The game is more chance-based so try not to get a 7 in your combination.

Beetle

Another interesting one-die game where we have to do more than just randomly throw up the dice is Beetle. To play this game, one needs to have some drawing skills too. To know more, you can read the “how to play” section below.

What is required to play the game?

• A pen or pencil
• White paper
• 1 dice
• Minimum 2 people

How to play Beetle dice game?

In this game, all the numbers on the dice are assigned a body part as mentioned below:

• 6 – Body
• 5 – Head
• 4 – Wings
• 3 – Leg
• 2 – Antenna
• 1 – Eye

To begin the game, one has to roll the number 6. That’s when you draw a body, and the other parts will come after that. To acquire body parts like legs, eyes, and antennas, you will have to roll the dice as often as required. The person to draw the Beetle first wins the game.

Pro Tip: Try to get the body in your first chance so that you start building it up from the next chance.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar uses many chips and is formulated on an interesting points system. You need to remember many things for this dice game and have a good strategy. This game can be enjoyed on a lazy holiday or while cousins or friends stay in. All you need to do is follow the rules.

What is required to play the game?

• 2 to 9 players
• 3 markers
• 3 dice
• 20 or fewer counters for each player

How to play Zanzibar dice game?

You will learn to play this game quickly once you understand how the scoring system works. When someone rolls 3 dice, you add up the numbers on the dice according to the points system and then keep shedding chips. Players try to beat each other’s scores with fewer rolls of the dice. The longer one needs to play, the more chips can be tossed.

Once all players take their turn, the player with the lowest score receives a number of chips from other players, depending on the hand of the player who rolled the highest score. Here is the number of chips that the loser receives:

4 chips	If the highest score is 4,5,6 (Zanzibar)
3 chips	If the highest score is three-of-a-kind
2 chips	If the highest score is 1,2,3
1 chip	If the highest score is a point total

The game goes on until one player has no chips remaining. Take a look at the highest-ranking combination shown in ascending order:

• 1,2,3
• 6,6,6
• 5,5,5
• 4,4,4
• 3,3,3
• 2,2,2
• 1,1,1
• 4,5,6 – Zanzibar

Here is the point system for playing Zanzibar:

Dice roll	Points
1	100
2	2
3	3
4	4
5	5
6	60

For example, if a player rolled – 1,4, and 5, then the total score will be 109 points.

Pro Tip: The sooner you shed all your chips, the better!

Left, Right, Center

This simple game was developed to increase children’s understanding of directions. Customized dice come to play for this game. Three sides of a die are tagged L, C, and R, and the other sides have dots – like typical dice. All you need to do is get rid of your chips by rolling the dice.

What is required to play the game?

• Chips
• 3 Dice

How to play Left, Right, Center dice game?

The game is simple. Each player will get three chips, and they begin the game by rolling all three dice. If a player gets an R, they pass one chip to the player on the right. If the player gets an L, they pass the chip to the left.  If they get C, the chip goes to the center. The one who gets rid of all their chips first becomes the winner.

Pro Tip: You just need to follow the dice and shed off your chips as soon as possible to win.

Chicago

If you want to enjoy a dice game with only a few rules, Chicago is your best choice.

What is required to play the game?

• 2+ players
• 2 dice for each player
• A sheet and a pen to note the scores

How to play Chicago dice game?

In this game, all you need to do is roll the dice and get the target score of the round. For example, in the first round, the target score is two. Then, in the following rounds, the target scores are 3, 4, and so on until 12. As long as you match the target score of the round, you get points. At the end of 11 rounds, the person with the most points wins the game.

Pro Tip: Roll your dice and get the target score in lesser rolls.

Pig

Pig is an easy game that requires distinguishing between gut feeling and greed. It was documented first by John Scarne in 1945. Players take turns to roll a dice as many times as required to score 100 points.

What is required to play the game?

• A sheet and a pen
• 1 die
• 2 players

How to play Pig dice game?

If a player rolls the die and gets 1, they score nothing. If the thrown die shows a number from 2 to 6, then the same number of points get registered in favor of the player. The first person to 100 points wins. Easy, isn’t it?

