What is outdoor Yahtzee and how do you play it?

Outdoor Yahtzee (also known as Yard Yahtzee, Lawn Yahtzee, or Giant Yahtzee) is a supersized version of the classic dice game played in outdoor settings like backyards, parks, or beaches. You play using the same rules as traditional Yahtzee but with large wooden or foam dice (typically 3-6 inches in size) that can be easily seen and handled outdoors. Players take turns rolling the oversized dice, trying to create specific combinations like full houses, straights, or the coveted Yahtzee (five of a kind). The game requires minimal setup, provides active entertainment for all ages, and makes for an excellent addition to barbecues, family gatherings, and outdoor parties.

What equipment do I need for a yard Yahtzee game?

To set up a complete yard Yahtzee game, you'll need: 1) Five large dice (typically 3-6 inches in size) made of wood, foam, or other durable materials, 2) A scorecard (either laminated for reuse or printed on weather-resistant paper), 3) A dry-erase marker if using laminated scorecards, 4) An optional dice tray, bucket, or container for rolling and storing dice, 5) An optional carrying case for transporting your yard Yahtzee set, and 6) A flat playing surface or designated yard area. Many enthusiasts create custom yard Yahtzee sets by making wooden dice and decorating them with wood burning tools or weather-resistant paint. Pre-made yard Yahtzee sets are also widely available online and in outdoor game stores.

How do you make DIY giant yard Yahtzee dice?

To make DIY giant yard Yahtzee dice: 1) Start with 3.5-4 inch wooden cubes (available at hardware stores or lumber yards), 2) Sand all surfaces until smooth, 3) Paint the entire cube white or your preferred base color, 4) Mark dice dots using a template - either paint them black or burn them in with a wood burning tool, 5) Apply several coats of weather-resistant polyurethane or outdoor sealant to protect your dice from moisture and wear, 6) Let them dry completely between coats and before use. For extra durability, you can fill in the dots with epoxy resin. This DIY approach creates a personalized outdoor Yahtzee game set that can withstand regular play and various weather conditions.

What are the best outdoor Yahtzee games to buy?

The best outdoor Yahtzee games to buy include: 1) GoSports Giant Wooden Yard Dice Set, which features solid pinewood construction with burned-in dots and includes a dry-erase scoreboard, 2) ECR4Kids Jumbo Foam Dice Set, perfect for younger players with soft, lightweight foam dice, 3) Rally and Roar Giant Yard Dice Set, which comes with a convenient carry bag and laminated scorecards, 4) Yard Games Giant Wooden Yard Dice, known for premium quality hardwood construction and excellent durability, and 5) Trademark Games Giant Wooden Yard Dice, which offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability. Most quality outdoor Yahtzee sets cost between $30-70 and should include weather-resistant components designed for years of outdoor play.

What is Yardzee and how is it different from regular Yahtzee?

Yardzee is the popular nickname for outdoor Yahtzee played with oversized dice in yard settings. While the rules remain identical to traditional Yahtzee, Yardzee is distinguished by: 1) Much larger dice (typically 3-6 inches per side compared to standard 16mm dice), 2) Outdoor play typically on grass, sand, or patio surfaces rather than tabletops, 3) More physical activity as players toss or roll large dice, sometimes from a standing position, 4) Enhanced visibility making it perfect for group play and spectating, 5) Weather-resistant materials designed for outdoor durability, and 6) A more social, active experience compared to the indoor version. Yardzee has become increasingly popular at outdoor gatherings, camping trips, and lawn parties because it combines the strategic fun of Yahtzee with outdoor activity.

How do you play lawn Yahtzee at outdoor parties?

To play lawn Yahtzee at outdoor parties: 1) Designate a flat playing area at least 10x10 feet in size, 2) Create teams if you have many guests - this works well with 2-4 teams, 3) Establish a clear rolling zone and technique - whether rolling from a standing position or using a large bucket to shake and roll dice, 4) Use a whiteboard or large laminated scorecard visible to all players, 5) Consider using glow-in-the-dark paint on your dice for evening play, 6) Implement fun variations like 'tournament style' elimination rounds for larger groups, or 'lightning rounds' with time limits for faster play, 7) Consider small prizes for winners or creative achievements like 'most Yahtzees' or 'best rolling technique'. Lawn Yahtzee's large scale makes it an excellent spectator game that can entertain even those waiting for their turn.

