"Rollin' with Rick" - Yahtzee Tips, Tricks, & the Meaning of Life
Welcome to "Rollin' with Rick"! This column is not your average Yahtzee guide. Instead, I explore how this classic dice game can be used to explain larger societal issues as well as deeply personal ones. Sometimes all we need is a good old-fashioned Yahtzee game for the soul.
I’m Rick McCallister, a seasoned Yahtzee player, philosopher, and co-author of The Yahtzee Manifesto. I’ll be sharing my insights on how the game can be a metaphor for life. Through analyzing the strategies, risks, and rewards of Yahtzee, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and how we can navigate it. So, join me as we roll the dice, contemplate the meaning of life, and gain valuable insights on how to approach the challenges we all face.
Keep on rollin'!
Yahtzee, Human Rights, and Corporate Accountability
May 15, 2023
As a student of Yahtzee, it's hard not to notice the irony of Hasbro's recent partnership with the Mohammed Al-Ojaimi Group in Saudi Arabia. While Yahtzee itself has always been a game that brings people together and promotes inclusivity, its corporate overlords are now profiting from a company that operates in an environment that is notorious for disrespecting human rights.
Mohammed Al-Ojaimi Group is a Saudi Arabian company known for its involvement in real estate development, construction, and entertainment. The partnership, which was announced in 2017, aims to bring Hasbro's popular brands to Saudi Arabia through family entertainment centers and theme parks.
But the regime’s strict interpretation of Islamic law raises questions about how Hasbro's content will be adapted to conform to local cultural norms. Hasbro's brands, which often include characters and themes that are not traditionally associated with Islamic culture, may be subject to censorship or other modifications in order to comply with local laws and customs. But the success of product placements in the kingdom should be the least of Hasbro’s concerns.
Although the partnership was inked a year prior to the savage murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, corporations understand the risks in dealing with brutalist dictatorships. Cozying up to despots isn’t good for the public image. The Saudi government's record on human rights is alarming, with well-documented cases of suppression of freedom of speech, women's rights abuses, and persecution of the LGBTQ+ community and political dissidents.
It is troubling that Hasbro has chosen to partner with a company that operates in this environment, raising important questions about corporate accountability and the ethics of doing business with oppressive regimes. But in an unbridled capitalistic economy the almighty dollar almost always prevails. Just look at the more recent deals for popular Hasbro brands like Transformers, Monopoly, and Play-Doh.
American companies have a proven track-record of investment in Saudi Arabia, proving it’s easy to turn a blind eye to abuses so long as the checks keep coming in. Now joining more traditional exports like weapons deals and oil drills is . . . Yahtzee?
It’s enough to make your head spin. But it’s all according to plan for de-facto Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS, who, while continuing a brutal strong-arm campaign against rivals, has ever so slightly relaxed some of the kingdom’s strict social codes. More recreational options means more opportunity for foreign investment – and not just from dirty industry, but from clean white-washing entertainment corporations.
It's important to remember, however, that the game of Yahtzee itself stands for something different and cannot be sullied. It is a beacon of inclusion, promoting a spirit of friendly competition that transcends boundaries of age, gender, race, and religion. It's a game that has brought people together for decades, and will continue to do so despite the troubling partnership between Hasbro and the Mohammed Al-Ojaimi Group.
As a pacifist, I believe that nonviolent resistance is a powerful tool for promoting positive change. We can hold Hasbro accountable for their actions by contacting them directly and expressing our concerns about their partnership with the Mohammed Al-Ojaimi Group, as well as boycotting their products if we feel that they are not operating in a way that aligns with our values.
At the same time, we can celebrate the spirit of Yahtzee itself and use it as a reminder of the importance of inclusion, respect, and fair play. By standing up for what is right and promoting positive values, we can create a world that is more just and equitable for all.
The irony of Hasbro's partnership in Saudi Arabia should not go unnoticed. While Yahtzee itself is a game that promotes inclusivity, its corporate masters are now partnered with a regime that is notorious for human rights abuses. As a community of Yahtzee enthusiasts, we can call for corporate accountability and promote the positive values of inclusion and fair play that the game represents.