Pro Tip: You score points by rolling the dice. So roll as many high numbers as you can.

Farkle

The game’s origin remains untraced, but it is believed that Farkle was first played in the mid-1980s. It is a six-dice game that needs attention and a complete sheet guide. One needs to keep the guide in front before the start of play.

What is required to play the game?

• 6 dice
• A sheet to note the points
• 2+ players

How to play Farkle dice game?

Roll all six dice together to get a combination. The points for each combination is different so refer to the score guide below. You will have 3 chances to make the best possible outcome and then register the score. If a player gets six 6s, it is considered a hot dice which rewards them one more turn. The score sheet is tallied once a player has achieved the predetermined winning score. Here is the score guide for the same:

Roll 1	100 points
Roll 5	50 points
Roll 3 X 1s	1000 points
Roll 3 x 2s	200 points
Roll 3 x 3s	300 points
Roll 3 x 4s	400 points
Roll 3 x 5s	500 points
Roll 3 x 6s	600 points
Roll 3 pairs	1500 points
Roll 1,2,3,4,5,6	3000 points

Pro Tip: Look for the best combination and get more points quickly to win.

The Ship, Captain, and Crew

This is a five-dice game where the player has to get a Ship, Captain, Crew, and Cargo. It is an entertaining and enjoyable game that people love to play.

What is required to play the game?

• 5 dice
• 4 sets of chips
• 2+ players

How to play this dice game?

In this game, one has to make combinations to win the game. The number 6 represents the Ship, Captain by 5, Crew by 4, and Cargo is the highest possible outcome you get by rolling two dice. Now, each player can roll all 5 dice thrice during their turn. The aim is to get 6, 5, 4, etc., in descending order. The player who fails to get the order will be assigned 0 points, whereas those who get all the pieces in order will get points according to the number drawn in their cargo turn.

Pro Tip: Roll the dice to get the order.

Going to Boston

This is a 3-dice game where the rules are too easy to understand.

What is required to play the game?

• 3 players
• A sheet and a pen to record the scores
• 3 dice

How to play Going to Boston dice game?

The game starts with all three players rolling their dice simultaneously. The person who gets the highest total gets the first chance. Then that particular player rolls all three dice, recording the highest number and eliminating one die after each roll. The outcome is recorded upon adding up the total of all the dice. The same procedure keeps repeating for the other two players as well. The one with the maximum points wins.

Pro Tip: Make sure to get the maximum points as quickly as possible.

Backgammon

One of the most complex dice board games is Backgammon. The game’s origin traces back to 5,000 years, and it was first played in Persia. The game requires a complete set, including the board, 2 dice and chips.

What is required to play the game?

• The playing board
• 2 dice
• 2 players
• Chips

How to play Backgammon dice game?

A player rolls the dice after placing their chips in the right spot. The chips are moved across the board as per the numbers. Both players follow a few sets of rules, and their objective is to move all the chips away from their side of the board. The one who does this first wins the game.

Pro Tip: Roll high numbers to get your chips on the other side as quickly as possible. When you’re ahead in the race, race. When you’re behind in the race, don’t race.

Dudo

People above the age of 8 years can understand and play this game. It is one of those games where luck and cleverness would give you an edge over the opponent.

What is required to play the game?

• 2 to 6 players
• 1 dice cup
• 5 dice

How to play Dudo dice game?

The dice are put inside an opaque dice cup and rolled. The person doing this calls out a number between 1-6 for their dice. The other people have to either “call”, “raise”, or “spot “at the announcement. The person who loses a call loses one of their dice. This game highly resembles bluff, but some rules make it different.

Pro Tip: Before you announce. Think twice and make a move.

Boggle

Boggle is a dice/word game between players who race to get better and more words. Allan Turoff invented it, and the rules are pretty simple and easy to understand.

What is required to play the game?

• The alphabet dice
• A Boggle grid
• Pen and Paper
• 2+ players

How to play Boggle dice game?

Boggle is one game that can engage as many players as you want. The minimum requirement is two players.

