20 Best Dice Games for All Ages & Occasions (Rules, Tips & Dice Sets)

20 Dice Games You Can Play With Any Dice Set

You can play dice games in many different variations, whether as a pair or a large group. Discover 20 ways to enjoy dice rolling fun and create memorable moments. 

Preface

Have you recently fallen in love with dice games? Or are you a seasoned dice player looking to explore new variations? Dice games are broad and dynamic, allowing just about anyone to find a new variation over and over again. Whether you play at a table with friends or during quality time with family, dice games fit into any social setting. You can even play dice games for money to up the stakes and enhance the thrill. This form of gaming is one of the oldest in the world, and you can always find new ways to enjoy it.

What are dice games?

Dice games are a form of entertainment that uses one or more dice to generate random outcomes. These outcomes then determine a player’s actions, points, or success. Dice games rely on rolling dice and combine skill, luck, and decision-making. They are ideal for casual fun or serious competitions since they can be simple or complex, depending on the type of dice game you are playing. You can play dice as a standalone game or even incorporate them into board games. 

dice games within a group

20 Best dice games you will surely love

The best dice games can be fun and slow, or educational and high-stakes, allowing you choices for any mood or occasion. Some of these games have been around for thousands of years, so you’ll be walking right into history.

  1. Dice games with 2 dice

Games with two dice come in many fun variations, from quick, energetic games to more thoughtful challenges. With just two dice, the rules stay simple, but every roll brings a new surprise.

  1. Pig

Pig is a simple dice game. Players earn points as they play, aiming to be the first to reach a target score, usually 100. On each turn, a player can roll the dice as many times as they want to collect points.

Components: Paper and a pen

Number of players: 2 or more

Dice needed: 2

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Parties take turns rolling the dice and add their points for each roll to the running score. 
  2. If a player rolls a 1 on either die, they lose all the points from that turn. 
  3. Players can bank their points at any time as long as they haven’t rolled a 1.  
  4. The first person to hit the target score wins.

Tip: Hold at 20 to reduce the risk of a pig out.

Pig dice game.
  1. Craps

This is a popular game in which players roll a pair of dice and bet on the outcome. It is fast-paced and popular in casinos, but it can also be played at home.

Components: Flat surface, and chips, coins, or paper to track points.

Number of players: 2 or more players

Dice needed: Two dice

Step-by-step rules:

  1. One player is picked as the shooter and rolls the dice.
  2. If the outcome is a 7 or 11 on the first roll, known as the come-out roll, they win. But if the roll returns 2, 3, or 12, the shooter loses. 
  3. If any other number is rolled (4,5,6,7,8,9,10), it becomes a point.
  4. The shooter will keep rolling until they roll the point number again and win or hit a 7 and lose.

Tip: Avoid placing random side bets on every roll. Only adjust your bets when the shooter is on a good streak.

Playing craps.

Source: ChatGPT.

  1. Dice games with 3 dice

Three dice games combine simplicity with excitement by adding more strategies and combinations than a two-dice game. They increase the unpredictability of every outcome, enhancing the fun. 

  1. Going to Boston

This is one of the popular dice games for adults with kids, as it helps practice adding and counting. Going to Boston is good for teaching basic probability in a way that is fun and competitive.

Components: Paper and pen

Number of players: 2-4

Dice needed: 3 dice

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Players decide on how many rounds the game will have
  2. The first player rolls out the three dice and takes out the highest number.
  3. They roll the remaining two dice, take out the highest one again, and roll the last die one more time.
  4. Write down the total of the three rolls.
  5. Whoever has the highest number of points after the last round wins. 
Going to Boston Dice game.

Source: Dig the games.

  1. Dice games with 5 or 6 dice

If you are looking to add more complexity and scoring possibilities to each roll, dice games with 5 or 6 dice are perfect. They allow you to combine more planning with your luck. 

  1. Yahtzee

Yahtzee is widely recognized as one of the most famous dice games of all time. Players combine luck and strategy in every roll, aiming to have the highest score at the end of the game. 

Components: A flat surface, a pen, and Yahtzee scorecards

Number of players: 2 or more

Dice needed: 5

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Each player rolls up to three times per turn and sets aside any dice they want. 
  2. The player then picks a scoring category such as whole house, yathzee, and more. 
  3. The game ends once each player has filled all their categories, and the player with the most points wins.
Yahtzee scoresheet.

Source: Wikipedia.

