While food and reminiscing are always great parts of any family gathering, playing games also bring families together. Dice games are a great choice for family gatherings since they require little equipment, besides dice; as gaming skills require few, if any, skills, they are accessible to players of every age. So, the next time your family is getting together, try some of these great dice games:
* Bingo – This is a simple dice game that can work for families with members of varying ages. This game can be played straight or as a betting game.
Playing Time: Bingo may be played for as long as there are players with sufficient funds and enthusiasm interested in playing.
Number of Players: Any number of players can participate. Bingo is actually a head-to-head contest between the Banker and each player, but the action is fast enough to accommodate even a large group.
Number of Dice needed: Two
Other equipment needed: Chips or coins for betting; dice cup is optional.
Object of Game: Make a higher cast than the Banker.
To start that game: The player who rolls the dice with the highest roller becomes the Banker. The players then place their bets in the center of the playing area and the Banker covers all bets. A House limit on the size of a player’s wager may need to be enforced.
Game Play: The Banker makes the first cast of the dice. Then the player to the Banker’s left has one roll to see if he can beat the Banker. The player whose cast produces the highest total wins that round. In case of a tie, the Banker wins. Play then proceeds clockwise, with the Banker making a separate roll against each player. In each case, the Banker rolls first and then the player. It is important to note that if the Banker’s cast produces the cast known as boxcars, 6-6, he has an unbeatable cast and the player does not throw. Conversely, if the player’s cast produces 6-6, the Banker pays off at double the amount of the player’s bet. The role of Banker proceeds clockwise.
* Pig – This is an amusing game of chance and strategy suitable for a family or social gathering.
Playing Time: 5 to 15 minutes
Number of Players: Any number of players may participate.
Number of Dice: Two
Other equipment needed: Score sheet and dice cup
Object of Game: To reach 100 points
Score Sheet: A score sheet that indicates a running total should be used.
Game Play: The first player rolls two dice. If he throws an ace (1) he does not score and must then pass the dice to the next player. If he throws any other
number, he scores that number of points or he can continue to roll. Points are totaled by adding together the face values of all dice thrown in a player’s turn. A player may make as many throws as he wishes in each turn; but if he throws an ace on any cast, he loses all his points for that turn and has to pass the dice to the next player. A player can stop his turn at any time, scoring his total for that turn and passing the dice to the next player. The first player to reach 100 points is the winner but the complete inning must be played out. If the players continue to outscore each other despite reaching 100 then the highest scoring players wins. Strategy comes into play when players must determine when the optimal time for them to stop rolling the dice.