Dice Games for Everyone https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/tag/dice-games/ Screen-Free Activities and Books for Kids Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:17:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Shut the Box Printable Game (Instructions and Board) https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/shut-the-box-printable-game/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/shut-the-box-printable-game/#comments Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:08:39 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=40652 Shut the Box is a old-fashioned dice game that is traditionally played with a wooden box filled with numbered, flippable tiles. However, with our printable version of Shut the Box anyone with a pair of dice can play! Shut the Box Printable For printable instructions and the numbered line game board, fill out the following...

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Shut the Box is a old-fashioned dice game that is traditionally played with a wooden box filled with numbered, flippable tiles. However, with our printable version of Shut the Box anyone with a pair of dice can play!

Four Shut the Box number boards, two dice and tokens.

Shut the Box Printable

For printable instructions and the numbered line game board, fill out the following form and the pdf will zoom right over to your inbox.

How to Play Shut the Box

First, learn the basic instructions, then read the notes at the end to try out a few variations of Shut the Box.

Objective

Be the player with the lowest score.

Materials

  • 2 or more players; one player can play as a personal challenge.
  • 2 dice
  • Printable game board, one strip of the numbers 1-9 per player (see notes)
  • Marker or tokens (see notes)

Rules

Roll to see who goes first. 

The first player rolls both dice and adds the numbers to get the sum. 

The player then takes one of two actions. On the number line, they may 1) “shut” (i.e. cross off with a marker, or cover the number with a token) any combination of numbers that add up to the sum; or 2) shut the number representing the sum.

EXAMPLE: Player rolls 3 and 5. Since 3+5=8, the possible options are:

  • 8
  • 1 and 7
  • 2 and 6
  • 5 and 2 and 1
  • 3 and 5
  • 4 and 3 and 1
Shut the Box number boards, two dice and tokens o n number 2 and 6.

Player chooses a valid action, shuts the number(s) and rolls again. He can continue to roll as long as he can continue to shut numbers. When he rolls but has no more valid numbers to shut, his turn is completed.

Once a player has shut numbers 7, 8 and 9, he may opt to roll only one die. Until then, he must roll both dice.

MORE: Check out the hub for all our DIY traditional games from around the world.

Example Play

Player has a 1-9 number line. He rolls a 2 and 5 (7). He shuts the 7. The next roll is 6 and 3 (9); he shuts the 9. The next roll is 3 and 1 (4); he shuts the 3 and 1. The next roll is a 1 and 1 (2); he shuts the 2. The next roll is a 5 and 6 (11). There is no 11 on the number line so he shuts the 5 and 6. The next roll is 5 and 2 (7), since the only numbers still open are 4 and 8, his turn is over and he records his score.

Scoring

The player's final score is calculated by adding the remaining open numbers on the board.  For example, if one player has a 2 and a 3 remaining, their score is 5. If another player has only the 9 remaining, their score is 9. 

After all players have completed their rolls, the winner is the player with the lowest score. 

If a player is able to shut every number on the game board, they have “Shut the Box,” and are the winner.

MORE: Our favorite math games make math practice fun!

Notes and Variations

As with any traditional game with a long history, Shut the Box has many versions. I always encourage kids and families to explore rule variations to see what works best and how players must adjust their strategy accordingly. The important part is that all players agree on the rules ahead of time!

Try some of the following options:

Option 1: You may not shut more than 2 numbers on a roll.

Option 2: When a player opts to roll a single die, you must be able to shut the die as shown. For example if you roll a 5 with a single die, you must be able to shut the 5, not a 2-3 or a 4-1.

Option 3: For a kid-friendly version, player can use individual die numbers rather than the sum. For example if the roll is 3 and 5 (for a sum of 8), but only the 5 is still open, they could shut the 5 without going out. Note that any numbers must match the quantity show on the dice. They could not mark off a 7 just because 7+1 also equals 8.

Option 4: This version is known as "Unlucky 7." When a player rolls a 7, their turn is over.

Option 5: Traditionally, Shut the Box is played with tiles numbered 1-9. We included a printable version with numbers 1-12 for extended play. Playing with 1-12 is known as "Full House."

Taking Turns: Some kids may not have the patience to wait for another player to take all of their rolls before starting their own turn! In this case, instead of playing one player's full complement of rolls at a time, take turns rolling the dice. Each player should still have their own number line game board, however.

Our family's favorite commercial version of Shut the Box is Blue Orange's Double Shutter, which has provided us hours of entertainment. When my kids were little, before they could play the game properly, we even used Double Shutter for number recognition and counting practice.

Child playing Double Shutter math game with two number tiles flipped down.

Alternative Scoring

Instead of adding the remaining numbers, players count the quantity of open numbers squares. The player with the fewest open numbers is the winner. For example, if one player has a 2 and a 3 remaining, their score is 2. But if another player has only the 9 remaining, their score is 1.

Another method of scoring requires playing multiple rounds. Players keep a running score; as players reach a score of 45, they are out. The last player standing wins.

Alternative Game Board

Instead of the printable game board, players can use a set of standard playing cards. If playing with 1-12, line up Ace through Queen, with Jack and Queen standing in for 11 and 12, and Ace for 1. Turn over the cards to "shut" them. Be sure to use the same deck for these 10 card games ever kid should know!

Of course, you don't even need to print out the game board, simply write the numbers 1-9 on a sheet of paper and cross them off with a marker as you "shut" them!

