dice-games

20 Fun Dice Games to Play with Friends and Family this Year

There is no shortage of great and fun dice games to play with your friends and family. With all the latest technology such as video game consoles and smartphones taking over the interests of children and adults alike, it can be easy to forget things of a simple nature such as dice games. The best dice games are not only simple but actually a lot of fun. Regardless of whether you’re a child or an adult, everyone can enjoy dice games.

What’s more, usually, card and dice games very rarely need a huge investment. If you don’t have a pair of dice somewhere in your drawers – although the most families have – you know there are a number of dice games you can buy for both children and adults. There are also many dice games that you can play without any purchase. All you need are some spare bits from around the home.

Of course, for those slightly more invested in fun dice games, there are a series of games that you can purchase. Some are more novelty-based, whereas others are modern-day versions of older dice games introduced many years ago.

Why Play Some Fun Dice Games This Year?

Because they are engaging and promote competition, collaboration, group bonding, cognitive skill development, and you can play them virtually anywhere you find a flat surface, be it inside the house or outside.

Dice games have been a staple of many homes for a number of years, and it’s not hard to see why. Although dice games may not seem very exciting to the younger demographic today, it’s easy to catch on to the fun. Some fun dice games are the best activities to engage in with the kids in lockdown or when you simply spend a rainy weekend at home.

For those of you who do not know this, you can adapt some of the best dice games out there to transform them into fun challenges for teens this summer. They say that this lack of excitement has a lot to do with the pace of technology evolves. In truth, fun dice games can bring a lot of competition and serious gaming fun for tweens and adults. Even little kids can get on board with it!

So, without further ado, let’s see some of the best dice games to play this year with your family and friends!

Fun Dice Games for Adults

There are many games that adults or children can certainly enjoy thoroughly. It usually depends on how a particular game is tailored. However, those new to the world of dice games may prefer to have a selection of games they can jump straight into. In this regard, the following dice games have been split into separate categories.

The following dice games have been designed with adults in mind. However, there are some that can be played with the rest of the family.

Dice games for adults are generally those that have been around for a number of years, although some have seen the popularity soar when popular games have licensed the game and marketed it in a particular way. An example of this is ‘Yahtzee.’ While this is seen as a popular dice game of today, it’s actually a game with roots that span back a vast number of years.

 

BUNCO

Bunco is a dice game that you play with nine dice and a lot of luck. Oftentimes, 12 people play Bunco, and those 12 will split into teams of four. Less or more players can join, but the overall number of people playing must be divisible by four for the game to be played.

Players must try to roll a number that corresponds with the current round they’re playing. For example, if players are up to around 3, then they should try and aim to roll three 3’s. Similarly, in round 5, players would need to roll five 5’s. Each time that anyone makes successful dice roll, this is known as a Bunco. When there’s a Bunco, a point is awarded each time a Bunco is claimed. The winning team is simply that team with the most points by the end of the game.

The somewhat bohemian rules associated with Bunco are the things that make the game so addictive. The very few rules and a ream of excitement are what contribute to Bunco’s reputation of being one of the most popular dice games played in the US today. In case you did not know, you can play Bunco anywhere and with any occasion, be it a Sunday barbecue party with your friends and neighbors or your mom’s 70th birthday party.

 

 

Mexico

Mexico is another fun dice game with simple dynamics. The game is played with two dice for rolling, with each player being given an additional die. The die will dictate how many lives each player has after each round, so will start on a six, and deplete accordingly.

After each game, the lowest dice roll will be considered the losing roll, and as such, that particular player will lose a life. The winner of Mexico is the player left standing after all players have rolled their dice and lost their lives.

 

 

Shut the Box

Hey! Play! Shut The Box Game - 12 Numbers (Includes Dice)

Hey! Play! Shut The Box Game – 12 Numbers (Includes Dice)

  • This is a new game that is becoming more popular by the moment
  • It can be played for fun or for money
  • Stained finish wood and green felt and comes with complete with dice

Check Latest Price!

While the aforementioned games are something of a straightforward affair, ‘Shut the Box’ encourages players to really apply their brain power, which is what makes it so much fun.

Generally played within a wooden box that displays the current numbers, each player will roll dice and use the combinations made to reach one of the numbers displayed on the wooden display. As each number is matched, the numbers within the wooden display will be flipped over. If the number 1 is the only number left showing, then players will only need to roll one dice in the hope they can reach the final number.