In Boggle, a timer is kept outside the box. Shake the gaming box with all the dice inside. When all the players are ready, remove the lid and try to make as many words as possible with the shown alphabets before running out of time. In this game, the word you create should use the alphabets adjacent to each other, and no single alphabet can be used more than once in a word. Players can skip a word too. Once time runs out, all the words are checked and awarded points. The person with the most points wins the game.

Pro Tip: If you find a bigger word, get all the little words inside it.

Shut the Box

If you want to indulge in an interesting game, Shut the Box would be a great choice.

What is required to play the game?

• The tile box (Game box)
• 2 dice
• 2+ players

How to play Shut the Box dice game?

The game has an easy set of rules followed by interesting gameplay. A game box with 2 dice and tiles numbered from 1 to 9. Each time a player rolls the dice, they have to lower the tiles that the dice’s sum shows. The player can keep rolling the dice until no tile can be lowered. The points are given to the player based on the tiles that remain standing. If any player lowers all the tiles, they get 0 points. The player who ends up with the lowest score wins.

Pro Tip: Try to randomly choose a set of spaces that equal the sum of the dice to roll to cover.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is also known as the Vegas game, where players can try their luck.

What is required to play the game?

• The board
• 2 to 5 players
• 5 sets of 8 dice each

How to play Las Vegas dice game?

Every player first chooses their dice color. They then get dollar bills for every board they play in. The bill’s total has to be more than 50,000, and then the game starts. Players have to roll their dice. If more than 1 dice shows the same number, they will keep all those dice in the same place. Then, after all the players have claimed their spots, the number of dice in every section is counted. The color having the most number of dice in a section wins. The person who wins in a section gets the highest-value dollar bill there, and the runner is awarded the second-highest bill.

Pro Tip: Get numbers to score more and get more dollar bills.

Yahtzee

Another interesting 5-dice game that can be played between more than 2 players is Yahtzee. The interesting thing here is that all the players have to record their counts.

What is required to play the game?

• 5 dice
• A sheet with rules and scoring space

How to play Yahtzee dice game?

In Yahtzee, the player gets three chances to roll all the 5 dice. When they do so, it is their choice to select a number from the dice, and then they get 3 more chances to get that number. The roll number of dice is then added to get a total. Certain combinations can be made on the dice board. This will fetch extra points. In the end, the player with the most points wins.

Pro Tip: The only tip here is to get as many points as possible with the number of chances you are getting. Make sure you use all the chances to get better scores. 

Zombie Dice

This is a quick party game wherein you can enjoy playing it with a couple of your friends. There are three sets of dice, green, yellow, and red, in the pack. All of these are used in playing the game.

What is required to play the game?

• A scoring sheet
• 3 Set of dice or a Zombie dice pack
• 2+ players

How to play Zombie Dice game?

You have the dice set with three things printed on it, a brain, steps, and a shotgun blast. All the players aim to get as many brains as possible, and for each brain, they will be given a point. The aim is to get 13 brains in total, and you will be out with 0 points if you score 3 shotgun blasts. You can stop anytime you wish to, even before getting 13 brains.

Pro Tip: It is better to understand when to stop and score more points with green dice because most brains are in that set.

Sagrada

Sagrada is a bit difficult, or in many terms, it is a tricky game that can be played by 2 or more players. In this, you need to play by the rules while getting your die in place on your window.

What is required to play the game?

• 2 or 2+ players
• The entire game setup
• Rule sheet
• 2 dice per player, plus 1 additional dice

How to play Sagrada dice game?

Every game is played over ten rounds, and there are certain rules to follow. If there are two players, you need five dice, three players need seven dice, and 4 require nine dice. When a player rolls a die, they have to choose from spending a favor token or placing a draft in the open space of the window. The game goes on this way until one person completes filling the window. When this is done, one round or one hand is completed. The game then goes on till the last hand as agreed by all the players.

Pro Tip: While you play this game, study the rules thoroughly or keep it open in front of yourself. Also, make sure you play for the high number slots first.

These are 20 top games that you can play with friends and family whenever you feel. To know the games better, get these boxes and then read the instructions on the box. Enjoy the interesting games, some of which might be new to you.

Dice games: FAQs