Game board tip: To easily reuse the printable board, instead of crossing out numbers with a marker, use tokens or coins to cover numbers once they have been "shut."

Strategy

If they don't realize it before they start playing, after a couple of rounds kids will learn that the best strategy is to shut higher numbers as soon as possible. They will need to ask themselves strategic questions. Is it better to cross off an 8 (a single number) or a 3 and a 5? The answer might not be as simple as it seems!

MORE STRATEGY GAMES FOR KIDS:

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Easy Math Game for 5-Year-Olds (At Home Practice) https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/math-practice-for-kindergarteners/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/math-practice-for-kindergarteners/#comments Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:12:51 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=6320 This easy math game for 5-year-olds repurposes a traditional game for at-home learning of pre-math skills like number and quantity recognition and counting. We've always enjoyed finding playful ways to modify pre-made games from our games closet for math practice. In this case, my 5-year-old and I pulled out Double Shutter, a version of a...

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This easy math game for 5-year-olds repurposes a traditional game for at-home learning of pre-math skills like number and quantity recognition and counting.

We've always enjoyed finding playful ways to modify pre-made games from our games closet for math practice. In this case, my 5-year-old and I pulled out Double Shutter, a version of a traditional game, Shut the Box, and used it to help lay the foundation for learning the basics for addition. Note: you don't need Double Shutter to play, see our variation, below!

Child playing Double Shutter math game with two number tiles flipped down.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Easy Math Game Rules

As you saw in our fun kindergarten number matching game we like to invent our own math game rules using simple materials! For this easy math game we made up our own preschool and kindergarten-friendly rules for Double Shutter.

Variation: If you don't have Double Shutter, use our printable version of Shut the Box. Instead of flipping tiles, cross of the numbers on the number lines.

With it's fun, flippable numbers and dice, Double Shutter satisfies every young child's desire to touch and manipulate everything!

Instead of playing the game by the original rules, I explained the basic concept that players role the dice and "shut" the numbers according to the combination rolled. We then modified the game by removing the strategic component and simplifying the addition.

Read more about how we repurpose games for toddlers and preschoolers!

For example, if he rolled a 5 and a 3, we counted the dots and said "5 plus 3 equals 8". Then he could shut tiles 5 and 3 or tile 8. (If this were the actual game, he could shut any combination of numbers that equaled 8). If he rolled a combination of numbers that were no longer visible on the available tiles, instead of ending the game as in the original rules, he rolled again until he got numbers that worked.

Math Skills Practiced

Child sitting with Double Shutter math game on lap.

Even without the competitive aspect of game play, repurposing Double Shutter for a young audience helps them practice valuable skills needed for future math success. Add it to your list of playful after school math activities.

Number and quantity recognition. He matched quantity (five dots) on the die face to the numeral (5) on the tile. Suggestions: after playing this game your child will enjoy learning how quantity is related to shape with our "Oodles of Noodles" math craft.

Learning the concept of addition. A 5-year-old may not remember that 5+3=8. However, he is observing that two different quantities put together will create a new quantity. Once your child is learning their addition facts, use this addition and subtraction dice game to practice!

Fine motor skills. This one isn't really a math skill per se, but fine motor skills are necessary for manipulation. Little fingers must work delicately to shut the tiles without disturbing the tiles next to or behind them. Much future math practice will involve using manipulatives for hands-on learning and the more skillfully they can can handle them, the better. Try these lacing activities for more fine motor practice.

My 5-year-old really enjoyed playing the math game and we took plenty of time to count, find the numbers and talk about which tiles to shut. Working side by side with a parent or other caring adult creates a bonding experience that means the practiced math skills are more likely to skick!

More fun DIY math games to play together:

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Stocking Stuffer Games Will Be Everyone's Favorite Gift https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/stocking-stuffer-games/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/stocking-stuffer-games/#respond Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:43:59 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=21079 What are the best stocking stuffers for kids? The answer is obvious! Games that will keep the kids busy for days and days after Christmas is over. Games that keep them thinking, strategizing and testing their luck. But these stocking stuffer games are not just for kids, oh no! The entire family will enjoy playing...

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What are the best stocking stuffers for kids?

The answer is obvious!

Games that will keep the kids busy for days and days after Christmas is over. Games that keep them thinking, strategizing and testing their luck.

But these stocking stuffer games are not just for kids, oh no! The entire family will enjoy playing these games all year round.

Stocking stuffer game ideas for kids and families

With that in mind, I have curated this gift guide with our favorite stocking stuffer games. I included several types of games, and all are just the perfect size to slip into the Christmas stocking after putting out a plate of cookies for the big guy (Santa, not your eldest kid).

Be sure to snag a few single player logic games because parents need a little rest after getting up at 5:01 am to see what Santa brought. Also, I included classic family card games and clever dice games.

So much better to find these treasures in your Christmas stocking than a handful of coal, right? So I certainly hope everyone has been good this year...

(Note: game images and titles are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Logic Game Stocking Stuffers

Coggy consists of a deck of challenge cards and a movable gear puzzle.  Players will work logic, critical thinking and visual perception skills as they manipulate the colored gears in an attempt to solve the conundrums on each card. The 40 challenges range from easy to difficulty so the game can grow with your child and/or be played with by different age groups.

Fifteen Puzzle. You may remember this classic puzzle game from your childhood. As a kid I loved this puzzle and it has been a favorite logic game far longer than any of the newer ideas on the market. But I still can't resist giving it a go, even though I'm all grown up! Not only is it perfect size to be a stocking stuffer, but it travels very easily so you can take it on long road trips to keep the kids off screens!