Keep on Rollin’,
Rick McCallister
Work and Suffering
March 28, 2023
Calling all Yahtzee enthusiasts! Hey Rollers, Rick here. As a community, let's take a moment to reflect on the prioritization of productivity over joy and connection. It seems our culture has been shaped to value hard work and efficiency above all else, leaving little room for laughter, singing, and caring for one another. This mindset has been ingrained in us by those in power who prioritize productivity over well-being. But is this truly the life we want to live? Is it worth working ourselves to the point of exhaustion just to retire with nothing left to give?
In Yahtzee, players must balance their desire for high scores with the unpredictability of the dice, making strategic decisions that weigh risk and reward. As in Yahtzee, so in life. A healthy society requires a balance between productivity and well-being, acknowledging the importance of hard work while also emphasizing the need for leisure and interpersonal connectedness. Prioritizing one aspect over another can lead to a lack of fulfillment and satisfaction. But that’s not the worst of it.
Unfortunately, our current social order has contributed to the rise of mental illness, yet we often blame the individual instead of examining the culture that created such conditions. It's no surprise that the same power structures that value hard work also prioritize capitalism. However, as a humanist, I believe in sharing resources and putting the well-being of our community above the accumulation of wealth. These are the values of communism, and while some may demonize it, we must question why those in power want us to fear it.
Because Yahtzee is more than just a game - it can also serve as a powerful tool for the working class to come together and unite. In doing so, we can break down the barriers that divide us and recognize our shared experiences as members of the working class. Yahtzee, therefore, can be seen as a way to build solidarity and mutual support among those who share a common struggle in the workplace. So let's roll the dice and join forces to create a better world for all of us.
By taking a break from the demands of our jobs and playing a game with our colleagues, we create an opportunity to build bonds and establish a sense of community. Take a bold step and invite your colleagues to play an invigorating game of Yahtzee during work hours, even if it's not during your scheduled break! Don't be afraid to break the routine and if you do decide to initiate the game, be assured that your friend Rick will be cheering you on. This could be a life-affirming experience for all involved!
Remember, when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. Let's work together to create a more well-rounded and connected culture. Join the Yahtzee Manifesto today!
Keep on Rollin’,
Rick McCallister
Focus for Yahtzee Success
July 5, 2017
Greetings, Dice Enthusiast!
Do you ever find yourself losing focus during Yahtzee gameplay? It's easy to get distracted or overwhelmed when playing this classic dice game. However, staying focused is crucial if you want to succeed at Yahtzee and improve your skills over time.
In "The Yahtzee Manifesto," Louise Proctor and I discuss how playing Yahtzee is not just a matter of luck; it also requires strategic thinking and mental agility. That's why it's important to stay sharp and keep your mind occupied while playing.
One way to do this is by practicing mindfulness techniques before and during gameplay. Take deep breaths, clear your mind of distractions, and concentrate on the task at hand. This will help you make more informed decisions about which dice to keep or reroll.
Another way to stay focused during Yahtzee gameplay is by challenging yourself with different strategies or variations of the game. For instance, try setting new goals for yourself like going for certain combinations that are less common but have higher point values.
Lastly, taking breaks can be just as important as staying focused! If you feel mentally exhausted or frustrated during gameplay, take some time away from the table to recharge before returning refreshed and ready for action.
Remember: Playing Yahtzee isn't just about rolling dice; it's also an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. By keeping your focus throughout each turn in this beloved classic game, you'll become a better player – both on the board and off!
Keep on Rollin’,
Rick McCallister
Ones and Chance
October 19, 2015
One is the most important number to me, so when playing Yahtzee, I give it lots of respect. Some players like to use the Ones categories as a "dump site", but I don't like that strategy! It might be okay if the Upper Section bonus is safe, but don't forget to give the ones the respect they deserve. In Yahtzee, even one point can make a big difference.
