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!
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
- Gather your supplies
3 dice. Share, or give each player their own.
2 or more enthusiastic players
Pencil and paper to keep score - 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."
- 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.
- 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:
Shenli Wong says
I would like to print the rules and how to play Buck Dice. Love dice and card games. How do I print the game without the ads?
Erica says
Fill out the form with your email. The form is titled, "Want the Printable Game Instructions?" in large, orange font.