Once a player is able to successfully match all of the numbers, they are declared the winner, thus having to ‘shut the box’ as a result. Although played by many adults in a gambling capacity, ‘Shut The Box’ is also a brilliant family game that can easily be transported on holiday or even used for days out.

 

 

Yahtzee

Hasbro Yahtzee Dice Game

 

 

Hasbro Yahtzee Dice Game

  • Yahtzee is the classic dice game with a unique combination of luck and strategy. Every game is an exciting challenge…
  • The classic dice game comes with 5 dice and a shaker.
  • Take your 5 dice, take your 3 rolls, and fill in your scorecard to find the high rolling winner.

Check Latest Price!

When looking at popular and best dice games, Yahtzee is a game that needs little introduction. The game has roots that connect to a series of dice games from yesteryear, with one of the most important predecessors being called ‘Yacht.’ This fun dice game draws its inspiration from Poker and was the subject of academic research throughout the years (with a focus on math, probability, statistical analysis, etc.). While many consider it a game of luck, the majority of players agree that, just like in Poker, strategy and skills are the secret ingredients of winning this game.

While luck plays a big role in Yahtzee, strategy makes a significant difference. The reason for this is that you score each combination just once, and the number of different combinations in which you can score is equal to the number of turns in the game. This means that you have to make wise choices about when to score in each combination and you have to be careful about what combinations you seek at each turn.

There are thirteen categories that you can use for the dice rolls, although when a category has been used, it cannot be used again. Each category will have its own scoring system. Five dice are rolled to allow for various combinations, with players allowed to re-roll the dice an additional two times. The dice can be saved, with players choosing to re-roll any other dice should they so wish, although there is no requirement.

Although seen as an adult game, the clever marketing of Yahtzee has seen the game become popular among many families. Ideal for family bonding times or those gloomy, rainy days.

 

Liar’s Dice

Mr. B Games Liars Dice 30th Anniversary Edition

  • The 30th-anniversary edition is for 2-6 players.
  • The game comes with high-quality components: Sturdy dice cups, dice, and rubber mat.
  • Ages: 6+
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Check Latest Price!

‘Liar’s Dice’ found a flourish of interest again once it was featured in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie series. The game is played with each player having five dice, plus a cup that conceals their roll from the other players.

Players roll their dice at the start of a game, should any dice land on top of one another, then that particular roll needs to be taken again. Once all players have rolled their dice, they must be kept concealed, thus the use of the cup. Players then make bids on how the value of dice as a whole. For example, a player declaring that there are ‘two 3’s’ is stating that there at least two dice showing a 3. The player can either continuing playing or challenge that particular player. Should they have the dice described, or more, then the player who made the initial challenge will lose a die.

Only the current bid can be challenged, and can you can only challenge players during your turn. The game continues until only one player remains.

The game is popular because of the deception involved, often leading to much hilarity when played at house parties.

 

 

Left, Center, Right

LCR Left Center Right Dice Game - Blue Tin

 

LCR Left Center Right Dice Game – Blue Tin

  • Yahtzee is thLcr/left center Right is a fun, fast-paced dice game that you won’t be able to put down
  • Game includes three LCR specialty marked cubes, 24 chips and instructions in a special tin
  • For 3 or more players

Check Latest Price!

When detailing adult dice games, it makes sense to include one of the best-selling dice games of all time. This particular dice game is a little different to others in that offers custom-made dice designed exclusively for this particular game.

Each player is given a series of chips. How many really depends on how long you wish to play the game. For a short game, then the player should be given at least three chips, although more can be given if you wish to span the game out for some time.

The dice used in ‘Left, Right, Centre’ are labelled with ‘L,’ ‘R’ and ‘C.’ The remaining faces of the die has a singular dot, which results in no action being taken by the player. The following rolls will determine a particular action by the player.

L (Left): The player must pass a chip to the player on the left.

R (Right): Players must pass a chip to players on the right.

C (Center): A chip is placed into a pot in the center, meaning that no other players benefit from that particular chip. The player with the most chips left over is declared the winner.

Although this particular dice game is purely a game of chance, the excitement that can be garnered from its simplicity makes this unique dice game a worthy purchase.

 

 

Farkle

Farkle

 

Farkle

  • It’s the classic dice-rolling, risk-taking game!
  • Roll the dice, hoping for scoring combinations!
  • Be safe and take your points, or keep rolling for more and risk losing them all in a Farkle!

