Chicago Dice Game: Epic Fun for Large Groups (Printable)

What You’ll Need to Play the Chicago Dice Game

Not much, really. 

Getting started is a breeze. Just grab:

• 2 dice (use your lucky pair, if you have a set ?)
• A pen or pencil for scoring
• A chicago dice game scoresheet (you can download a pdf of the printable below). Or just use regular paper to keep track of those all-important points
• Grab a group, big or small – the larger the group, the better. in this pure luck game.

You’ll also want a score sheet divided into rounds 1 through 11 (you can download my Chicago scoresheet below). Or you can just make your own – if you feel like it.

I’ve played this game everywhere from kitchen tables to camping trips – it’s that portable.

Understanding the Chicago Dice Game Rules: Let’s Keep It Simple

The goal is simple: be the player with the highest cumulative score at the end of 11 rounds.

Here’s how it goes:

• The game has 11 rounds, each with a target number you’re aiming for when you roll those 2 dice, starting with 2 and going up to 12.
• In the first round, that magic number is 2. Get a couple of 1’s and you’re golden. If the sum of the 2 dice happen to be the target number for that round, you get those sweet, sweet points! So in round 1, if you roll a combined total of 2 – two ones – on the dice (2 being the target number), you’d score 2 points. 
• Each successive round, the target goes up by one. So round 2 is 3, round 3 is 4, and so on until you hit 12 as the target number in that final round 11.
• If your roll matches the target, you get those points! Mark down those hard-earned points and pass the dice.Like that time I rolled double 5’s in round 9 – felt like a total boss!
• Everyone takes turns going clockwise.
• But what if you roll a 7 when you need a 9? In that case, you sadly get a goose egg (no points for you!) for that round. Womp, womp, womp!

Easy peasy, right? Well, not always. That’s where the fun (and the cursing under your breath) comes in.

This table shows all the unique ways the two dice can be rolled to produce each possible total from 2 through 12.

Here’s an example. So, you need to get a total of 7 (target number!), because you’re in round 6, there’s 6 possible dice roll combinations: 1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1. 

Check it out:

Round	Target Number	Possible Dice Rolls
1	2	1+1
2	3	1+2, 2+1
3	4	1+3, 2+2, 3+1
4	5	1+4, 2+3, 3+2, 4+1
5	6	1+5, 2+4, 3+3, 4+2, 5+1
6	7	1+6, 2+5, 3+4, 4+3, 5+2, 6+1
7	8	2+6, 3+5, 4+4, 5+3, 6+2
8	9	3+6, 4+5, 5+4, 6+3
9	10	4+6, 5+5, 6+4
10	11	5+6, 6+5
11	12	6+6

Spicing It Up: Chicago Dice Variations

But why stop there? Once you’ve mastered the Chicago Dice Game, there’s are some fun twists you can add to shake things up a bit:

• Double Roll: If you don’t score on your first roll, you get one re-roll of a single die. Redemption!
• Triple Threat: Each player rolls three dice but only uses the two best for scoring. A bit more control over your fate.
• Combos for Points: Get creative and assign special scoring combos beyond just the totals. Like 100 points for rolling three 6’s!
• Go Big or Go Home: Decide on a point goal for the whole shebang, say 100 points. Play multiple shorter games, keeping a running total of everyone’s scores. Award bonus points for achievements like back-to-back wins.
• Go all out with prizes for milestones! The first to 200 points gets to pick the next game, etc.

Large Group? No Problem!

Hosting a party? Running a game night? Trying to liven up a company retreat? The Chicago dice game is your best friend for large groups. Here’s how you play it right:

• Space it out: First thing’s first – clear out some space and set up a large table (or a few tables pushed together). Having enough room is key when you’ve got a ton of players milling around.
• Multiple dice sets: Next up, supplies! You’ll need a handful of dice sets to keep things moving. Maybe get a few different colors to easily divide into teams.
• Rule Recap: Clear, concise instructions beforehand prevent mid-game squabbles. It’s the pre-party pep talk.
• Team Play: Split into groups for a tag-team adventure. It’s like doubles tennis, but with less running and more rolling.
• The Scorekeeper: Oh, and don’t forget to nominate an impartial scorekeeper. This is a crucial role, my friends. You don’t want any funny business going on with those points!

Final Tips for Smooth Sailing in the Chicago Dice Game

• Keep the game moving. Give everybody about 30 seconds to roll and note their points (or lack thereof). Nobody likes watching paint dry or waiting for Uncle Joe to decide his next move.
• Laughter is mandatory. It’s a game, folks. If you’re not laughing at your own bad luck, you’re doing it wrong.
• Snacks. Because snacks make everything better. Just don’t get crumbs on the score sheet. That’s a party foul.

Whoa There!  Yep, You! Snag Your FREE Chicago Dice Game Scoresheet HERE!

Tired of arguing with your friends, family (and maybe your kids) about who won the last round of Chicago?

This scoresheet is here to save your friendships and your sanity. (plus, it’s way cheaper than relationship therapy)

Here’s how to get your hands on this life-changing scoresheet:

• Click this download button (it’s that easy, I promise).
• Check your email for the scoresheet PDF (don’t forget to check your spam folder, just in case). You’ll have to confirm your email first.
• You’ll be automatically added to my weekly newsletter of party tips and goodies (heeeeeey, email bestie!)
• Print that bad boy out and get ready to dominate your next game night

Your Turn

What’s your go-to snack for game night? Bonus points if it’s something that won’t leave your fingers too greasy to roll the dice!