Objective of the Game
The objective in Knockeln (also known as Liar's Dice or Mia) is to deceive other players with a combination of wits, bluffing, and dice rolling, while avoiding penalties that could cost you the game. Often played for small stakes or drinks.
Players and Equipment
- Number of Players: 2 to as many players as desired (typically 3 to 6 players for optimal play).
- Equipment: Five dice, a dice cup, and a dice mat (optional).
Basic Gameplay
- Setup: Each player starts with a set number of points, usually 10.
- Round Flow: Players take turns rolling the dice secretly in the cup, then peek at the results without revealing them to others.
- Claim and Bluffing: The roller makes a claim about the dice result. This could be true or fabricated. Dice combinations rank from lower to higher: simple numbers (e.g., 21, 32), double numbers (e.g., 22, 33), and the highest combination is "Mia" which is 21.
- Decision: The next player can either believe the claim or accuse the previous player of lying by calling "Knockeln".
Resolve the Round
- Correct Call: If the previous player was lying, they lose a point.
- Incorrect Call: If the accusation was wrong and the claim was true, the accuser loses a point.
- Pass: If the player chooses to believe the claim, they verify the dice, and then roll to attempt to raise the claim or pass another bluff.
Winning the Game
- The game ends when a player loses all their points, or you play for a predetermined time. The winner is whoever has the most points or all remaining points.
Tips and Strategies
- Master Bluffing: Effective bluffing can force other players into making mistakes or doubting their decisions.
- Risk Management: Knowing when to be skeptical and when to proceed with caution is key.
- Memory: Keeping track of previous claims can help detect patterns or repetitive bluffs from other players.