Check Latest Price!

Do you have friends and family that like to push their luck? Then why not introduced Farkle into their lives, as the whole game is centered around players pushing their luck to achieve the highest score possible.

The game of Farkle is somewhat a straightforward one, although it does require someone to keep track of the scores.

In order to determine who starts the game, each player must roll a singular die The player with the highest roll is the player who goes first. In the event of a tie, then players who tied with a particular number must roll again to determine their starting position.

Once it has been decided as to who will start the game, players are given six dice to roll for their turn. Each dice rolled will have either a point tally, or be worth nothing at all. The following rolls determine the number of points earned for each die.

 A roll of one is worth 500 points to the player.

A roll of five is worth 50 points to the player.

Three dice rolled at the same time that contain the same value are worth 100 times the face value. For example, if a player was to roll the 5’s, the score would be 500 points.

Farkle Gameplay

In order for a player to enter the game, players must roll a total of 1,000 points or more. The rules applied here are similar to that of the main game, in that players can set aside scoring die, but risk losing everything should they choose to roll again.

Once the main game has started, each player will take it in turns to roll six dice. When a player has rolled the dice, they must set aside any dice that are bankable (ones, fives and three-in-a-row.) The remaining dice can then be thrown to try and acquire additional points, or the dice can be passed onto the next player.

Should a player roll the dice and there are no points whatsoever, this is known as a Farkle. As a result, no score will be recorded and the dice must be passed to the next player.

In order for a player to win a game of Farkle, they have the to be the first to reach 10,000 points. If a player scores more than 10,000 points that other players will look to beat the score. If no-one does, the player with the highest score is declared the winner.

 

 

Qwixx

Hey! Play! Shut The Box Game - 12 Numbers (Includes Dice)

Qwixx – A Fast Family Dice Game

  • A fun game that allows for build-up add-ons
  • Fast paced gameplay, competitive and fun
  • Game comes with six dice
  • Can be played in English or Spanish

Check Latest Price!

Qwixx is a fast paced fun offering competitive and rapid fun for family or friends. You can play this game one on one, or with up to five players. In general, Qwixx gameplay tends to run for about 15 minutes. However, if you’ve just lost, you’re probably want to get some payback and challenge your competitors to another go!

The game is pretty easy to learn. One thing that’s particularly fun about this game is there’s no turns. Everyone plays at once! Players have scoresheets in red, yellow, green, and blue, marked by numbers 12-2 and 2-12. You will roll numbers in order to cross them off on your colored score sheets. Additionally, the more numbers you can roll and cross off in a row, the more points you accumulate. But here’s the catch. If you fail to cross off a certain number at a certain time, you’ll have to mark off a penalty in the penalty box. Once anybody makes four penalties, the game is over, and the highest scorer wins.

This fun and enjoyable dice game is played at a quick pace and offers lots of high energy competition. It’s great for all ages as well!

Lastly, here’s a pro tip for playing Qwixx. If you like the game as much as us, you’ll burn through the score sheets pretty quickly. Go ahead and laminate one or two of these score sheets before use. That way, you’ll be able to keep score with erasable markers and won’t have to buy new ones!

Fun Dice Games for Children

While adult dice games can involve a lot of luck and manipulation, dice game that are created for children are much friendlier, although there can be a healthy element of competition still present. Dice games can also be used to help children further their education, while having fun.

There is a vast selection of dice games available for children, and not all of them involve a huge investment. In fact, this can be one of the most appealing aspects of board games, because there are times that parents simply don’t have the budget required for a day out at the theme park or the movies.

The following children’s dice games can be played without having to invest a huge amount of money.

 

 

Beat That!

Beat That is a fun game that can be played by children aged 5 upwards. The number of dice used within the game can vary depending on the age of the children. For example, younger children may be fine with two dice, whereas older children may prefer more of a challenge, so potentially up to 7 dice could be used within the game.

All that is needed to play Beat That is dice and a paper and pencil for scoring. Children are passed the dice and have to come up with the largest number possible combining the dice thrown. For example, if a child was using two dice and came up with a 6 and a 7, the highest number that could be achieved is 76. Similarly, if a child was using three dice and the numbers rolled were 4,6 and 8, then the highest number possible would be 864.

First, players have to come up with the highest number they think is possible. Next, pass the dice to the next player with the invitation of ‘Beat That!’