Kanoodle. My kids have played this pocket-sized game off an on now for several years and it has been such a mainstay of quiet time in our home that I've recommended it several times on this blog! The newest version has 200 puzzles ranging from easy to very difficult. I love that it comes in a little carrying case which, when open acts as the board for the 2D puzzles and when closed is the board for the 3D puzzles.

Card Game Stocking Stuffers

Phase 10. This is one of my older son's favorite card games! One year he and my mother played the game about 25 times over the course of a week! It's been around since the 1980s and I always know I can count on games that have stood the test of time. It is based on Rummy but with a clever twist. This is definitely a favorite in our house.

Themed Playing Card Deck

Fun choices: Bird playing cards | Space playing cards

If you have kids you have probably experienced sitting down to a card game and realizing there are fewer than 52 cards in your deck! But where are the missing cards? Who knows! We have several incomplete decks that hang out in our game card box waiting for a purpose in life and I love to put a fresh new themed deck in their Christmas stocking or hand them out on Hanukkah so the kids can play a few rounds of War or Spit before dinner.

Rook is a classic game that I remember playing at my grandparents when I was young. You can play with 2 players but it is excellent for playing as teams. This fast-paced game involves bidding, tricks and trumps!

Illustrated Card Game

Fun choices: Crazy 8s | Robot Rummy | Hearts | Go Fish!

I absolutely ADORE eeboo's card games illustrated by children's book illustrators. We have a few of these because I can't resist a deck of cards illustrated by Chris Raschka!

Dice Game Stocking Stuffers

LCR Wild Dice Game. We love the original LCR game and this "wild version" with some alternative game play options looks fun. LCR is a game for at least 3 players and consists of dice and chips. The rules are simple and the instructions are easy! Players pass chips to either their left, right or pop them in the center of pot depending on what they roll. This is a version of a traditional dice game, Aces in the Pot.

Pig Dice Game. This is a cute version of the traditional dice game PIG in a handy-dandy, stocking-stuffer sized container! The company makes several themed dice games that come in these little cylinders. I also love the sound of this Train Dice Game. Any kid would be delighted to find one of these cute dice games in their Christmas stockings this year.

Twisted Farkle. Farkle is an incredibly popular dice game (which I still have yet to play!) and there are some fun variations like this "twisted" version. It is fun, fast paced and not just for kids! In a twist on the original Farkle, any points you earn may not be yours to keep. A "determinator die" will decide your fate!

With all these fun choices, who wouldn't want to fill up on these stocking stuffer games! Happy playing!

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The Array Game: Fun Dice Game to Teach Multiplication https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/array-game/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/array-game/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2022 17:33:40 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=32244 The array game helps kids learn multiplication skills for numbers 1-6 by focusing on the use of arrays on a grid to visually represent calculations. When I was in school we learned multiplication through sheer willpower of memorization. Fortunately, today's pedagogy offers students a more comprehensive approach to understanding how multiplication works. Arrays are a...

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The array game helps kids learn multiplication skills for numbers 1-6 by focusing on the use of arrays on a grid to visually represent calculations.

When I was in school we learned multiplication through sheer willpower of memorization. Fortunately, today's pedagogy offers students a more comprehensive approach to understanding how multiplication works. Arrays are a useful learning tool because the arrangement of rows and columns make it easy for kids to visualize a multiplication equation.

This multiplication array game, along with games like Trominoes and a multiplication dice game are great activities to supplement mathematics learning either in the classroom or at home. It's an excellent addition to your child's STEM learning!

Two array games in progress

How to Play the Array Game

Supplies:

  • 2 10x10 grids. Feel free to use our free printable page of grids, draw your own, or use graph paper.
  • Pen or pencil
  • 2 dice
  • 2 enthusiastic kids ready to play
Blank 10 x 10 grid, pencil and two dice

Objective:

To shade in as much of your grid as possible, according to the rules.

Step by Step Instructions

Each player has their own 10x10 grid and pencil.

Taking turns, players roll both dice and then shade in the appropriate array on their grids. For example, if you roll a 4 and a 5 you would shade in a 4x5 array. You can choose to shade the array either vertically or horizontally. For example, the array could be either 4 rows by 5 columns or 5 rows by 4 columns.

Grid with dice and 4 x 5 array shaded in

For each shaded array, record your score for that turn. For example a 4x5 array would earn a score of 20.

Arrays can be next to each other, but you may not overlap arrays.

Grid with shaded squares and 2 dice with pencil

As you continue taking turns and the grid fills up, you may find that you can no longer fit your array into the grid. In that case you forfeit your turn and you can try again on your next turn.

Ending the game:

There are a couple of ways to end the game:

  1. The game ends after a pre-set period of time. Add up the scores. Whoever has the highest score wins.
  2. The game ends when the one player can not longer fit an array into the grid. In this case, instead of forfeiting their turn, the player loses.
  3. The game ends when one player has filled in their entire grid. This will take longer than the first two options. Depending on the luck of the roll, players may end up forfeiting many turns.
Array game grid with shaded squares

Array Game Variations

Some array game variations are obvious, such as changing the size of the grid, or the number of players. Here are some useful ways to switch up game play to even more fun.

Variation 1:

This modification teaches the distributive law of multiplication and can be applied to all the array game variations. When a player rolls a total that doesn't fit on the grid, they can break up the factors. For example, if a player rolls a 6 and a 4, they can shade in a 2x4 and a 4x4 array instead of a 6x4 array.

