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Yahtzee is a dice game in which each player gets 13 turns to fill 13 different score-card categories. On a turn, roll five dice up to three times, keep any dice you want between rolls, then choose one open category to score—even if that means entering zero. The player with the highest total after all categories are filled wins.
What you need and how the game is set up
Each player needs a score card with 13 categories. Hasbro’s US Yahtzee C2406 set is listed for ages 8 and up and two or more players; it includes five dice, a shaker, score cards, and instructions. That listing says the set contains 100 score cards. Components and rules can differ by edition, so follow the instructions supplied with your set.
Each player completes their own score card over 13 turns. You do not have to take turns in a particular scoring category order: on each turn, choose any category that is still blank.
How a turn works
- Roll all five dice. This is your first roll.
- Choose what to keep. Set aside any dice you want to use toward a scoring combination. You may also keep all five or none.
- Reroll any dice you did not keep. After the second roll, you may keep or change your selection and roll a third time if you wish.
- Choose one open score-card category. Record the score there, including zero if you cannot or do not want to score points in a suitable open category.
You may roll up to three times in a turn, counting the first roll. You can stop sooner, and you do not have to use all three rolls. After recording a score, your turn is over; the next player takes a turn. Hasbro describes the game as 13 turns per player, so each player fills one category on every turn.
#1 Best Overall
- DICE-ROLLIN' BATTLE: Shake it up and get rolling! This Yahtzee game features classic Yahtzee gameplay. It's fast-paced, strategic fun for adults, teens, and kids
- THE SHAKE, SCORE, AND SHOUT GAME: This strategy game for 2 or more players has opponents rolling dice to get different combos and earn the highest score. Who will be the high roller?
- GO FOR 5 OF A KIND: Roll the dice to build straights and full houses, or risk it all for a 5 of a Kind Yahtzee roll! It takes luck and strategic gameplay to know when to take chances
- FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Yahtzee is one of the most epic dice games for game night. Let the good times roll!
- FUN GIFTS FOR FAMILY: Classic board games are excellent go-to gifts for kids, families, and friends
How to score the 13 categories
The upper section has six boxes, one for each face from Aces through Sixes. In the lower section, you score combinations. Each category can be used only once, and you may choose any open box that fits your roll.
| Section | Category | How to score it |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Aces | Add the value of every die showing 1. |
| Upper | Twos | Add the value of every die showing 2. |
| Upper | Threes | Add the value of every die showing 3. |
| Upper | Fours | Add the value of every die showing 4. |
| Upper | Fives | Add the value of every die showing 5. |
| Upper | Sixes | Add the value of every die showing 6. |
| Lower | Three of a Kind | If at least three dice match, score the total of all five dice. |
| Lower | Four of a Kind | If at least four dice match, score the total of all five dice. |
| Lower | Full House | Three dice of one face and two of another score 25. |
| Lower | Small Straight | Four consecutive faces score 30. |
| Lower | Large Straight | Five consecutive faces score 40. |
| Lower | Chance | Score the total of all five dice, with no combination required. |
| Lower | Yahtzee | Five dice showing the same face score 50. |
For example, a roll of 2, 2, 2, 5, 5 is a Full House worth 25 points if that box is open. It can also be scored in an open Twos box for 6 points, or in Chance for 16. You choose one category, not several. If you use Full House now, you cannot score that category again later.
Rank #2
- DICE ROLLIN’ BATTLE GAME - Classic parlor game has captivated players, young and old, since 1956
- EXCITING COMBINATION - Unique combination of luck and strategy makes every game an exciting challenge
- SCORE 50 POINTS - Score 50 points with a Yahtzee (5 of a kind) Yahtzee comes with 100 score cards
- INCLUDES - Yahtzee shaker, 100 score cards, 5 dice, and instructions. Ages 8 and up. For 2 or more players.
- OWN AN ORIGINAL CLASSIC THAT HAS BROUGHT FAMILIES & FRIENDS TOGETHER SINCE 1956
Upper-section bonus
Hasbro’s 00950 guide (2012) awards a 35-point bonus when the upper-section score is more than 63. The target represents scoring at least three of each face across Aces through Sixes: 3 points in Aces, 6 in Twos, 9 in Threes, 12 in Fours, 15 in Fives, and 18 in Sixes, for 63 points. Because the guide says “over 63,” a score of exactly 63 does not qualify under that edition’s wording.
What happens when you roll another Yahtzee?
If your Yahtzee box already contains 50, each additional Yahtzee earns a 100-point bonus under Hasbro’s support guidance, published in 2013 and updated in 2023. You must still record the roll in an available scoring category using the Joker rules.