What precautions should I take when playing outdoor Yahtzee games?

When playing outdoor Yahtzee games, take these precautions: 1) Check the weather forecast and avoid playing in rain or high winds that might damage scorecards or send dice rolling away, 2) Use UV-resistant sealants on wooden dice to prevent fading from sun exposure, 3) Establish clear boundaries to prevent dice from rolling into swimming pools, streets, or other hazardous areas, 4) Store dice properly between uses - avoid leaving wooden dice outside for extended periods to prevent warping or weather damage, 5) Use laminated scorecards with dry-erase markers or digital scoring apps to prevent paper damage from humidity or spills, 6) With heavier wooden dice, ensure players are cautious when rolling to avoid foot injuries or property damage, 7) Consider using foam dice when playing with young children or on hard surfaces like concrete patios. These precautions will help ensure your outdoor Yahtzee set remains in good condition for years of enjoyment.

What is Travel Yahtzee and how can I use it outdoors?

Travel Yahtzee is a compact, portable version of the classic dice game designed for on-the-go play. First released in 1970, it features a self-contained case with secured dice (often in a pop-o-matic bubble or shaker cup) and built-in scorepad. For outdoor use: 1) Choose newer models with secure dice containment to prevent loss in outdoor settings, 2) Bring extra scoresheets as replacements may be harder to find during outdoor activities, 3) Find a flat, stable surface like a picnic table or use a portable lap desk, 4) Consider a clip or paperweight for scoresheets on breezy days, 5) Keep the unit closed when not actively playing to protect internal components from moisture, sand, or dirt. Travel Yahtzee is ideal for camping trips, beach outings, picnics, and other outdoor activities where space is limited but entertainment is desired.

Can yard Yahtzee dice be used for other outdoor games?

Yes, yard Yahtzee dice are versatile and can be used for many other outdoor games: 1) Yard Farkle - another popular dice game with different scoring combinations, 2) Giant dice poker - using poker hand rankings for scoring, 3) Lawn dice bowling - setting up a triangle formation to knock down, 4) Math dice challenges - great for educational outdoor play with children, 5) Dice race - players race to roll specific combinations first, 6) Clock dice - players attempt to roll numbers in order from 1-12, 7) Outdoor Bunco - adapting the popular parlor dice game for yard play, 8) Obstacle course dice - incorporating physical challenges based on dice rolls. Most games that use standard dice can be adapted to use giant yard dice, making your outdoor Yahtzee set a multi-purpose investment for outdoor entertainment.

How do you maintain and store outdoor Yahtzee dice?

To properly maintain and store outdoor Yahtzee dice: 1) Clean wooden dice with a slightly damp cloth after use to remove dirt, grass, or debris, 2) Re-seal wooden dice annually with waterproof polyurethane to maintain weather resistance, 3) Touch up painted dots or numbers as needed with weather-resistant paint, 4) Store dice in a dry, temperature-controlled environment when not in use - not in outdoor sheds or garages with extreme temperature fluctuations, 5) Use a dedicated storage container, canvas bag, or bucket with a lid to keep dice together and protected, 6) Check dice regularly for cracks, chips, or water damage and repair promptly, 7) For foam dice, spot clean with mild soap and water as needed, allowing them to dry completely before storage. With proper care, quality outdoor Yahtzee dice should last for many years of play.

Outdoor Yahtzee Yard Games

Celebrate summer's end this Labor Day with outdoor Yahtzee yard games! Feel the sun, enjoy the breeze, and roll dice in nature's splendor. Try oversized Yardzee for backyard gatherings or compact Travel Yahtzee for on-the-go entertainment. This holiday weekend, enhance your dice-rolling experience outdoors while honoring the spirit of the working class.

Yard Yahtzee

While many nations celebrate their workforce with May Day festivities in the vibrant heart of spring, the United States marks its tribute to labor in the waning days of summer. Consequently, Labor Day, instead of being synonymous with the fresh bloom and hopeful renewal of springtime, often carries undertones of back-to-school routines and the imminent arrival of cooler weather. But despite this somewhat melancholic timing, the upcoming holiday weekend is poised to be a joyous occasion for the Yahtzee proletariat. As the traditional last hurrah of summer, Labor Day presents the perfect opportunity to take the game outside and enjoy some spirited rounds of outdoor Yahtzee.