Variation 2:

Use a larger grid, at least 20x20, to be shared by two players. With this modification, players mark their arrays on one grid. One player shades in their arrays with Xs, the other with Os. Alternatively, players can use different color pencils to tell their arrays apart.

Variation 3:

Any number of kids can play, and the more players you have, the more likely the game will result in a tie. Each player has their own grid. Taking turns, they fill in their arrays. As players lose the ability to shade in a score on their array, they are out. The last person left to be able to shade in an array is the winner.

Variation 4:

Single player game. One player attempts to fill in as many squares of the array as possible before throwing a score that no longer fits on the grid. The player focuses on multiplication skills as well as a good strategy to filling up their grid.

MORE: Best dice games for kids.

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Threes Away! Dice Game https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/threes-away/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/threes-away/#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:38:44 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=30220 When you need a quick game to pass the time with kids, there's nothing better than an easy game of dice. Threes Away! is a simple dice game that's great for at home, on the go, or in the classroom. And unlike most games, the goal is to get the lowest score! This post contains...

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When you need a quick game to pass the time with kids, there's nothing better than an easy game of dice. Threes Away! is a simple dice game that's great for at home, on the go, or in the classroom. And unlike most games, the goal is to get the lowest score!

Five sets of colored dice for the game threes away

This post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

Introduction

Threes Away! is an easy to learn dice game that combines light strategy with a lot of luck. Use this game as a fun way to practice beginning math skills, a boredom buster when you need to fill a spare moment, or as part of a family game night tournament!

What you need:

Five six-sided dice. We love having enough dice for everyone to play with their own set. It makes it even more fun if everyone has their own color! See our favorite vintage colored and translucent dice here.

Pen and paper for keeping score.

2 or more enthusiastic players ages 4 to 104.

Supplies for threes away dice game.

Objective:

Be the player with the lowest score.

Set up:

Determine who goes first, either by throwing the dice or thumb wrestling.

Decide how many rounds you wish to play, or set a time limit.

TRENDING ARTICLE: Best Dice Games for Kids

Threes Away Rules

Need printable instructions? Find the form at the bottom of this post.

Threes are worth zero points. All other numbers are face value.

Player A rolls all five dice. They must keep at least one die, but may keep more. Any 3s must be kept. Player A then re-rolls the remaining dice, keeping at least one die on each subsequent roll until no dice remain.

At the end of their turn, Player A records the face value of the dice.

Player A passes the dice, clockwise, to the next player.

Play continues until each player has completed one turn. End of round 1.

In subsequent rounds, the second player of the first round becomes the first player of the second round, and so forth.

Example:

Player one rolls a 3-3-6-5-2 on their first turn. They must keep both 3s. They also choose (but don't have to) to keep the 2. They roll the last two remaining dice and get 3-5. They must keep the 3. They roll the last die. It is a 4. They must keep it as it is the final die. Their dice are now 3-3-2-3-4. Total score for that turn is 2+4=6.

Five white dice on orange backdrop

Winning

Play as many rounds as you want, adding up the scores from each round. The player with the lowest total score wins.

Strategy

While dice games are always rooted in the luck of the roll, Threes Away! also requires some light strategic thinking. It also gives for parents and educators the opportunity to discuss the benefits vs. risk because will have to weigh whether to keep dice that aren't 3s.

For example, if a die shows a 4, do they keep it? Or do they roll it again, risking a 5 or 6, but potentially getting a 1, 2, or 3? Even a 2 can spark a dilemma. After all, it's possible to turn a 2 into a 1 or 3.

Players' strategy will also be influenced by the the order of play. A second or third player in a round may make riskier decisions based on the score of a previous player.

Variations

Alternatively, you can play Threes Away! with the objective of getting the highest score. In this case, players would opt to keep high rolls (6s and 5s) but roll low numbers again. Threes are still zero, but in this case they are not desirable. However, players still must keep the 3s.

Kids will enjoy adding their own variables to the game. Maybe you only get to roll the dice twice per turn. Or, perhaps they use 3 dice instead of 5. Maybe they have to continue rolling until they have a score of zero (five 3s) and the player who took the fewest rolls to get there wins. Allow them to experiment and come up with their own version of the game!

MORE OF THE BEST DICE GAMES:

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Buck Dice Game: How to Play https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/buck-dice/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/buck-dice/#comments Wed, 15 Dec 2021 13:00:54 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=29621 When a group of kids of varying ages and skills get together to play a game, sometimes the best choice is a game of pure luck. Buck Dice is a simple game that uses three dice and can be played by any number of players. It requires zero skill because winners and losers are determined...

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When a group of kids of varying ages and skills get together to play a game, sometimes the best choice is a game of pure luck. Buck Dice is a simple game that uses three dice and can be played by any number of players. It requires zero skill because winners and losers are determined purely by the roll of the dice.

And yet, it is still fun!

Colored dice on orange background with text how to play buck dice

A round of buck dice can go very quickly, making it a great spontaneous game for those in-between moments. Watch out, though! Because it's so quick, your kids may want to play again and again. My son always wants to win at least as many rounds as his opponents which means we often end up playing 10 or more rounds!

How to Play Buck Dice

If you need printable instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post and fill out the form.

Objective: To go out of the game by scoring 15 points. The last player left who has not reached 15 loses.