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Rank #3
- ALL-TIME FAMILY FAVORITE: Classic Yahtzee is the best-selling and most famous dice game of all-time. Families and friends have been enjoying this American icon since the fabulous 50's
- THE BACKGROUND: Luck plays a big role in Yahtzee, but strategy makes a huge difference. You score each combination just once, and the number of different combinations you can score is equal to the number of turns in the game
- THE PLAY: Roll all 5 dice on your turn. If you don't like what you've rolled, you can keep any amount of dice and re-roll the rest up to 2 more times
- FAST PACED: The game ends after each player has 13 turns and filled every box in the column with a score or a zero. The Player or Team with the highest total score for all games (up to six) wins
- WHAT ARE THE ODDS?: Did you know that the odds of rolling a Yahtzee (5 OF A KIND) on your first roll are 1295 to 1? So you won't see that happen very often
- If the matching upper-section box is open, score the total of the matching dice there. For example, five 4s score 20 in an open Fours box.
- If that upper box is already filled, choose an open lower-section category. Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, or Chance score the total of all five dice; Full House scores 25; Small Straight scores 30; and Large Straight scores 40.
- If the Yahtzee box contains zero, there is no 100-point bonus for another five-of-a-kind roll. The roll must still be entered according to the Joker rules.
The bonus applies only when the Yahtzee box already has 50; a zero in that box does not qualify.
Choosing a category when several fit
Some rolls can score in more than one open box, so the decision is not always simply “take the biggest number now.” Hasbro’s 00950 guide advises balancing the upper and lower sections and suggests saving Chance for later, when fewer useful options remain. That is general guidance, not a guarantee of the best choice: weigh the points you can record now against which categories will remain available on future turns.
Rank #4
- ROLL FOR THE ULTIMATE SCORE — Experience the timeless high-stakes dice rolling action of Yahtzee reimagined with authentic 1956-inspired styling. Suitable for 1 or more players ages 8 and up, this versatile edition offers engaging gameplay for solo strategy, casual family game nights, or large group parties.
- PREMIUM VINTAGE COMPONENTS — Features a dedicated rolling cup, a removable dice tray with built-in keepers, 5 poker-style dice, 8 heavy-weight betting chips, a retro-themed scorebook, and 4 pencils. Every piece is crafted for a tactile, casino-quality experience that elevates standard play.
- BEAUTIFUL ON DISPLAY, FUN TO COLLECT — Designed to resemble an elegant hardcover volume, this game doubles as sophisticated decor for your bookshelf, mantel, or coffee table. It's part of an expansive collection of over 20 unique Vintage Bookshelf Edition game titles—allowing you to collect your favorite classic games and line them up together to create a cohesive, custom library aesthetic.
- THE PERFECT GIFT — Solves the challenge of finding a memorable present for friends and family. Gifting one or a few titles starts an elegant personal game library and offers them meaningful, screen-free experiences. Future occasions like birthdays and holidays become effortless as you add new titles to their collection with each passing milestone.
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY DESIGN — The fabric book case measures 10.6 x 8.4 x 2.6 inches for convenient, upright shelf display like a classic novel. Inside, all heavy-duty dice, chips, and accessories nest neatly into integrated storage compartments for effortless, clutter-free organization and travel.
If no open category gives a useful score, you still have to fill one box. Entering zero is legal, so consider putting it in a category that is difficult to complete or that you are willing to give up.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to total the game and decide the winner
After all 13 categories have been filled, add the upper-section scores, any qualifying upper-section bonus, the lower-section scores, and any additional-Yahtzee bonuses. The player with the highest grand total wins. Hasbro’s 00950 guide identifies this as the highest total at the end of all 13 rounds.
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- IT'S BACK!: Originally produced in the 1980's this is Yahtzee but with letters and words instead of numbers
- 7 LETTER DICE: Instead of 7 regular dice like in standard Yahtzee, you get 7 Letter Dice to spell words and combinations
- FAMILIAR SCORESHEET: The Yahtzee Words Scoresheet is split between an Upper Section and Lower Section just like standard Yahtzee. You must fill in a score on every turn - and try to get that Upper Bonus to score big
- NOT JUST WORDS: Yes you'll need to make clever 2 to 6 Letter Words, but you'll also need to get All Consonants, All Vowels, Multiple Words, and the EXTREMELY rare 7 letter word Yahtzee
- SKILLS: This isn't just for experienced word game players. Anyone who is 8 or older can play! Your vocabulary will likely improve - as will your word/letter jumble skills
Official rules and edition notes
The turn structure and basic scoring described here follow Hasbro’s Yahtzee instructions and its 00950 guide. The upper bonus wording is specific to the 00950 guide, while Hasbro’s current US product listing describes the C2406 set. Hasbro notes that older or prior instructions may differ in clarity, so check the rule sheet included with your edition if its wording differs.
Quick Recap
- Hasbro Yahtzee product instructions and C2406 listing
- Hasbro Yahtzee 00950 game guide (2012)
- Hasbro Consumer Care: Joker rules and Yahtzee bonus guidance
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