The origins of Labor Day trace back to the late 19th century, championed by trade unionists who sought public acknowledgment of the working class's societal contributions. Significant victories for unions, such as the establishment of the 40-hour work week, the enactment of anti-child-labor laws, and improvements in workplace safety, empowered labor for generations. As the influence of organized labor grew, so did the embrace of this new holiday dedicated to its achievements. Imagine those early Labor Day picnics, perhaps with families enjoying a nascent version of a yard Yahtzee game, celebrating newfound leisure time.

Though more recent legislative actions have unfortunately eroded some of these hard-won gains, leading to a decline in union membership, there's a heartening resurgence in public support. Highly visible unionization efforts, like those at Starbucks, are capturing widespread public attention. Throughout the ebbs and flows of labor's fight for equitable treatment within a capitalist framework, Labor Day has steadfastly grown in popularity. This year, let's celebrate the shared values of organized labor and the simple joy of Yahtzee with dice-infused picnics, cookouts, and road trips, perhaps featuring a lively game of lawn Yahtzee as the centerpiece of the festivities.

Playing outdoor Yahtzee on the grass, feeling the sun, and hearing the satisfying clatter of oversized dice in a yard Yahtzee set offers a refreshing alternative to indoor pastimes. Unlike board games such as Monopoly or Life, which can sometimes highlight consumerist ideals, Yahtzee stands out as a fundamentally unifying game. It brings together people from all walks of life – transcending race, religion, and socioeconomic divides, which are often exploited to create division among working classes. This Labor Day, as you gather with friends and family, consider spreading out a blanket for a game of outdoor Yahtzee. In a world often clouded by a cacophony of misinformation, the straightforward, honest roll of the Yahtzee dice offers a moment of pure, unadulterated truth and shared enjoyment. A yard Yahtzee game isn't just about scores; it's about connection, laughter, and celebrating togetherness – a perfect echo of the collective spirit Labor Day aims to honor.

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How to Play Yardzee: Taking Yahtzee Outdoors

Yahtzee is a natural fit for any rousing Labor Day festivity but it's a real treat to play outdoors in the wonder of nature. A back porch, front yard, balcony, rooftop, open field, driveway, wooded thicket, or other space under the sky can do wonders for your game. Playing Yahtzee outdoors enhances a player's senses. And natural sunlight clarifies the mind. If you're playing with a big group this Labor Day weekend, turn up the fun with novelty over-sized dice.

What is Yardzee?

Popularly known by the portmanteau Yardzee, the game is exactly the same as regular Yahtzee but is played using big dice. Hasbro has never released an official version of lawn Yahtzee, so there is plenty of space for non-licensed and derivative games. By avoiding use of the brand name Yahtzee, small companies or individuals can craft and sell their own custom-made lawn dice without fear of corporate reprisal.

Yardzee dice are typically made of wood, but can be found in a range of other materials, so long as they don't become too heavy to roll. One particularly fun way to play is to use plastic inflatable dice and spike them like volleyballs. Yardzee is a great alternative to your standard issue Yahtzee set and can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is also a much safer alternative to other backyard recreational activities like Jarts or chess.

How to Play Yardzee

When it comes to Yardzee, size does matter. Rollers on either extreme of the age spectrum may find it difficult to properly manipulate the over-sized dice. Some players, on the other hand, find it preferable to use larger sizes of Yardzee dice. It all depends on the personal preference of the individual and their physical capabilities. Fortunately, Yardzee or other types of backyard Yahtzee dice can be found in a wide array of dimensions, so the dedicated roller is sure to find the perfect fit. And playing is simple since yard Yahtzee rules are exactly the same as the classic tabletop version.

Yardzee Tips & Tricks

A Yardzee score card — Yardzee score card

Use five oversized wooden dice (typically 3.5" to 6" in size)
Roll dice onto a flat outdoor surface like a patio or lawn
Follow standard Yahtzee scoring rules and categories
Consider using a large laminated scorecard for outdoor durability
Keep dice contained in a designated area to avoid lost pieces

Playing Yahtzee with huge dice can be a fun variation to your regular Yahtzee routine. But keep in mind that bigger isn't necessarily better. Consider the logistics of recovering an over-sized die after an errant roll, for example. A whole game could take quite a toll on the knees. Corralling unnecessarily large dice may require a player of peak physical condition. And rolling dice onto an uneven playing surface like uncut grass can result in unclear results so there is a need to keep a well-manicured yard.

