Each throw of the dice is taken as follows: If 7, 8 and 9 are all covered, the player decides whether to throw one die or two. If any of these 3 numbers are still uncovered, the player must use both dice. The player throws the die or dice into the box and adds up the pips. The player must then cover available numbers that add up to the total.
Poker Dice is a fun way to play poker without the use of cards. The randomness of the dice roll changes the overall strategy needed for the game and introduces more luck. While this change might be frustrating for seasoned poker veterans, the element of luck may make the game more inviting for the casual gambler.
Each round begins the with the first player deciding the ante. Any other player who wishes to play this round must meet the ante. For example, if the player throws in a single chip, all other players must also throw a single chip into the pot if they wish to play this round.
On a player’s turn, they may roll the dice up to three times. While doing so, players are trying to build the best combination possible. During their turn, player’s may keep or reroll as many dice as they wish. Once a player is satisfied with their dice combination (or has rolled three times), their turn is over. They may choose to check (leave the pot amount as it is), or raise (add more chips to the pot).
If a player raises, all other players must meet the raise in order to stay in the round.
Once a player’s turn is finished, the dice are passed to the next player. This player must beat the previous player’s combination in order to stay in the round. For subsequent turns during a round, players are challenged to roll a better combination in order to stay in. If the player fails to roll a better combination, they immediately bust and are out of the round. If a player rolls a higher valued combination, any previous players who rolled something worse are out of the round. The player taking their turn, having rolled the new highest valued combination, may check or raise.
The player who rolled the highest combination takes the pot. If the final player at the table rolls the highest combination, the round is immediately over, and they collect the pot.
Player 1 antes two chips. All other players must then throw in two chips in order to play.
Player 1 begins their turn. They roll a small straight. They choose to raise the pot by throwing in one more chip. All other players must meet the raise in order to stay in the round. The dice are passed to the next player.
Player 2 takes their turn. They roll a full house. This beats Player 1’s roll, so Player 1 is immediately out of the round. Player 2 chooses to raise the pot. All other players must meet the raise in order to stay in the round. The dice are passed to the next player.
Player 3 takes their turn. They only roll a pair. Their roll is worse than Player 2’s, so they are immediately out of the round. The dice are passed to the next player.
Player 4 takes their turn. They roll a four of a kind. This is the highest combination yet. Player 4 is the final player, so they immediately win the pot.
Whoever wins the pot begins the next round.
The following Poker Dice rolls are in order from high to low:
Five of a kind – All 5 dice rolled are the same number
Four of a kind – 4 dice rolled are the same number
Full house – 3 dice rolled with one number and 2 dice rolled with a different number
Straight – Five dice rolled in sequential order (1-2-3-4-5 or 2-3-4-5-6)
Small Straight – Four dice rolled in sequential order (1-2-3-4)
Three of a kind – 3 dice rolled are the same number
Two pairs – 2 dice pairs rolled are the same number (3-3, 5-5)
One pair – 2 dice rolled are the same number
Bust – All dice numbers rolled are different
The player with the most chips at the end of the game wins.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.