Children play in rounds, with a declared winner at the end of each round.

If attempting to score the highest number becomes a little repetitive, then why not consider changing the rules round, like attempting to reach the smallest number possible.

 

 

Tenzi Dice

TENZI Dice Party Game - A Fun, Fast Frenzy for The Whole Family - 4...

 

TENZI Dice Party Game

  • It’s the classic dicAWARD WINNING: TENZI is a fast, fun dice game that encourages fast reactions and is super easy to learn. That’s why it…
  • FAST ACTION: TENZI is fun because it’s fast. To play TENZI you must roll your 10 dice as fast as you can which makes…
  • MORE WAYS TO PLAY: There’s not just one way to play TENZI, that’s why we’ve included instructions for 8 other…

Check Latest Price!

 

Sometimes children feel dissuaded from playing any games that are dice-based. This is because they feel there’s just not enough excitement. However, Tenzi Dice looks to break the illusion with ease.

You can play Tenzi Dice with dice you already own, or you could invest in a set for as little as $14.00. If you invest in an Tenzi Dice set, you will often find that the dice come in different colors.

The aim of the game is for children to roll their dice and try and match the same number. Simply repeat the process until the one player has matched all of their dice. That player is then declared the winner.

You can play the game in rounds. Due to the nature of the game, each round only takes around a minute to complete. In other words, children aren’t waiting too long for their turn. The game also doubles as a brilliant family game for those at loose ends.

 

 

Going to Boston

Parents who are looking for a fun game that educates as well as entertains should look no further than ‘Going to Boston.’ All that is needed for this fun-filled game is 3 dice, a pencil and some paper so scores can be recorded.

Each player is given three dice. The dice will be rolled three times, with the highest number set aside each time. At the end of the player’s turn, the three numbers must be added up to give the final figure. Each player takes a turn until they have three numbers each. The winner with the highest overall number will be declared the winner.

What’s more, the simple dice game ‘Going to Boston’ can be adapted for those looking for more of a challenge. For example, older children may enjoy multiplying the numbers, as opposed to adding them together.

 

 

Pizza Party Game

Haywire Group Pizza Party

 

Haywire Group Pizza Party

  • Keep rolling those toppings – the first player to create a whole pizza pie is the winner of this party game of dice
  • Fast and frantic dice game for 2
  • Includes 40 slice cards and 10 dice

Check Latest Price!

Although something of a novelty dice game, that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun. Pizza Party is a fast-paced dice games where children must match the toppings on the dice with the toppings shown on their pizza piece.

To play Pizza Party, give the kids five dice each. Next, they have to pick a ‘slice card’ from the shuffled deck. Players then have to roll their dice and attempt the match the toppings show on the dice to that shown on the card.

You may be looking for a dice game for a rainy day, or something to play on the go. Regardless, Pizza Party Game can be a worthwhile investment that won’t break the bank.

 

 

Mountain

Mountain is a game that people know by many names. Additionally, it is probably one of the simpler dice games for younger children. On top of that, it’s also quite adaptable and pretty fun for older children too. All that you need in order to play Mountain are two or three dice, a paper and pencil, and some printouts. Those printout are normally easily available online.

The piece of paper shows a mountain with a series of numbers. The numbers lead up one side of the mountain and then down the other side. In order to climb the mountain, children must roll each of the numbers shown on the mountain. So if the first number is a 1, then you have to roll a 1 before the climb can start. You need to attain each number in order. Therefore, there can be no fast forwarding when it comes to rolling a number that appears later on.

The winner is the first person that is able to claim the mountain with a number of a successful dice rolls. You can tailor the game for different players. For example, you may want to increase the size of the mountain, or introduce more dice.

 

 

Run For It!

This particular dice game is not only a lot of fun, but it can also help encourage children to build on their five-times table. All that you need to play ‘Run for It’ is six dice, paper/scoresheet, and a pencil.

The aim of the game is to roll dice that have sequence numbers, such as 1-2, or 1-2-3. Each sequenced number is worth 5 points, but a sequence cannot be minus any numbers. For example, if 1,4,6,6,6,3 is the thrown sequence, you can’t record a sequence.

The winner of the game is the first person to reach 100 points.

 

 

Boggle Junior

Boggle Junior, Preschool Game, First Boggle Game, Ages 3 and up...

