Dice games have been enjoyed for centuries, and one of the most popular ones is Sixes. Also known as Sevens or Ship, Captain, and Crew, Sixes is a simple yet engaging game that can be played by people of all ages.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rules of Sixes and explore some strategies to help you win.
What is Sixes?
Sixes is a dice game that can be played with two or more players. The goal of the game is to score the highest number of points by rolling combinations of dice.
The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Setting up the Game
Before you can start playing Sixes, you’ll need to set up the game. Each player will need five dice, and you’ll also need a score sheet to keep track of everyone’s points. To start the game, each player rolls one die. The player with the highest number goes first.
How to Play Sixes
During each turn, players roll all five dice. They then try to roll specific combinations of dice to score points. The possible combinations are:
Sixes: any die showing a six
Sevens: any two dice showing a total of seven
Runs: any sequence of three or more consecutive numbers (e.g., 1-2-3, 2-3-4-5)
Three of a Kind: any three dice showing the same number
Four of a Kind: any four dice showing the same number
Five of a Kind: all five dice showing the same number
At the beginning of each turn, the player must first roll at least one Six. Once they’ve rolled a Six, they can then try to roll any of the other combinations.
If they’re successful, they can then roll the remaining dice to try for additional combinations.
If the player rolls all six combinations (Sixes, Sevens, Runs, Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, and Five of a Kind), they get to roll all five dice again and add to their score. If they don’t roll all six combinations, their turn is over, and they must mark their score on the score sheet.
Scoring
Players earn points for each combination they roll. The points are:
Sixes: 1 point per die showing a six
Sevens: 7 points
Runs: 3 points per number in the sequence
Three of a Kind: the total of all three dice
Four of a Kind: the total of all four dice
Five of a Kind: 50 points
If a player doesn’t roll a Six, their turn ends, and they don’t earn any points. The game continues until each player has had an equal number of turns.
Strategies for Winning
To win at Sixes, you’ll need a combination of luck and strategy. Here are a few tips to help you improve your chances of winning:
1. Focus on rolling as many Sixes as possible. They’re the most common combination and can earn you a lot of points.
2. Once you’ve rolled a Six, focus on rolling a Three of a Kind or Four of a Kind. These are high-scoring combinations that can help you catch up if you’re behind.
3. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try for the more difficult combinations, such as Sevens or Runs.
4. Keep track of which combinations you’ve already rolled. This will help you know which ones you still need to focus on.
5. If you’re ahead in points, play it safe and focus on the easier combinations. If you’re behind, take risks and try for the more difficult combinations.
FAQs
Can Sixes be played with more than five dice?
No, Sixes is traditionally played with five dice. However, some variations of the game may use more or fewer dice.
Is there a penalty for rolling a combination out of order?
No, there is no penalty for rolling a combination out of order. However, players must roll at least one Six before they can try for any other combination.
Can Sixes be played online?
Yes, there are many online versions of Sixes available for play. However, some people prefer to play the game with physical dice for a more traditional experience.
Is there a maximum number of turns in Sixes?
No, there is no maximum number of turns in Sixes. The game continues until each player has had an equal number of turns.
Are there any variations of Sixes?
Yes, there are many variations of Sixes, including different scoring systems and rules for rolling certain combinations. It’s always a good idea to clarify the rules before starting a game to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Sixes is a classic dice game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. By understanding the rules and using the right strategies, you can improve your chances of winning and have a great time with your friends and family.