  1. Farkle

Farkle is a classic game about pushing your luck as you try to roll specific dice combinations. Players can roll as many times as they want during a turn and earn points, but one mistake and you lose everything.

Components: A flat surface, a pen, and Farkle scorecards

Number of players: 2 or more

Dice needed: 6

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Players take turns rolling all 6 dice to achieve specific combinations such as ones or fives.
  2. They then set aside at least one scoring die after each roll.
  3. If a roll returns no scoring combinations, the player loses all points, Farkle.
  4. The first participant to hit the target wins.
Farkle dice game.

Source: Facebook.

  1. Quick dice games

Do you need to fill time during a short break, travel, or time at a party? A quick dice game only takes a few minutes, creating instant fun with some simple rules. 

  1. Roll to 50

In Roll to 50, you roll the dice and count your scores until one player reaches a score of 50. But the trick is you have to score exactly 50 to win. If you go over 50, you lose the turn.

Components: Pen and paper for keeping score

Number of players: 2 or more

Dice needed: 2 or more

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Players begin with a score of zero and take turns rolling the dice.
  2. Each outcome is added to their running score.
  3. If a player rolls double 1s, their score resets to zero. 
  4. The first one to reach 50 points first wins the round.
  1. Beat the dealer

When playing this game, participants aim to score more than the first player to roll, also known as the dealer. Beat the Dealer is a quick dice game, and players are free to set the maximum number of rounds.

Components: A flat surface

Number of players: 2+

Dice needed: Two

Step-by-step rules:

  1. The player chose a dealer.
  2. The selected dealer then rolls first and records their score.
  3. Each player rolls once, aiming to beat the dealer’s total and earn a point. 
Beat the dealer dice game.

Alt text: Pexel.

  1. Educational dice games

You can combine learning with playing dice to help players practice things such as math, probability, and critical thinking. Educational dice games are perfect for classrooms and homeschooling.

  1. Math builder

If you are looking to help a kid work on their basic math, this dice game can improve their learning experience. Math builder turns routine math practice into a fun activity. 

Components: Paper and a pen

Number of players: 1 or more

Dice needed: 2 or 3

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Each player rolls all their dice and uses the outcomes to generate a math problem, such as an addition or subtraction problem.
  2. Players then compare their answers, and the player with the highest score wins the round.
Math builder dice game.

Source: We are teachers.

  1. Make 10

Make 10 is another suitable addition for basic math that focuses primarily on addition. The fun but competitive nature of the game keeps kids attentive for longer. 

Components: A way to keep score

Number of players: 4 or more

Dice needed: 1

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Kids take turns rolling a dice and then figuring out what number added to the outcome would make 10. 
  2. If they give the correct answer, they earn a corresponding number of points. 
  3. After 10 rounds, the child with the most points wins the game.
 Kids learning dice games.

Source: Creativecota

  1. Dice games for two players

You do not need a large group to have some dice rolling fun. There are plenty of fun and competitive games that only require two players to get rolling. Grab a friend and try one of these.

  1. Duel Dice

Duel dice is a thrilling one-on-one game, making it one of the best dice games for couples. You can add special rules like rerolling when a player hits a certain number to make it more competitive.  

Components: Place to record points

Number of players: 2

Dice needed: 2

Step-by-step rules: 

  1. Each player rolls the dice once, with the highest roll earning one point after each round.
  2. The winner has to reach 10 points first.
Duel dice.

Source: ChatGPT

  1. Chase the score

This is a simple game where players try to match or come close to player one’s score without going over it. For example, if player one scores 15, the others need to score between 13 and 15 to earn a point. 

Components: Means of tracking scores

Number of players: 2

Dice needed: 3

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Player one rolls all three dice and records their total outcome.
  2. Player two then rolls and tries to catch up with player one’s score without exceeding it. 
  3. If they catch up but don’t exceed, they win; else, player one wins.
Chase the score dice game.

Source: istockphoto.

  1. Dice games for parties

The right dice game can turn a slow party into a vibrant one and a vibrant party into an epic story. Party dice games are easy to set up and require minimal equipment to keep everyone engaged and laughing.

  1. Liar’s Dice

Liar’s dice is more than just dice, as it also requires playing mind games or bluffing to trick your opponent. You’ll need to make them think you’re telling the truth about what you rolled, even if you’re lying. 