 

Boggle Junior, Preschool Game, First Boggle Game

  • WORD GAME FOR PRESCHOOLERS: It’s a Boggle game for younger kids. This first game for preschoolers grows with your child…
  • MATCH LETTERS AND PICTURES: Kids as young as 3 can play this simple Boggle Jr. game. Players match the big letter cubes…
  • SPELLING AND MEMORY: In this kids’ version of the popular Boggle word game, players are introduced to letter and word…

Check Latest Price!

Boggle is a game that has been popular for a number of years. But now, even preschoolers are able to join in the fun. This is all thanks to the introduction of ‘Boggle Junior.’ There are two word matching games contained within the game. In this game, children can match the words shown on colorful cards showing bold pictures.

The game is not only a lot of fun, but also encourages word recognition and associations, which can benefit preschoolers who are just starting out reading.

 

 

Catch Up

 

This is a pretty fast-paced game that involves two active players. However, it also requires constant group participation, so no one is ever going to feel left out. You will need a minimum of four players and can take up to eight to play. All you need for supplies are two dice and three objects to act as round winning marks. The kids can sit in any order they like. Give one dice to two of the kids such that they’re facing each other.

The whole group must sing a song or take up a chant or clap with a steady rhythm. The two active players repeatedly roll their dice, hoping to avoid a six. If they roll a six, they must pass the dice to the player on their left, who continues rolling to the rhythm. The winner of the round is he or she who collects both dice at once.

Other Fun Dice Games to Play This Year

When it comes to the best dice games to play this year, the possibilities are endless. Let’s see some other fun dice games that deserve a place on this list. A few of them you might already know and played, but in case you didn’t, some inspiration does not hurt!

10,000 Dice Game

The dice game called 10,000 is probably one of the most popular and best dice games you can play anywhere. Depending on how people adapt rules, you might know it as 5,000. The other more famous name is Greed or the Greedy Dice Game. You need 6 dice and at least 2 players. You can play the game with 5 dice as well, as it allows plenty of variations. Taking planning and strategy, this game is a lot of fun, especially if you play it with your family, outside in your yard. It encourages friendly competition and suspensful moments to share with your loved ones.

Yard Dice Yahtzee

Do you remember when we presented you with some of the most fun and engaging challenges for teens this summer? Remind us to put Yard Dice Yahtzee on that list. As you can easily figure out, yard Yahtzee is just like indoor Yahtzee but with bigger, more fun oversized wood yard dice.

Snake Eyes Yard Dice Game

Another entry on our list of fun yard dice games is the Snake Eyes dice game, one of the easiest dice games to play with young kids and teens, and adults of all ages. All you need is a set of giant wooden playing dice, a fun day outside on your lawn or back yard, a group of people (you can play in teams or individually against each other), and the skill to roll snake eyes.

Balut

The beauty of the Balut dice games is that even if it comes with a traditional set of rules, you can adapt it and make your own rules without spoiling anyone’s fun. Created as an alternative to Poker so people could play it without cards, Balut has some influences from Bingo as well (you have to shout “Balut” when you score the combination with the highest number of points), this game is a classic. If you want to play by the official rules, have a blast at it. However, you can also create your own scoring combinations and assign points to each possible combination that you design.

Final Thoughts on Fun Dice Games

Although we have been through a series of dice games, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dice games. Whether it’s for children or adults, you can see from our list that there are some best dice games for everyone.

What’s more, tabletop games such as dice games have a list of benefits that just aren’t possible with other pastimes, such as gaming. As well as the fun and bonding time that can be achieved with a simple pair of dice, you can also expect the following benefits:

  •   Improved social interaction with family or friends
  •   Greater problem-solving skills in high paced situations
  •   Gain techniques that promote visualization and innovation
  •   Great stress relief
  •   Improved communication and social skills
  •   An increased sense of achievement and competitiveness

 

Are you looking for an activity that encourages interaction from everyone? In that case, you could do a lot worse than considering some of the dice games shown here. Dice games can even be collectible, making them the ideal substitute for trading cards and figurines. So, what are some fun dice games that you play? What do you think the best dice games are? For any thoughts, suggestions, game recommendations, and experience sharing, feel free to use the comment section below!

3 replies
  1. Dan
    Dan says:

    I was introduced to a 10 dice game for two to ten players. There are six cards (1 to 6) and each placer rolls and places one or more dice on a corresponding card. The game ends when all dice are placed on cards. The player with the most dice on a card wins the card’s value. Do you know the name of the game and where I can buy it?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.