BUCK GAME INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Gather your supplies

    3 dice. Share, or give each player their own.
    2 or more enthusiastic players
    Pencil and paper to keep score

  2. Determine the order of play and the "Buck Number"

    Each player rolls a die, the highest score is the first player. The lowest roll is the point number, or "Buck Number."

  3. Rules

    The first player rolls all three dice. There are five possible outcomes:
    1. None of the dice is the point number; you score nothing and pass the dice to the next player.
    2. All three dice are the point number; you score an automatic 15 and go out. This type of roll is called the "Big Buck!" Pass the dice to the next player.
    3. One of the three dice is the point number; score 1 point and roll all three dice again.
    4. Two dice are the point number; score 2 points and roll all three dice again.
    5. You roll three of a kind that are not the point number; score 5 points. This is called a "Little Buck." Roll all three dice again.

    Note: players may continue to roll again on their turn as long as they continue to score. Once they roll a non-scoring hand, their turn is over.

    Four sets of 3 colored dice each

  4. Ending the Game

    You must score exactly 15 points in order to drop out of the game. If a roll puts you over 15 points then you score nothing for that roll, but you may roll again.

    For example, if a player has 13 points and rolls a "Little Buck," they score nothing, but may roll again.

    Once you reach 15 points, you drop out of the game and the rest of the players continue.

    The last player left who has yet to score 15 points loses the game.

Example of game play with a point number of 3:

Player Q rolls 3-4-5. Score 1 point. Roll again. Rolls 1-2-4. No score. Turn over.

Player Z rolls 3-3-6. Scores 2 points. Roll again. Rolls 2-2-2. Scores 5 points (total is now 7). Roll again. Rolls 2-4-1. No score. Turn over.

Player Q rolls 3-5-6. Score 1 point. Roll again. Rolls 3-3-5. Scores 2 (total 3). Rolls again. Rolls 5-5-5. Scores 5 (total 8). Roll again. Rolls 6-4-2. No score. Turn over.

Player Z rolls 3-3-3. Automatically gets 15 and out of the game. In a 2 person game, the game would be over. In a 3 or more person game, play would continue until everyone had 15 points except one player.

Buck Dice is a game of pure luck, for a dice game that uses strategy try one of these:

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Top 12 Family Games for All Ages and Abilities https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/family-games-for-all-ages/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/family-games-for-all-ages/#comments Wed, 03 Nov 2021 12:15:40 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=29075 Don't let the fact that your family has children of different ages and skill levels stop you from having a successful family game night! Try one of these top family games for all ages. Amazingly, these games work for children, but aren't boring for adults. (Although, let's be honest, everyone's definition of "boring" is not...

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Don't let the fact that your family has children of different ages and skill levels stop you from having a successful family game night! Try one of these top family games for all ages. Amazingly, these games work for children, but aren't boring for adults. (Although, let's be honest, everyone's definition of "boring" is not the same!)

Rainbow of meeples with overlay text games for families with different ages and abilities

Why These Games?

The games have been selected according to the following criteria:

  • Easy to learn
  • Readily adaptable to different skill levels and abilities
  • Rules are easily modified if necessary
  • Game play can continue if one player quits
  • They do not require reading
  • Only light strategy skills, if any, are necessary

Each game description below notes important skill requirements such as visual perception or counting. For example, if a player has trouble with number recognition, then a game will either need to be modified or that player given extra help.

If your family needs to modify game rules consider the following:

  • Can you eliminate scoring?
  • Can you eliminate a speed or strategy factor?
  • Can you reduce the game play time?
  • Can you make the game more cooperative?
  • Can you play as partners or teams?

MORE: Tips for helping kids learn good sportsmanship

In addition, I've noted what I think is the minimum age for each game. This may be different from the manufacturer's recommendation because I am taking into account the fact that you can modify rules to accommodate skill levels.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

Board Games

Labyrinth board game box with game boards and pieces

LABYRINTH

Find it: Amazon

Players make their way through an ever-shifting maze in pursuit of treasure. Each player begins with a set number of treasure cards and the player who collects all their treasure first, wins. The board consists of moving panels and on their turn, a player shifts the panels in an effort to further their own progress or hinder that of others.

Considerations: light strategy, visual perception, 2-4 players

Minimum age: 5


MORE: Our favorite tile-based games


Parcheesi box and game board set up

PARCHEESI

Find it: Amazon

I loved Parcheesi when I was a kid! This classic family game for all ages originated in India and is a chase-type game. Players aim to be the first to move all their tokens from the starting position to home base. There is light strategy involved but because it uses dice, the majority of the game is based on luck. It is easy to modify the rules by removing the ability to blockade, "bump" opponents, or simplifying how to leave the starting position.

Considerations: counting to 20, light strategy, 2-4 players

Minimum age: 6


Sequence game board set up with cards, tokens and box

SEQUENCE

Find it: Amazon

Sequence is an all-around winner and appeals to different age groups. The concept of getting 5-in-a-row is easy for children to grasp and yet still a fun challenge for adults. You can easily modify the rules by eliminating the special ability of one-eyed Jacks or decreasing the number of completed sequences required to win. There is also a kids version that uses pictures instead of playing cards.

Considerations: light strategy, number recognition, 2 - 12 players

Minimum age: 5 (3 for kids version)


Cauldron Quest game box

CAULDRON QUEST

Find it: Amazon

Some families love cooperative games, others hate them. We love them (perhaps because I am not very competitive and my kids love to tell me what to do, ha ha ha). I have often recommended Hoot Owl Hoot and Forbidden Island, but Cauldron Quest is another good choice. Cooperative games are also useful when you want to strengthen your children's strategy and problem solving skills, but they have difficulty with typical, competitive strategy games.

