Yahtzee Scorecards
Yahtzee scorecards are one the few required pieces of equipment needed to enjoy a game of Yahtzee. A pack of scorecards, the Yahtzee scorepad, has naturally been included in all Yahtzee sets since the first production model was rolled out in 1956. The scorepad may seem endless when you first open your Yahtzee set but eventually you will come to the realization that only a few precious scorecards are left. When this panic sets in, try to remain calm as there are a plethora of options available to keep your dice rolling.
The simplest way to obtain more Yahtzee scorecards, also referred to as Yahtzee scoresheets, is to purchase a new scorepad from the manufacturer. Many Yahtzee players prefer to use the official scorecard as it exudes an air of dignity. In fact, most sanctioned Yahtzee tournaments require the use of official scorecards so it is always nice to have a stack at the ready. Then again, there is nothing in the rules that says you have to use a factory-made scoresheet.
Perhaps you are not inclined to fork over more of your hard-earned money to a corporate interest just to maintain your Yahtzee addiction. For the penny-pinching Yahtzeeist looking to save some dough or the radical dice roller who rejects the exploitative capitalist system entirely, you can select one of the templates below to print free Yahtzee scorecards online. And for the artistically-inclined player seeking a new creative outlet, making a homemade Yahtzee scorecard is the perfect solution.
Standard Yahtzee Notation Scorecard
Standard Yahtzee Notation (SYN) is an alternative method of scoring a Yahtzee game that uses a custom scorecard to allow the player to record the sequence of their turns. The benefit of including this additional datapoint is balanced by a slight increase in the time it takes to mark one’s score. The SYN scorecard must be marked twice for each turn – once in the traditional way by scoring category which eases the total score calculation at the end of the game, and again to mark the sequence of the turn. It provides extra insight into a player’s strategy and, as its name suggests, is the standard way to record a Yahtzee game in competitive leagues across the world.
Note in the completed SYN scorecard below that the first two rows are used to record scores by scoring category as on a traditional scorecard. The third row uses Standard Yahtzee Notation to record the sequence of turns, (1) through (13). The bottom row captures the Upper (UST) and Lower Section Totals (LST) and the Grand Total (GT) of the game.
Learn More about Yahtzee Scorecards
Yahtzee Scorecard Preservation
Yahtzee in the Bathtub
Yahtzee Scorecard Bias
How to Make Your Own Yahtzee Scorecards
Step 1 – Choose Your Material
The cardboard backing of the official Yahtzee scorepad is perhaps the most obvious choice of material when a player has decided to create their own homemade Yahtzee scorecard. It will be staring you in the face once you’ve torn out the final scorecard. Its sturdiness will surely allow it to stand the test of time but any sort of paper or paper-like material will suffice. Search your surroundings to find the most useful paper for your purpose.
Step 2 – Plan Your Layout
The familiar carpentry motto, “Measure twice, cut once”, applies to Yahtzee scorecard construction as well. If you have a well-thought out plan of how you intend to use your available space before you put pen to paper, your chances of creating a great scorecard will be enhanced. There are several important questions that you must first ask yourself. How many games can I realistically fit onto this scorecard? Do I want to leave a blank space where I can draw good-luck pictures or other images? Have I remembered to include a line at the top for the player’s name and the current date? Do I have an official Yahtzee scorecard to use a reference so I can keep the scoring categories in their proper order?
Even if you plan ahead, mistakes are still possible. One common error is to forget to include a row for Bonus Yahtzees. Trying to squeeze them into the margins can be a major letdown when you’ve just rolled one these beauties! Let’s take a look at some examples:
personal preference and writing size.
for notes and illustrations.
Step 3 – Create Your Scorecard
Unless you are using graph paper or another type of paper with existing lines, you’d be well advised to use a ruler or another type of straight edge. It can be quite difficult to draw all of the necessary lines free-hand. A pen or pencil are the recommended writing implements but depending on the players level of comfort with the device even crayons or magic markers will do the trick. Coloration and overall style may be of some importance to players who intend to display the completed scorecard publicly, such as on a refrigerator or in a frame. In any case, take care to store your finished product carefully to maintain a permanent record of your Yahtzee games!
Proper storage matters!