Instructions Knöcheln

Objective of the Game

Knöcheln is a classic dice game where players aim to score as many points as possible with a fixed number of rolls. Players must strategically decide how many dice to roll and what combinations to aim for to achieve the highest scores.

Number of Players

Knöcheln can be played by 2 to 8 players.

Materials Needed

• 5 dice
• A score sheet for keeping track of each player’s scores

Gameplay

1. Setup:
2. Each player gets a sheet of paper and a pen.

3. Choose a player to start the game. Play proceeds in a clockwise direction.

4. Player Turns:

5. On their turn, a player rolls all five dice.
6. After the initial roll, they can choose which dice to keep and which to reroll up to two more times per round.

7. The player thus has a total of three rolls per turn to achieve the best possible combination.

8. Scoring System:

9. Ones to Sixes: Points equal the sum of the dice showing that number.
10. Three of a Kind: At least three dice the same. Points are the total of all five dice.
11. Four of a Kind: At least four dice the same. Points are the total of all five dice.
12. Full House: Three of one number and two of another. Scores 25 points.
13. Small Straight: Four consecutive numbers. Scores 30 points.
14. Large Straight: Five consecutive numbers. Scores 40 points.
15. Yahtzee (Kniffel): All five dice the same. Scores 50 points.

16. Chance: The sum of all five dice.

17. Ending a Turn:

18. After three rolls, a player must choose a category to score their roll.

19. Each category can be used only once throughout the game.

20. Game End and Winner:

21. The game ends when all players have filled all categories.
22. The player with the highest total score wins.

Strategic Considerations

• Prioritize Full House and Straights: These categories can be harder to fill later.
• Go for Yahtzee: If you have three or four of a kind early on, it might be worth the risk to try for a Yahtzee.
• Save Chance for Last: Use this category as a last resort if no other category fits well.

Enjoy playing Knöcheln! It’s a game that blends luck and strategy into a thrilling challenge!