Considerations: 2-4 players, strategy, cooperative, number recognition (uses dice)

Minimum age: 4


Card Games

Hi Lo Flip game box and colorful cards

HI LO FLIP

Find it: Amazon

This is the most colorful card game you will ever see! It's like holding a Pantone deck in your hand. Players try to shed their hand by playing cards in either a high or a low sequence, depending on the flip of the Hi-Lo coin. It is extremely easy to learn, and it's likely that no modifications would be necessary, provided players have the necessary number recognition skills.

Considerations: number recognition, understanding of greater/lesser than, 2-6 players

Minimum age: 5


Spot It game in box

SPOT IT

Find it: Amazon

This very popular game of visual perception is great to have on hand when you are on the go. There are several Spot It variations so you can choose one based on your family's interest. Players race to be the first person to spot which object is on both cards. It sounds simple, but it's not as easy as it looks! Some families may need to modify the speed requirement. Spot It comes with instructions for several versions of game play. If you only have children under 6, you may prefer the Spot It Jr. version.

Considerations: visual perception, quick thinking, short play time, 2 or more players

Minimum age: 3


Skip-Bo card game in box

SKIP-BO

Find it: Amazon

Skip-bo is a classic card game that is a good choice for everyone's game closet. We have played it more times that I can count. This is sequencing card game in which players work to be the first player to empty their card stockpiles. You can easily shorten the game by reducing the number of cards in stockpile. This is one of the few games where I think it's best to stick to the manufacturer's recommended age, not because it's hard, but because it's harder to play successfully if your attention wanders.

Considerations: number recognition, strategy, 2-6 players

Minimum age: 7


Go Nuts for Donuts card game box and cards on display

GO NUTS FOR DONUTS

Find it: Amazon

Go Nuts for Donuts is a bidding card game. At the start of the game, an array of donut cards with varying point values and rewards are displayed. Players bid on which donuts they want in an effort to collect as many advantageous cards as possible. The player with the most points (not necessarily the player with the most donuts) at the end of the game wins. If any player cannot read, the other players can read the cards out loud, if necessary.

Considerations: decision-making, number recognition, very basic math (but not an absolute requirement), will make you hungry, 2-6 players

Minimum age: 5


Rivers Roads and Rails game box and tiles

RIVERS, ROADS, AND RAILS

Find it: Amazon

Players match cards together and create pathways of an ever changing network of rivers, roads and rails. This is an excellent choice for families who also like puzzles. Rivers, Roads and Rails can be played competitively in which players aim to be the first to use of their cards, or cooperatively in which families work together to use as many cards as possible. Bonus: kids LOVE to play with this game by themselves.

Considerations: cooperative or competitive, visual perception, requires a large playing area, 1-8 players

Minimum age: 5; 3 as a cooperative or team game


Dice Games

Dice games can be excellent family games for all ages because many of them rely solely on luck. If you already have a handful of dice, check out the instructions for all of our favorite dice games.

Harry Potter Strike dice game with box, booklet and cauldron

STRIKE (aka) IMPACT: BATTLE OF THE ELEMENTS

Find it: Amazon

Note: Impact has been discontinued and rebranded as "Harry Potter Strike." We have the Impact version, which I featured as a game of the month here. Impact Strike is a game that takes zero time to learn, is quick to play, but engaging enough that playing it over and over at the request of your child does not send your brain into a boredom spiral. Taking turns, players toss their dice in the "cauldron," attempting to roll matching dice according to the controlling factor of the round, which is either earth, lighting, water, wind or fire (in the Impact version). The instructions include several versions of game play, including modifications. Impact Strike is also a game that younger kids can play with older siblings sans parents.

Considerations: Very light strategy, short game play time, small playing space, 2-5 players

Minimum age: 4


LCR dice game and blue token chips

LCR

Find it: Amazon

LCR, or "Left, Right, Center" is a one hundred per cent luck game, which can be a nice thing if you just don't want to spend family game night doing too much thinking. (You know, because of parenting after a long day, ha ha ha.) Each player starts with an equal number of chips. Rolling the specialty dice will determine if you pass chips to the left, right, or place them in the center pot. The last player left with chips is the winner. There is also an LCR Wild version which does require some strategy.

Considerations: Requires at least 3 players, zero strategy

Minimum age: 4

Miscellaneous

Pengoloo game box showing wooden penguin tokens

PENGOLOO

Find it: Amazon

Pengoloo is a memory matching game using adorable wooden penguins. Unlike the other games on this list, Pengoloo is designed for families with preschoolers. However, I think it is a good game to include because it's actually not that boring for adults who like memory-type games. In fact, kids often out-perform adults, which makes them feel successful. Each penguin sits atop and hides a colored egg. Similar to classic Memory, players try to recall which color is under each penguin in order to find two eggs of the same. The first player to find the requisite number of matching pairs wins.

Considerations: memory, color recognition, 2-4 players

Minimum age: 3


Not enough game for you? Try these!


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8 Math Games for Kids of all Ages and Skill Levels https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/math-games-we-love/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/math-games-we-love/#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:02:00 +0000 https://whatdowedoallday.com/?p=163 Looking for fun math games that kids and families can enjoy together? Or maybe you need math games for the classroom? You're in luck! This is where you can find the best math game that are so fun kids will say, "More math, please!" We love family games and with one child who loves math...