In the Lower Section, Chance is the typical cesspit for a failed roll. Think of Chance like this: Imagine you're cleaning up after a fancy dinner. You've given the dog his scraps, put the veggie parts in the compost, and recycled the bottle of hooch. What's left? That's Chance. But don't think it's just garbage - Chance is still important! Even if it adds up to a paltry sum, it can never be zero.
Every point counts in Yahtzee. One can be the most powerful number.
Keep on Rollin’,
Rick McCallister
Board Game Gimmicks
February 15, 2013
Big news in the board game community as Monopoly officially changes its lineup of playing tokens with a kitty cat replacing the iron. The removal of the iron token, long considered a symbol of female subordination, has been hailed as a step in the right direction.
This is not the first time, and will certainly not be the last, that that a board game has shuffled its playing piece selection. Clue, for example, has updated its repertoire of weaponry over the years. Generally, such moves are gimmicky marketing ploys to drive game sales. With interest temporarily fixated on a new playing piece, public attention is pulled away from the fact that these games are simply base representations of greed and murder. But in this day and age, when board games are controlled by international conglomerates, profit is the sole driving force in the decision-making process.
So why bother with Monopoly's marketing ploys and questionable morals when you can enjoy the classic game of Yahtzee? It's time to roll the dice and see why Yahtzee is the superior choice.
Keep on Rollin’,
Rick McCallister
Occupy Your Mind
October 19, 2011
In radical sightseeing news, the Occupy Wall Street movement is beginning to draw NYC tourists. Along with the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, the brave anti-corporate protesters in Zuccotti Park have become an attraction in their own right. Hopefully, as Occupy Wall Street continues to go global, the general public will soon come to terms with the simple truth that capitalism itself is the cause of class warfare. Maybe then a group of people standing up against economic exploitation won’t be seen as such an oddity.
The principles in The Yahtzee Manifesto share many similarities with those of the Occupy Wall Street protesters. And we also share this new-found stature as tourist traps. Attendance at Yahtzee tournaments sanctioned by the World Yahtzee Institute has increased 289% since the release of The Yahtzee Manifesto. Many in the audiences were not loyal followers of the Yahtzee Pro Circuit, but casual fans of the game whose interest was piqued by the Manifesto.
Here’s to the continued success of the Occupy Wall Movement, and the hope that it will lead to the World Yahtzee Revolution!
Keep on Rollin’,
Rick McCallister
Straight Talk
February 14, 2011
Some have criticized my Yahtzee strategy for dealing with the Small and Large Straights, claiming it is too extreme. But I counter, what's wrong with being a dice-rolling extremist? When it comes to the Large Straight - or Largy, in common parlance - I implement a flexible - nay, downright lenient - policy. If I fail to achieve it after two attempts, I strike it from my scorecard, along with the 40 points it represents. Then I'll shift my focus to locking up the Upper Section bonus or pursuing a Yahtzee. By doing so, I not only give up on the Largy, but also shed any anxiety I may have about achieving an ordered number sequence. This approach improves my focus, goals, and overall well-being.
If you manage to lock in the Largy early in the game, it frees up mental space to concentrate on other tasks. For example, you could go after other combinations, like a Yahtzee or Yahtzee Bonus.
Now, let's talk about the Small Straight (Smally). She is statistically the easiest of all the Lower Section categories to achieve. So don't sweat it. It's a waste of time to chase after the Small Straight. For better results, just wait for it come naturally, like a late afternoon bowel movement.
The Small Straight is a master of disguise, often appearing as a jumbled mess after a roll. But with a closer look, you might find a cute and smiley Small Straight staring back at you. In dire situations, it can be a good friend, adding 30 much-needed points to your scorecard.
When you get right down to it, playing Yahtzee requires a balance between risk-taking and calculated decisions. Dealing with the Small and Large Straights, it's important to be strategic and not waste time chasing after a category that may be too difficult to roll. With a flexible policy in place for the Largy and a keen eye for the Smally, you'll increase your chances of winning the game and improve your overall well-being. So toss those dice with confidence and let the good times (and points) roll!
Keep on Rollin’,
Rick McCallister
2011-2023 - World Yahtzee Institute
