Yahtzee Rules
Learn how to play Yahtzee with our comprehensive guide to Yahtzee rules. Download Yahtzee rules PDF files or delve deeper into the game's regulations and etiquette with our House Rules overview and Yahtzee FAQ. Yahtzee rules at a glance:
- Roll five dice up to three times per turn to form scoring combinations.
- Fill out the score card - Upper Section with sets of same dice value, Lower Section with other combinations.
- Strategize which dice rolls to score each turn to maximize your total score over 13 rounds.
- A Yahtzee (five-of-a-kind) is the highest scoring roll.
Official Yahtzee Rules (PDF)
How do you play Yahtzee? Are you a beginner just learning the Yahtzee rules? If you need to brush up on the basics or learn how to play Yahtzee completely, we've got you covered. Download Yahtzee rules and come to the table prepared.
Other Yahtzee Rules (PDF)
Yahtzee has evolved beyond the standard game, with numerous variant games developed over the years. While resembling the original version, mastering these variants requires understanding their official Yahtzee rules. Some variants like Triple Yahtzee stay close to the classic rules, while others like Casino Yahtzee and Showdown Yahtzee introduce entirely new mechanics. Explore the official Yahtzee rules for these lesser-known games and discover new delicious flavors of the beloved classic.
International Yahtzee Rules (PDF)
While some say love is the international language, researchers at the World Yahtzee Institute have uncovered new evidence that suggests it's Yahtzee. This game transcends age, culture, and language barriers. To make Yahtzee even more accessible globally, the official Yahtzee rules are available in PDF format in multiple languages. Players worldwide can now download Yahtzee rules in their native tongue, whether they're seasoned pros or beginners eager to learn. The availability of Yahtzee rules in various languages makes it easier than ever to join the global Yahtzee community.
Yahtzee Rules
Object of the Game
Yahtzee is a game of luck and skill that has been enjoyed by players of all ages for generations. The game is played with five six-sided dice, and the goal is to score the most points by rolling certain combinations of numbers. In order to play Yahtzee, players must first understand the rules of the game.
To begin a game of Yahtzee, each player rolls all five dice at the same time. The player can then choose to keep any number of dice and re-roll the rest. This can be done up to two more times, for a total of three rolls per turn. After the third roll, the player must score their roll on their scorecard by choosing one of the thirteen available categories.
Some of the categories, such as "Ones" and "Twos," require the player to score a certain number of dice with a matching number of spots. For example, in the "Ones" category, a player would score three points for each die with the number one on it. Other categories, such as "Full House" and "Four of a Kind," require the player to score a certain combination of dice. For example, in the "Full House" category, a player would score 25 points for rolling three dice with the same number and two dice with another matching number.
Once a player has scored their roll in a category, they cannot score in that category again for the remainder of the game. This means that players must carefully choose which category to score in each turn in order to maximize their points and achieve the highest possible total score. The game ends when all players have scored in all thirteen categories, and the player with the highest total score is declared the winner.
Equipment
A standard Yahtzee game consists of the following equipment:
5 Dice
1 Dice cup or shaker
1 Score pad
Pencils
Yahtzee Bonus chips
How to Play Yahtzee
1. Roll a die to see who starts. If continuing a series of games, the previous game’s winner goes first. Play continues clockwise.
2. Roll up to three times each turn. You may end your turn and record a score after your first, second, or third roll.
3. Fill in one empty box for the corresponding scoring category each turn.
First Roll
Roll all five dice. If you get the exact combo you want, mark your score card right away and end your turn. Otherwise, set aside any “keepers” and continue with your second roll.
Second Roll
Re-roll any or all dice you want, even “keepers” from the previous roll. You don’t need to declare which combination you’re rolling for; you may change your mind at any time. If you get the exact combo you need, mark your score card and end your turn. Otherwise, set aside any “keepers” and continue with your third roll.
Third and Final Roll
Re-roll any or all dice you want, even “keepers” from the previous roll. You must enter a score at the end of this roll, whether or not you like your dice. If your roll doesn’t suit any of your empty boxes, you have to enter a zero somewhere.
Yahtzee Scoring Rules
The Yahtzee score card is split into two sections: the Upper Section for dice face values and Lower Section for the set combinations.
The Upper Section
To score in the Upper Section, add only the dice with the same number and enter the total in the corresponding box. The following roll, for example, could be scored as 12 for Fours, 3 for Threes, or 1 for Ones.
Your goal in the Upper Section is to score a total of at least 63 points - the minimum required to earn a 35-point bonus. The bonus points are based on scoring an average of three of each number: three for Ones, six for Twos, nine for Threes, 12 for Fours, 15 for Fives, and 18 for Sixes. However you may earn the bonus with any combination of scores that total at least 63 points.