Components: A cup for each player to hide their dice

Number of players: 3 or more

Dice needed: 5 dice per player

Step-by-step rules:

  1. All players roll their dice secretly under a cup.
  2. They then take turns guessing how many dice with a particular number are under all the cups. 
  3. The next player can raise the claim or call out liar. If they call out liar, all the dice are revealed.
  4. Whoever was wrong loses a die, and the game continues until only one participant remains.
Liar’s dice.

Source: Games for young minds.

  1. Beat That

This game does not require turns, as everyone rolls at the same time, and whoever has the highest score wins. You can play Beat That for any number of rounds. 

Components: Paper and pen for scorekeeping.

Number of players: 2 or more

Dice needed: 3 per player

Step-by-step rules:

  1. All players roll their dice at the same time, and the player with the highest total wins the round.
  2. Players are awarded points for each round, with the highest becoming the party champion. 
Beat That dice game.

Source: Pexels.

  1. Three Dice Drinking

Once a player rolls in Three Dice Drinking, their score is linked to a specific action or penalty, usually drinking. It is a social game that players can customize to fit the theme of any party. 

Components: Drinks and a table

Number of players: 3 or more

Dice needed: 3

Step-by-step rules:

  1. The players sit in a circle, and all roll the dice.
  2. Specific totals trigger actions, such as “drink” or “the player on your right drinks.”
  3. The dice are passed clockwise.
Three dice drinking.

Source: ChatGPT.

  1. Mexico

You will need to be the last player at the table to win in this game. Mexico is a game of elimination, so you have to keep scoring high to make it into the next round. 

Components: A flat surface

Number of players: 3 or more

Dice needed: 2

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Players roll both dice to hit the highest possible combination, a 2 and 1 roll (Mexico).
  2. After everyone rolls, whoever has the lowest score loses a life or takes a penalty.
  3. The game ends when only one player is left. 
Mexico dice games.

Source: ChatGPT.

  1. Classic dice games everyone knows

Dice games have been entertaining players for generations, and some have taken their place as timeless favorites. These are usually the easiest to learn and perfect for all ages. 

  1. Ship, Captain, Crew

Ship, captain, and crew is a two-stage game where you first need to roll specific dice (4,5,6) and then compete for points. Will you sail to victory or sink your ship? 

Components: A cup to roll the dice

Number of players: 2 or more

Dice needed: 5

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Players build the ship by rolling a 6(ship), a 5(captain), and a 4(crew), respectively.
  2. They then roll the remaining dice to determine the highest score. This wins the game. 
SHip captain crew dice game.

Source: Family Game Shelf

  1. Bunco

Bunco is a fast and lively game that is a great choice for large gatherings. It is also easy to learn, so it only takes a moment to get everyone engaged. 

Components: A bell, 4 tables, and Bunco score sheets

Number of players: 12 players split into groups of 4

Dice needed: 3 per table

Step-by-step rules:

  1. The players aim to roll a specific round number as many times as possible in a single round.
  2. They score a point for each die that matches.
  3. Hitting three of the target number gets 21 points.
  4. The player with the most points at the end of six rounds wins the game.
Bunco dice game.

Source: Amazon.

  1. Left Center Right (LCR)

LCR is a game of chance where tokens are passed to the left or into the center pot based on the outcome of a roll. Players can also pass coins, chips, candies, or whatever else the groups decide to use as a token. 

Components: Chips/tokens for each player

Number of players: 3 or more

Dice needed: 3 LCR dice

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Each player begins with 3 chips and takes turns rolling their dice.
  2. They then pass the tokens to the left, right, or center, depending on the outcome.
  3. The last player with remaining chips wins.
LCR dice game.

Source: Role 4 initiative.

  1. Dice games for family
  2. High-Low

When it comes to high-low, there are no age or player limits. It can be played in groups at a party or between parents and kids as they enjoy family quality time. 

Components: Pen and paper

Number of players: 2 or more

Dice needed:

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Each player rolls all 4 dice on their turn and gets the total per round.
  2. Whoever scores the most points wins that round.
  3. The high-low game continues for several rounds predefined by the players, with the one who wins the most rounds being the overall winner.
High-low dice game.

Source: Wikipedia.

  1. Catan

The Catan dice game is based on the popular Catan board game. Players roll dice and compete to collect resources and build settlements.

