Last Updated on June 5, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team
Yahtzee is a classic dice game by Hasbro where players roll, re-roll, and score combinations to reach the highest score possible. Easy to learn but a bit complex to master, this fun game rewards smart decisions, risk-taking, and timing across every roll. Here’s a complete breakdown of the rules and how to play:
Number of Players: 2-10 | Play Time: 30 min | Ages: 8+
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How to Play Yahtzee
Game Overview
- Players: 2 or more
- Ages: 8 to adult
- Contents: 5 dice, dice cup, score pad, 8 bonus chips
- Object of the game: Roll dice to complete scoring combinations and finish with the highest score.
On each turn, a player throws the dice up to three times to create the best possible result for one open box on the score sheet. Once all boxes are filled, the game ends and totals are compared.
More of a visual learner? Checkout the video tutorial at the bottom of the page!
Setup
Each player writes their player’s name at the top of a score sheet. To choose a starting player, everyone rolls once; the highest sum of the dice goes first. Turns then continue clockwise.
Taking a Turn
Each round follows the same structure:
First Roll
Roll all five dice using the cup (or a roll dice button in digital versions). Examine the dice show and set aside any dice you wish to keep.
Second Roll
Re-roll any number of dice, including previously kept ones. You may change your plan at any time during gameplay.
Third Rolls (Final Roll)
Roll again if desired. After the third throw of a round, you must score in one open box. This applies even if the result is garbage and forces a zero.
Scoring Basics
You must score exactly once per turn. The score sheet is divided into two areas:
- Upper section box
- Lower region boxes
Each box may only be filled once. If no valid score fits, you must write zero in an open box.
Upper Section
Score the sum of dice of the right kind:
- Aces through Sixes
- Add only dice matching that number
If the total of the upper section reaches 63 or more, you earn 35 bonus points, regardless of how the points were achieved.
Lower Section Combinations
Three of a Kind
Three matching dice; score the total sum of the dice.
Four of a Kind (Kind box)
Four matching dice; score the sum of the dice.
Full House
Three of one number and two of another. Always scores 25 points.
Small Straight
Four sequential dice (example: 2–3–4–5). Scores 30 points.
Large Straight
Five sequential dice (example: 1–2–3–4–5). Scores 40 points.
Yahtzee
Five identical dice. The first Yahtzee scores 50 points.
Chance Box
Score the total of all five dice. This is often used as a fallback.
Yahtzee Bonus & Joker Rule
Yahtzee Bonus
Rolling a second Yahtzee after scoring 50 earns a Yahtzee bonus of 100 points. Each additional Yahtzee adds another bonus.
Joker Rule
If you roll a Yahtzee and the matching upper section box is already filled, you may score in any open lower section combination as a joker. This creates a couple of different cases depending on which boxes remain open.
Ending the Game
Once all players fill all 13 boxes, add:
- Upper section total + bonus points
- Lower section total
- Any Yahtzee bonus chips
The player with the highest score wins. Tracking your personal high score is common, especially in solitaire play.
Strategy Tips
- Aim for the upper section bonus early; it makes a big difference.
- Save the chance box for a bad last roll.
- Full house and large straight are harder to roll later—take them when available.
- Don’t chase a second Yahtzee unless your board supports it.
- Know when to stop rolling after the second roll instead of risking the last roll.
Video Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
The object of Yahtzee is to score the most points by filling scoring combinations efficiently.
Up to three times per turn, including the first roll.
You must write zero in an open box.
They are closely related games with slightly different rules and scoring systems.
Yes. Solitaire play focuses on beating your previous high score.
Conclusion
Yahtzee combines luck, probability, and smart decision-making into a timeless dice experience. Whether you are chasing a large straight, managing joker situations, or aiming for an additional Yahtzee, every turn offers meaningful choices that make the game endlessly replayable.
