Drop Dead Dice Game
Looking for a quick and easy dice game that doesn't need a whole pile of equipment? Grab five dice and a pencil because Drop Dead Dice Game is about to become your new favorite little game!
It's easy to learn, doesn't take much time to set up, and the best part is that you never quite know how your turn is going to go.
One minute you're happily adding up points, and the next... 2s and 5s have decided to ruin everything!
Here's how to play the Drop Dead Dice Game
Drop Dead is a classic dice game where the goal is to score as many points as possible before all of your dice "drop dead."
You'll start with five dice and keep rolling them throughout your turn.
There's just one little problem.
You really don't want to roll a 2 or a 5.
Whenever you roll a 2 or a 5, that die is removed from your turn and you don't score any points for that roll.
Keep rolling the dice you have left until they're all gone. Then your turn is over and the next player gets to try their luck.
The player with the highest score at the end wins!
50 Pieces Dice Set
60 Pieces Standard Dice
WWhat You Need
What you'll Need to Play
You don't need much to play Drop Dead.
- 5 standard six-sided dice
- Paper and a pencil for keeping score
- 2 or more players
That's it!
You can play around the kitchen table, during family game night, at a party, or pretty much anywhere you have a little space to roll some dice.
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How to Play Drop Dead Dice Game
Step 1: Choose Who Goes First
You can simply choose someone to go first, or have everyone roll one die and let the person with the highest number start.
Then play moves around the table.
Step 2: Roll All Five Dice
The first player rolls all five dice.
Now it's time to check your roll.
Did you roll a 2 or a 5?
If you did, those dice are officially dead.
Take any dice showing a 2 or 5 and move them out of the way.
And there's one more important rule...
You don't score any points for that roll.
Don't worry! Your turn isn't over yet.
Roll again using the dice you have left.
Step 3: Keep Rolling
If your roll doesn't contain a 2 or a 5, add up all the dice and add those points to your score.
Then roll again.
If you roll a 2 or 5, remove those dice and score nothing for that roll.
Keep going until all five dice have been removed.
Once your last remaining die rolls a 2 or 5, you've officially dropped dead!
Your turn is over and the dice move to the next player.
Here's a Quick Example
Let's say you start your turn with five dice and roll:
6 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 5
Uh-oh! You rolled both a 2 and a 5.
Those two dice are removed, and you score 0 points for that roll.
You now have three dice left.
You roll:
6 – 4 – 3
No 2s or 5s!
Add them together:
6 + 4 + 3 = 13 points
Nice!
You add 13 to your score and roll those three dice again.
Maybe you roll:
5 – 1 – 6
The 5 is removed and that roll scores 0 points.
Now you have two dice left.
Keep going until all of your dice have "dropped dead."
That's the fun of this game. You never know whether your next roll is going to add a nice pile of points to your score or send another die to the sidelines!
How Do You Score Drop Dead?
Scoring is really simple.
If your roll contains no 2s or 5s, add the numbers on all the remaining dice together.
For example:
6 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 14 points
If your roll contains one or more 2s or 5s, you score 0 points for that roll.
The dice showing 2 or 5 are then removed.
Keep a running total of your points throughout your turn.
Once all your dice are gone, write down your final score and pass the dice to the next player.
How Do You Win?
Once everyone has had a turn, compare your scores.
The player with the highest score wins!
Want to make the game last a little longer?
You can play several rounds and add everyone's scores together at the end.
Just make sure everyone gets the same number of turns.
Why Is Drop Dead So Much Fun?
I think the best thing about this game is how easy it is.
You don't need to read a giant instruction booklet or spend 20 minutes setting everything up.
Just grab five dice and start rolling.
It's also one of those games where you can cheer for someone one minute and then laugh when their dice suddenly betray them the next.
And because the game is based mostly on luck, everyone has a chance to win.
You don't have to be a board-game expert. You just need five dice and a little bit of luck!
50 Pieces Dice SetColor Changing Mood PencilsDice Key Chains
Tips for Playing Drop Dead
Keep a Score Sheet Handy
You can absolutely use a piece of paper, but a score sheet makes things much easier, especially if you're playing with a group.
It also makes it much easier to keep track of multiple rounds.
Use a Dice Cup or Bowl
If your dice have a habit of flying under the couch, a small bowl or dice cup can save you a lot of crawling around on the floor!
You're welcome.
Play Multiple Rounds
One round is great if you only have a few minutes.
But if everyone is having fun, play a few rounds and keep a running total.
This can make the final score surprisingly competitive!
Add Your Own House Rules
Once you've played the classic version a few times, you can always create your own house rules.
Maybe you want to play to a certain score, play in teams, or have a small prize for the winner.
There really isn't a wrong way to make a simple dice game your own.
Drop Dead Dice Game for Kids
Drop Dead can also be a fun game for kids because the basic rules are so simple.
It's a great way to sneak in a little addition practice without announcing:
"Come on kids, let's do some math!" Because we all know how quickly that can empty a room!
Kids can practice adding the numbers on their dice while also working on taking turns, keeping score, and following simple game rules.
Ready to Play?
If you have five dice sitting in a drawer somewhere, you already have almost everything you need for a game of Drop Dead.
Grab some paper, gather everyone around the table, and start rolling.
Just remember...
Watch out for the 2s and 5s!
Those little numbers are the ones that can bring your turn to a very quick end.
And if you happen to have a lucky roll and end up with the highest score?
Well, it's time to celebrate.