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Looking for fun math games that kids and families can enjoy together? Or maybe you need math games for the classroom? You're in luck! This is where you can find the best math game that are so fun kids will say, "More math, please!"

We love family games and with one child who loves math so much he once included math problems on a Mother's Day card for me, we've played a lot of math games, including math card games and dice games. These are our favorites DIY math games and store-bought games!

White and purple dice with text overlay, favorite Math Games.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.

Math Games for Kids and Families

I've included recommended ages, but that's not set in stone. Many of these math games for kids can be altered to fit the abilities of the players.

Child playing Double Shutter math game with two number tiles flipped down.

Double Shutter

Find it: Amazon

We've used the Double Shutter game, a version of Shut the Box, "off-label" for math practice but my sons and I really love playing it. It's an excellent way of learning how different combinations of numbers can be added to produce the same sum. It also teaches logical and strategic thinking. I appreciate that the rules can be easily altered for younger players. Double Shutter is best played with two players, can be adapted for more. Ages 6 and up (may need help).

MORE: Use our printable version of Shut the Box, perfect for classrooms.


multiplication dice game scorecard with pen and red die

Multiplication Dice Game

Find the instructions and print the score card here on the blog!

This easy to learn multiplication dice game is especially useful for helping kids remember their times tables. It's perfect for large groups (think: classrooms) but works just as well with only a few players. Ages 8 and up.


five green dice with purple sharpie pen and score sheet on orange background

Addition and Subtraction Dice Game

Find the Addition and Subtraction game instructions here on the blog.

With this clever math game, players try to reach the highest score, but they must add and subtract their roll totals according to a predetermined pattern. It's a great game to fill in a spare moment, since you can play as many or as few rounds as you wish. Ages 7 and up.


Family card game Zeus on the Loose showing cards fanned out, box and yellow Zeus figurine

Zeus on the Loose

Find it: Amazon

Kids who love Greek mythology will forget all about the fact that they are actually honing their math skills while playing this game! I appreciate that Zeus on the Loose also requires mental math skills. The object is to reach a score of 100 while holding on to the Zeus figurine, but players must be careful because victory can be snatched away without warning! You could say victory is as fickle as the gods. Read more about Zeus on the Loose in our Game of the Month feature. Ages 7 and up (or younger with help.)


playing cards, four face up piles and two fanned out face down piles

Tens Go Fish

Read the Tens Go Fish instructions here on the blog!

For young kids who love the traditional Go Fish card game, this is a fun alternative for beginning math students. Instead of working towards making number pairs, players work towards putting together pairs that add up to ten. Great for at home math practice, or math time in the classroom. Ages 5 and up, depending on math skills.


Sumoku tiles on table.

Sumoku

Find it: Amazon

Sumoku is a favorite of my math-loving son, and I recommend it for ages 9 and up, or for very precocious kids. It is more advanced than any of the other games on this list. Sumoku is a cross between Scrabble and Qwirkle, but with math! Read our Sumoku game of the month feature for tips on playing with kids, whatever their skill level.


Child's hand reaching for dominoes.

Dominoes

Find it: Amazon

Your basic Dominoes are great for math learning! Kids will learn quantity recognition, patterning and basic addition and multiplication skills (such as skip counting by 5). using domines with colored pips aids in recognition. Find the basic rules for dominoes here, or check out these domino math games for kids.


Two array games in progress

Array Game

Read the array game instructions here on the blog!

Arrays are a useful tool to teach multiplication through visual representation on a grid. The multiplication array game is very easy to learn and helps kids visualize multiplying number 1-6. An easy variation also reinforces distributive property.

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Mafia Dice Game: Rules for Playing https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/mafia-dice-game/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/mafia-dice-game/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2021 14:04:14 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=28001 Need a fun family dice game? Look no further! The Mafia Dice rules are easy to learn and the game is excellent for group entertainment because it's best with three or more players. The more the merrier. Fortunately, Mafia Dice has nothing to do with organized crime, but it does have everything to do with...

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Need a fun family dice game? Look no further! The Mafia Dice rules are easy to learn and the game is excellent for group entertainment because it's best with three or more players. The more the merrier.

Fortunately, Mafia Dice has nothing to do with organized crime, but it does have everything to do with FUN and is one of the best dice games for kids. Like most dice games, it's a game of pure chance; there is no strategy or skill involved beyond number recognition, making is a solid choice for families with children of different ages.

Play Mafia dice with 5 green dice and chips 5 black dice and chips and 5 white dice and chips

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.)

Mafia Dice is one of our favorite games that uses 5 dice (<--- see our other favs.) It's sure to become your family's favorite, as well!

How to Play Mafia Dice

What you need:

  • 5 dice per player; we love these vintage-colored dice!
  • 3 or more enthusiastic players
  • 5 casino chips per player (or other tokens, like pennies, buttons, etc.) –optional, see "variations"
piles of white black and green casino chips and groups of five green, white and black dice

Objective:

Be the last player left with casino chips.

Watch our video to learn how to play, or read the written instructions below. Good news! Printable instructions are available, so you can teach the kids how to play without turning on the screens during family game night. Just go to the bottom of the post, fill out the form that says "Need the printable game instructions?" and we'll buzz the printable over to your email quick as a wink.

Instructions

  1. Set up

    Decide who goes first. You can determine this by having every player roll one die; highest roll goes first. Alternatively, you can thumb wrestle.