Components: Catan dice game score sheets and resources

Number of players: 1-4

Dice needed: 6 Catan dice

Step-by-step rules:

  1. Players have up to three times to roll the six dice and collect wood, brick, ore, and such resources. 
  2. They then use these to build roads, cities, etc., to progress on the score sheet.
  3. Each player has 15 turns to accumulate as many points as they can.
Catan dice game

Source: Amazon

Where to buy high-quality dice for all dice games

Feeron is your one-stop shop for dice. We offer a wide range of premium dice designed to elevate any game.  Feeron specializes in resin and metal dice, including premium metal set dice, hollow designs, engraved styles, spinning dice, and more. In addition to focusing on precision, durability, and balance of the dice, we also offer customization and OEM services. Whether you need branded or personalized dice for any occasion, Feeron is your go-to choice for fair and satisfying rolls.

 Where to buy high-quality dice games.

Best dice sets for all your dice games

The weight, balance, material, and finish of a die all affect how it rolls, how it feels in your hand, and the outcome of a roll. Thus, choosing the right set is essential as it impacts your gameplay.

  1. Metal dice sets

Feeron offers premium tabletop gaming metal dice. The range includes antique brass dice sets favored by RPG players, as well as hollow metal sets that are ideal for logo engraving. No matter the style you choose, these dice are durable and produce a solid, satisfying clatter when they hit the table. Each set includes 7 carefully crafted, customizable pieces.

Metal dice sets
  1. CNC machined hollow metal dice

At Feeron, we craft our Hollow CNC-machined dice with a frame structure that reduces weight and offers incredible aesthetic value. This makes it easier to roll and doesn’t create a heavy impact on tables or rolling surfaces. It is ideal for players who want a lighter dice in their hands.

CNC machined hollow metal dice. 
  1. Metal spinning dice 

Spinning dice are ideal for casual games in parties or even at the office. They combine eye-catching motion with the fun of a fidget toy. Feeron’s metal spinning dice are packaged as a single piece in a gift box. They are available in custom colours, antique brass, and more, making it easy to find one that fits what you need. 

Feeron metal spinning dice.
  1. Color Swirl resin dice

Resin dice are lightweight, affordable, and available in glittering colors and unique designs, ideal for parties, classroom settings, game nights, and more. Resin dice are also the go-to choice if you are seeking a mix of comfort, style, and variety with incredible rolling smoothness. Whether you want to buy themed dice, transparent dice, or even color swirls, Feeron resin dice are a must-have. They are packaged in a gift box with seven pieces and are hard to chip, making their captivating looks durable.

Feeron resin dice.

Why buy dice from Feeron?

Feeron dice are trusted by professional players and dice enthusiasts around the world. Our company specializes in high-quality tabletop gaming dice with unmatched quality and design. 

  • Customization

Whether you are looking for antique metal dice with engraved numbers or fantasy-inspired themes, Feeron turns your vision into a rolling thrill. 

  • Quality assurance

Feeron designs dice with consistent quality that makes them hard to chip. They are tested for balance and durability to ensure a smoother roll and longer lifespan. 

  • Huge savings

Feeron works directly with manufacturers and offers OEM services to provide you with premium dice at competitive prices. You save money with every purchase.

  • Fast delivery

You can trust Feeron to get your dice to you quickly and reliably. We combine fast order fulfilment with timely delivery channels.  

FAQs

  1. What is the most common dice game?

Craps, a casino favorite, is one of the most widely played dice games. It builds excitement quickly and has simple to learn rules, enhancing its popularity. Moreover, the craps gameplay has inspired many other dice games.

  1. What dice games can you play with just dice?

You can play games like Farkle, Pig, Mexico, Bunco, and Yahtzee using only dice. Since they rely purely on rolling, simple scoring, and counting, you do not need any extra equipment. This makes them perfect for travel and quick play.

  1. Can you make money on just dice?

Yes, betting games like street dice or craps can allow you to make money, but this highly relies on luck. The outcome of a roll is unpredictable, so dice betting should only be treated as entertainment, not income.

  1. Is dice gambling?

Dice games only become gambling when money or valuables are placed on the line for the outcome. If these are not in the equation, dice playing becomes a simple game of chance and skill. It is the stake, not the dice, that determines gambling.

  1. What is the luckiest number on a dice?

The number 7 is widely considered lucky by most players as it is the most common roll with two dice. Numerous casino games also revolve around hitting or avoiding 7. However, there’s no true luckiest number. 

  1. What are the rarest numbers to roll on a dice?

This depends on how many dice you have at hand. 2 and 12 are the rarest to roll with two dice, while very high or low totals are the least likely with more dice. You are likely to roll middle numbers more often.

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