The Lower Section
The Lower Section scores the following dice combinations:
| Category | Description | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Three of a Kind | At least three dice showing the same face | Sum of all dice |
| Four of a Kind | At least four dice showing the same face | Sum of all dice |
| Full House | A Three of a Kind and a pair | 25 points |
| Small Straight | Four sequential dice (1-2-3-4, 2-3-4-5, or 3-4-5-6) | 30 points |
| Large Straight | Five sequential dice (1-2-3-4-5 or 2-3-4-5-6) | 40 points |
| Yahtzee | All five dice showing the same face | 50 points (first Yahtzee only) |
| Chance | Any combination of dice faces | Sum of all dice |
Yahtzee Bonus Rules
A Yahtzee Bonus is awarded if you roll more than one Yahtzees. If you roll a second Yahtzee and have already recorded 50 in the Yahtzee box, you receive 100 bonus points. An additional 100-point bonus applies to any subsequent Yahtzees you roll. Put an “X” or check-mark in the Yahtzee Bonus box to indicate this bonus. To finish the turn, you then must enter a score in a regular scoring category according to the Joker Rules (see below). If you’ve already scored a zero in your Yahtzee box, you done messed up and do not receive a Yahtzee Bonus.
Joker Rules
After recording a Yahtzee Bonus, you must score the total of the five dice in the appropriate Upper Section box. If this box has already been filled, then you score as follows in any open Lower Section box:
3 of a Kind: Total of all 5 dice
4 of a Kind: Total of all 5 dice
Full House: 25 points
Small Straight: 30 points
Large Straight: 40 points
Chance: Total of all 5 dice
If the appropriate Upper Section box and all Lower Section boxes are already filled in, you must enter a zero in any open Upper Section box. That’s right, it is possible to roll a valid Yahtzee, collect your bonus, and still have to take a zero. At least you’ll have an extra one-hundred points to console you.
Ending a Game
Once each player has filled in all 13 category boxes, the game ends. Each player then adds up their score as follows:
Upper Section: Add up the Upper Section scores and enter the total in the Total Score box. Enter the 35-point bonus in the Bonus box if you scored 63 points or more. Then enter the total in the Total box.
Lower Section: Add up the Lower Section scores, and enter the total in the Total of Lower Section box. Add 100 points for each check mark in the Yahtzee Bonus area.
How to Win
After each player has tabulated their Grand Total, the player with the highest score wins!
Additional Notes
1. It is possible that a certain combination can be scored in more than one category; for example, a Full House can be scored in the Full House, Three-of-a-Kind, or Chance categories. A player's individual strategy will help them to decide how to score it. Note that a five-of-a-kind cannot be scored as a Full House.
2. The original Yahtzee rules released in 1956 contain a misprint in the Joker Rules. The booklet stated that additional Yahtzees must be used as Jokers in the Lower Section and does not allow for their use in the Upper Section. This problem was corrected when the game was re-copyrighted in 1961.
Important Yahtzee Terms from the Official Rules
- Roll - The act of rolling the five dice in Yahtzee.
- Re-roll - The act of re-rolling some or all of the dice in a turn.
- Roll Number - Refers to the number of rolls a player has taken in a single turn.
- Turn - Refers to a single round of play in which a player rolls the dice up to three times and records a score.
- Scratch - A term used to indicate that a player has scored in a particular category.
Triple Yahtzee Rules
Triple Yahtzee was the original and most popular Yahtzee derivative game. Although Hasbro no longer produces this variation, fans keep the game alive with homemade sets and buying on the second-hand market. It is also one the few Yahtzee variations that has found success as a video game. The rules to Triple Yahtzee are the same as regular Yahtzee except you are essentially playing three games at once, for triple the fun. The official scorecard displays three columns for this purpose, where points can be multiplied to maximize a player’s score. The wonderfully verbose 1978 Triple Yahtzee rules explain the endgame best:
HOW TO TOTAL THE SCORES: The game is completed after each player has filled every box in the three columns with a score or a zero. Add and total of the scores for each column for both the UPPER and LOWER SECTIONS. Then proceed as follows:
1. Add the LOWER and UPPER SECTION totals of each column and enter in "COMBINED TOTAL OF UPPER AND LOWER SECTIONS".
2. Enter the actual "COMBINED TOTAL" of Column 1 in "TRIPLE YAHTZEE TOTAL SCORE". Double the "COMBINED TOTAL" of Column 2, triple the "COMBINED TOTAL" of Column 3 and enter these totals in "TRIPLE YAHTZEE TOTAL SCORE".
3. Add the totals of the three columns and enter in "GRAND TOTAL" box.
4. Record the "GRAND TOTAL" on the back of the score card. Add YAHTZEE BONUS CHIPS you have earned and record final total of game.
