How to Play Yahtzee
Yahtzee is the classic dice game of risk and reward. Roll 5 dice up to 3 times per turn, strategically holding dice to build scoring combinations. Choose wisely from 13 categories to maximize your total score!
📋 Rules
Rolling
Each turn, you roll 5 dice. After the first roll, you may hold any dice and re-roll the rest. You get up to 3 rolls per turn.
Scoring
After rolling, choose one of 13 scoring categories. Each category can only be used once. The game ends after 13 turns.
Upper Section
Ones through Sixes: score the sum of dice showing that number. Score 63 or more in the upper section for a 35-point bonus.
Lower Section
3 of a Kind (sum of all), 4 of a Kind (sum of all), Full House (25), Small Straight (30), Large Straight (40), Yahtzee (50), Chance (sum of all).
Yahtzee!
Five of a kind scores 50 points. It is the highest single-category score and the most exciting roll in the game!
🧠 Strategy Tips
- Aim for the upper section bonus (63 points). You need an average of 3 of each number — prioritize 4s, 5s, and 6s.
- Do not waste the Chance category early. Save it for a turn when nothing else fits well.
- If you roll a bad hand, consider sacrificing a low-value upper category (ones or twos) with a zero.
- Go for Yahtzee when you have 3 or 4 of a kind early in a turn — the 50-point payoff is worth the risk.
- Full House is a safe 25 points. If you have a pair and a triple, take it rather than risking for something better.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Yahtzee score?
A score above 200 is solid. Above 250 is excellent. The theoretical maximum (with Yahtzee bonuses) is 1575, but a realistic perfect game scores around 350-400.
Should I always go for Yahtzee?
Not always. If you have 3 of a kind, consider whether the expected value of re-rolling for Yahtzee is higher than taking 3-of-a-kind or Full House now.
What is the upper section bonus?
If your upper section total (Ones through Sixes) is 63 or more, you earn a 35-point bonus. This averages to scoring three of each number.