Objective of the Game

The goal of Yahtzee (or Kniffel, in German) is to score the most points by rolling five dice to make specific combinations. Players aim to roll and achieve the highest scoring combinations during several rounds to finish with the highest total score.

Game Materials

• 5 Dice
• A scorecard to record points
• A pen

Gameplay

1. Setup
2. Each player receives a scorecard or piece of paper to record their scores.

3. Determine the starting player randomly or choose freely.

4. Rolling the Dice

5. Start a round: A player begins their turn by rolling all five dice at once.

6. Maximum three rolls: The player can roll the dice up to three times in order to get a preferred combination. After each roll, the player decides which dice to keep and which to roll again.

7. Recording Dice Results

8. After the third roll, or earlier if desired, the player records their result in one of the categories on the scorecard:

   • Ones to Sixes: Record the sum of the dice showing the respective number.
   • Three of a Kind: At least three dice showing the same number, score the sum of all the dice.
   • Four of a Kind: At least four dice showing the same number, score the sum of all the dice.
   • Full House: A combination of a three of a kind and a pair, 25 points.
   • Small Straight: Four consecutive numbers (e.g., 1-2-3-4), 30 points.
   • Large Straight: Five consecutive numbers (e.g., 2-3-4-5-6), 40 points.
   • Yahtzee: All five dice showing the same number, 50 points.
   • Chance: Any combination of numbers, score the sum of all dice.

9. Calculating Points

10. Upper Section: If all entries from Ones to Sixes total 63 or more, a bonus is scored.
11. Lower Section: Sum of entries from categories not including the bonus.
12. Combine both sections to determine the player's total score. The player with the highest score wins.

Strategies and Tips

• Setting priorities: Aim for easier combinations first to keep possibilities open for later in the game.
• Securing safe points: Use the Chance category wisely if you risk getting fewer points elsewhere.
• Play a full game: Filling in the Yahtzee category can be challenging, so leave it open for unlikely cases.

With a bit of luck and strategic decision-making during your choice of dice combinations, you can emerge victorious in this engaging dice game!