Objective
The goal of Knobeln (also known as Mäxle or Liar's dice) is to cleverly use your rolls to deceive the other players, aiming to end with the fewest penalty points. The game often includes a social or drinking component where the loser might have to fulfill a set task, such as drinking a beverage.
Number of Players
Knobeln can be played with at least 2 people. There is no strict upper limit, but practicality is determined by the availability of dice and cups.
Materials
- 2 dice
- A dice cup
- A notepad and pen for keeping score (optional)
Gameplay
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Setup: Each player receives a dice cup and 2 dice. Players should sit in a circle if possible.
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Starting the Game: The first player begins by rolling the dice within the cup, hiding the result from others. They sneak a peek to see what they rolled.
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Declaring: The player now announces a result, which may be the actual result or a bluff. Results are given as a two-digit number, with the higher number first (e.g., a 5 and a 3 is announced as "53").
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Next Player: The next player must decide whether to believe the previous player or not. If they believe, they must roll a higher result (or bluff themselves to appear higher). If they decide "not to believe," the previous player's dice are revealed.
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Determining Truth or Bluff:
- If the declared result was a bluff, the rolling player receives a penalty point.
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If it was true, the doubting player receives a penalty point.
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Penalty Points: The game ends after a set number of rounds or when a player accumulates a specified number of penalty points. The player with the fewest penalty points wins.
Special Rolls
- Pairs (e.g., two of the same number): A pair counts more than all other combinations and improves your standing.
- Mäxle/Meier (traditionally "21"): This is the best roll you can achieve. If someone rolls or announces (and is believed on) Mäxle, the round ends immediately, and all other players receive a penalty point.
Strategies
- Bluffing: Effective bluffing is crucial! The art lies in announcing believable numbers or rolls.
- Dice Detective: Keen observation of fellow players and their reactions can help spot bluffs.
Have fun playing and deceiving!
