Yahtzee: Play online for free, no download
Yahtzee is a fast-paced dice game where players roll five dice up to three times per turn to create poker-style combinations. Behind its simple mechanics is a rich layer of probability, similar to Solitaire card games.
How to Play
Goal: Score the most points by the end of the game by filling all 13 categories on your scorecard once each.
Turn Structure
- Roll: Roll all five dice at the start of your turn.
- Hold: Click or set aside any dice you want to keep.
- Reroll: Reroll the remaining dice up to two more times to improve your combination.
- Score: At the end of your third roll, or sooner if you choose, you must select exactly one category to score that turn. You can write a zero if necessary.
Categories
- Upper Section (Ones to Sixes): Score the sum of all dice showing the chosen number, such as all 4s in “Fours.” If your total across these six boxes reaches 63 or more, you earn a 35-point bonus. You can achieve this by averaging at least three of each number or by focusing on getting high totals in 4s, 5s, and 6s.
- Lower Section: Includes strong combo categories such as Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, Full House, Small Straight, Large Straight, Yahtzee (five of a kind), and Chance (sum of all dice, any combination).
Winning Tips
- Bonus FirstFocus on getting the Upper Section bonus. Scoring 63 or more points and earning the 35-point boost is a big step toward a strong final score, especially by maximizing 4s, 5s, and 6s.
- Chase Yahtzees SmartlyA Yahtzee (five of a kind) is worth 50 points. Some rules offer extra bonuses for additional Yahtzees. However, don’t sacrifice your upper bonus or solid lower scores by going after long odds too early.
- Use Chance WiselyKeep the “Chance” category as a backup. It’s useful for turns where your roll doesn’t fit any strong combination but still has high total values.
History
The modern game started with a wealthy Canadian couple in the 1950s. They created a dice game called the “Yacht Game” to play aboard their private yacht with friends. In 1956, they approached New York game developer Edwin S. Lowe to produce gift sets. Lowe recognized its potential, bought the rights, renamed it Yahtzee, and began marketing it widely. This turned Yahtzee into a global family favorite.
Math Skills
Arithmetic
Players constantly add up dice, compare category values, and keep track of their progress toward the 63-point upper bonus.
Probability
Each reroll involves deciding about odds—whether to go for a straight, upgrade to a full house, or aim for higher multiples based on current dice and remaining open categories.
Yahtzee FAQ
What is a Yahtzee?
A Yahtzee is five dice showing the same number, such as 6-6-6-6-6. It typically scores 50 points in the Yahtzee category.
Can I use a category twice?
No. Each of the 13 categories can only be used once per game. Once you write a score—whether it’s positive or zero—that category is locked for the rest of the game.
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