But perhaps Yardzee's biggest downside is its lack of portability. Some of the less-swole dice sizes are more manageable than others. But no one should have to lug around a sack of huge Yahtzee dice like a deranged Santa Claus. Dice on the largest scale should remain confined to the lawn. And as luck would have it, there is a already a great way to take Yahtzee on the road.

On the Road Again

Much like Yardzee, Travel Yahtzee is really nothing more than a redressed form of standard Yahtzee. That is, however, not to take anything away from its many virtues. And first and foremost, its main blessing is portability. There have been a variety of different designs over the years but Travel Yahtzee has always strictly adhered to the concept of mobility. This allows for easy outdoor play and you will rest easy knowing that the game equipment can be easily transported from place to place.

Travel Yahtzee was first released in 1970 as the first variation to the regular game, preceding Triple Yahtzee by three years. Early versions were simply smaller game pieces but the concept continued to innovate. Some sets have included a miniaturized dice shaker to keep the feeling as close to the original gameplay as possible. But the risk of lost dice on a road-trip is real so makers developed new designs which locked the dice into place. The 1986 version, for instance, utilized a plastic dice holder where the player sweeps their hands over the device to spin the dice.

Other models came designed as a small carrying case that transforms into a rolling tray, perfect for reigning in your dice. Or five mini-dice enclosed in a transparent Yahtzee shaker keychain. More modern versions of Travel Yahtzee include nothing but five dice and an instruction book for the ultimate in simplicity. And although not technically marketed as such, the surge into portability culminated in handheld electronic Yahtzee games that served as de facto Travel Yahtzee sets in the 1990s.

If you’re feeling more adventurous this Labor Day, free yourself from the shackles of the backyard Yahtzee regime and escape to the open road with a free-wheeling Travel Yahtzee set.

Outdoor Yahtzee Yard Game

A couple playing Yahtzee outdoors in the sun

Whether you play Yardzee, Travel Yahtzee, or any other version of the dice game outdoors, be aware of your surroundings and take the proper precautions. The great outdoors is wonderful but accidents can happen when away from the cozy confines of an indoor Yahtzee table. Yahtzee injuries are rare, but not unheard of.

Be prepared to face elemental hazards during outdoor play and know how to deal with them. Something close to a golf course’s precision is needed to maintain a proper Yardzee playing field so overly high grass can become a real impediment. Establish rules with your fellow players as how to deal with an uncertain roll caught up in high grass, sand, or other uneven surface.

Choose a flat, open space for optimal rolling conditions.
Trim grass or clear debris before setting up your Yardzee area.
Decide in advance how to handle dice that land in tough terrain (grass, sand, rocks).
Mark boundaries or use a mat to help keep the play area consistent.

Labor Day will hopefully be basked in sunshine as people celebrate the working class but adverse weather conditions can greatly impact a Yahtzee game. Wind, snow, and rain each offer a different challenge. The successful player will find a way to adapt their game to the environment. And whatever the weather, don’t disregard your physical needs: stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and dress appropriately according to local weather conditions.

Camping is a popular way to play outdoor Yahtzee. Five dice and a piece of paper are light additions to a backpack. But when packed weight is a major factor, such as on ultralight journeys, you should never include a Yahtzee set at the expense of more vital equipment, such as an ice axe on a trip to Mt. Everest. An outdoor game of Yahtzee at the top of the world in enticing, but only bring the dice if you can spare the added weight.

Once the personal safety of all players is ensured, take steps to protect the Yahtzee equipment. In the summertime, the greatest risk to a scorecard is water damage. People flock to beaches, pools, and lakes – anywhere wet to beat the heat. But a spill or submersion can run ink or even worse, lead to complete scorecard disintegration. Find a dry area for maximum safety or plan ahead with waterproof materials.

Enjoy a few games of outdoor Yahtzee this Labor Day, have a slice of Granny’s pie, and take the opportunity to appreciate the nature around you, even if it’s only a few blades of grass. Consider how you can support organized labor locally and continue to demand fairness in a time of skyrocketing inequality.