STRATEGY: In formulating your game plan you must keep in mind that the highest scores should be posted in the third column which is tripled in point value at the end of the game. Similarly, the next higher scores should be posted in the second column which will be doubled in point value at the end of the game. The first column should be used for the lowest scores wherever possible. In order to attain the highest total score, shrewd judgment should be exercised as to the choice of columns for posting each score.
More Yahtzee Rules
The Yahtzee Manifesto is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to the beloved dice game of Yahtzee. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, The Yahtzee Blog is the perfect place to learn about the rules, strategies, and finer points of Yahtzee. With a focus on in-depth analysis, expert insights, and user-friendly tutorials, the Yahtzee Manifesto is an indispensable guide to the game.
From the basics of Yahtzee scoring to the more advanced techniques of Yahtzee strategy, the Yahtzee Manifesto covers everything a player needs to know to master the game. Whether you're looking to improve your own skills, or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the rules of Yahtzee, the Yahtzee Blog is the place to start. With a wealth of information available, and a community of passionate Yahtzee players, the Yahtzee Manifesto is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to elevate their game and become a true Yahtzee master.
Yahtzee Rules FAQ
What happens if you roll more than one Yahtzee?
Rolling multiple Yahtzees invokes the Bonus Yahtzee Rule and grants the player a 100 point reward for each extra Yahtzee. The player then records a score according to the Joker Rules, which mandates taking it in the Upper Section if the given number remains unscored. Otherwise the player may use the dice as a wild card in the Lower Section.
What are the basic rules of Yahtzee?
Yahtzee is a game of luck and skill played with five six-sided dice. The goal is to score the most points by rolling certain combinations of numbers. Each player rolls all five dice, keeping any and re-rolling the rest up to two more times. After the third roll, the player must score in one of thirteen categories.
What is the equipment needed for a standard Yahtzee game?
A standard Yahtzee game consists of 5 Dice, 1 Dice cup or shaker, 1 Score pad, Pencils, and Yahtzee Bonus chips.
What are the Yahtzee Bonus Rules?
A Yahtzee Bonus is awarded if you roll more than one Yahtzee. If you have already recorded 50 in the Yahtzee box, you receive 100 bonus points for each subsequent Yahtzee.
What are the Joker Rules in Yahtzee?
After a Yahtzee Bonus, you must score in the appropriate Upper Section box. If filled, you score in any open Lower Section box: 3 of a Kind, 4 of a Kind, Full House (25pts), Small Straight (30pts), Large Straight (40pts), or Chance.
What are some common Yahtzee House Rules?
Common House Rules include Mulligan (4th Roll), Chance-Chance, Bottom's Up, Mega-Yahtzee, Fool House, and the Battle Cry of Yahtzee.
Is it possible to take a zero after rolling a Bonus Yahtzee?
Yes. If all Lower Section boxes are filled and the corresponding Upper Section box is also filled, you must record a zero. However, the 100 Bonus Points are still awarded.
Is there any strategy in Yahtzee?
Yes, specifically the PROVEN strategy: Prioritize the Upper Section Bonus, Remain Adaptive, Organize your approach, Value the Yahtzee, and Embrace Eventualities like using Ones as a safe haven.
Can you tie a Yahtzee game?
The official rules don't address ties. Most players let them stand, but for tournaments, a common tie-breaker is a high-die roll or a single-turn 'roll-off'.
What is the highest possible Yahtzee score? The lowest score?
The highest possible score is 1575 points (13 consecutive Yahtzees). The lowest possible score is 5 points (scoring only in Chance with five 1s, and zeros elsewhere).
Can a Five-of-a-Kind be used as a Full House in Yahtzee?
No. A legal Full House requires three of one number and two of a different number. A Five-of-a-Kind is a Yahtzee.
What is considered a good Yahtzee score?
A capable player averages 250 points. Scores above 300 are excellent, and 500+ occurs in less than 1% of games.
Why is the game called Yahtzee?
Inventor E.S. Lowe claimed it was created by a couple on a yacht. Others believe it shares origins with the ancient dice game 'Ya-Tsee'.
Did someone write a book about Yahtzee?
Yes, 'The Yahtzee Manifesto' (2011) by Rick McCallister and Louise Proctor is a definitive guide to strategy and the game's higher concepts.
How do you cheat at Yahtzee?
The Yahtzee Manifesto discourages cheating, noting that some use 'hustling' tactics or simpleminded countenances to lull opponents into a false sense of security.
Where can I find different versions of Yahtzee rules?
The Yahtzee Manifesto provides a digital archive of official rule books, including Triple Yahtzee and Casino Yahtzee, in printable PDF format.
How many dice in Yahtzee?
A standard game of Yahtzee requires five dice.
How do you play Yahtzee?
Roll five dice to make combinations on a scorecard. You have 13 turns, and the player with the highest total score wins.
Who makes Yahtzee?
Yahtzee is currently produced by Hasbro. It was originally released by E.S. Lowe in 1956.