  2. Rules of Play

    Player 1 throws down (gently, please) all 5 of his dice. He passes any 6s to the player on his left. He removes any 1s from play. He keeps the remaining dice.

    Player 2 throws down all 5 of her dice, plus any dice player 1 passed to her. She passes any 6s to the player on her left. She removes any 1s from play. She keeps the remaining dice.

    Player 3 throws down all 5 of their dice, plus any dice player 2 passed to them. They pass any 6s to the player on their left. They remove any 1s from play. They keep any remaining dice.

    Play continues in this manner until one player has no remaining dice. That player is the winner of the round.

  3. Ending the Round

    After a player has won a round, the remaining players all roll one die. The player with the highest roll loses a chip. In the case of a tie for the highest roll, the tied players roll again.

  4. Beginning a New Round

    At the start of a new round, everyone begins again with five dice. The player to the left of the initial first player begins the round.

  5. Winning the Game

    Play continues until only one player has any chips left. That player is the winner of the game.

  6. Variations

    For a shorter game, instead of playing with chips, simply predetermine how many rounds you will play. The player who has won the most rounds is the ultimate winner.

    For very large groups, this may be the preferred variation since playing until only one player has any chips left can take a long time.

    Alternatively, if you still want to use chips, play for a predetermined number of rounds and the player with the most number of chips left, is the winner.

    Technically, Mafia Dice can be played with only two players, but it works much, much better with three or more.

Printable Game Instructions

The Mafia Dice rules are on our printable that includes the instructions to six dice games that use five dice. So...bonus! You'll learn more games. Be sure to hop over to this post: dice games with 5 dice, to see the videos for the other games!

More fun dice games:

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How to Play Sevens: A Dice Game https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/sevens-dice-game/ https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/sevens-dice-game/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2021 20:50:34 +0000 https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/?p=27862 Need a fun new game to learn? Get ready to learn how to play the SEVENS dice game! This dice game for two or more players is so easy to learn and the roll of the dice will result in lots of rousing "Aw man!"s and "Yes!"es. Kids love the action of tossing dice, and...

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Need a fun new game to learn? Get ready to learn how to play the SEVENS dice game! This dice game for two or more players is so easy to learn and the roll of the dice will result in lots of rousing "Aw man!"s and "Yes!"es. Kids love the action of tossing dice, and parents love the way dice games can sneak in math practice as well as keeping kids off screens.

Colored dice spread across an aqua colored background for sevens dice game

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

You're so smart that you've already figured out that Sevens has something to do with the number 7. But the numbers 6 and 3 are also important. Find out why by reading the game rules below!

Love dice games? See the best dice game for kids!

How to Play Sevens

What you need:

  • Six dice. As I've said before, dice games are always more fun if you have vintage-colored dice like these.
  • 2 or more enthusiastic players
  • Paper and pencil to keep score
pencil and paper with six blue dice and six purple dice on aqua background

Objective:

To be the player with the highest score after a pre-determined number of rounds.

Now, watch the how-to video or read the written instructions below.

Sevens Dice Game Instructions

  1. Set up

    Decide who goes first. Arm wrestle if you need to, or roll a die and the player who rolls the largest number starts.

    Decide how many rounds you will play. Alternatively, set a point goal and the first player who reaches that point goal wins.

  2. Rules

    On their turn, each player throws down six dice. Looking at the dice, remove any combination of dice that add up to seven. (*see variations, below)

    For example, if a player rolls a 4-3-6-2-1-1, they would remove the 4, 3, 6, 1.

    After removing the dice, the player has two choices. They can stop, keeping the score of the remaining dice. In the above example, the remaining dice are 2-1, for a score of 3. Or, they can roll again to try and increase their score.

    If they roll again, the rule of removing dice adding up to seven still applies. For example, if the second roll is 6-1, then both dice are disqualified and the score is 0. If the second roll was 6-2, the score is 8.

    The first player can roll their dice a total of 3 times (2 re-rolls).

    After the first player has recorded their score, the dice are passed clockwise to the next player. All players can now only roll the dice the number of times the first player rolled. So if the first player only rolled twice, subsequent players can only roll up to two times.six purple dice and six blue dice for sevens dice game showing combination of numbers making seven

  3. Ending a Round

    After every player has had a turn, the scores are recorded and a new round begins. The player to the left of the player who began the round begins the new round.

  4. Winning

    After a set number of rounds, players tally up their scores. The player with the highest score wins.

    Alternatively, players can decide to play to a predetermined point value, such as 50 or 100. At the end of a round, if a player has reached that point goal, they win the game.

Variations Your Kids Can Try!

Simple games like Sevens are excellent vehicles for experimentation. The important thing to remember is that all players must agree ahead of time on the rules change! Here are some ideas to try:

Only two dice can add up to 7. The options are then limited to 1-6, 2-5, 3-4.

Any number of dice can add up to 7. If a player rolls 5-1-1-1-4-2, then all the dice would have to be removed and a player ends up with a score of zero.

Allow all players to roll the dice up to three times, regardless of how many times the first player threw the dice.

How does the game change if the forbidden number is 3, 8, 6 or any other number rather than 7?

Why Play Sevens Dice?

First, it's fun!

Also, aside from being a game that all ages will enjoy, younger children can work on number and quantity recognition, as well as basic addition skills.

Sevens dice game doesn't require any electronic devices, so it can be played during family game night but also at play dates, or between siblings to pass the time. Drop a handful of dice in your purse and you and your kids can play on-the-go, along with these dice games that use five dice.

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