9 Easy Dice Games with 5 Dice for Endless Game Night Fun
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there – sitting around a table, eyes glazing over as someone explains the 47th rule of a board game that you lost interest in 10 minutes ago.
But then, someone whips out a handful of dice, and suddenly, it’s game on.
Why? Because dice games are like that cool, laid-back friend who knows how to turn a dull evening into a blast without trying too hard.
9 Fun Dice Games with 5 Dice (Check ‘Em Out!)
Think you need a closet full of board games to keep the party lively? Think again!
Grab just five dice and get ready to shake things up with these 9 ridiculously fun dice games.
1. Mafia Dice
Objective: Be the first player to lose all your dice.
Materials: 5 dice per player.
Setup: Each player gets 5 dice.
How to Play: Roll your dice, pass any 6s to the player on your left, and remove any 1s from the game. Continue until one player has no dice left.
Why it’s fun: It’s like a game of hot potato, but with dice instead of a scorching tuber. You’ll be passing those pesky 6s around faster than a mobster passes a hot gun. Click here to get the juicy details on how to whack your way to victory playing Mafia Dice.
Wait! You Need These 5 Addictive Dice Games in Your Life!
Want to have fun on the go (or even a game night) WITHOUT 3 hours of prep and a minor emotional breakdown? Grab some dice and SNAG the No-Fuss Fun Dice Game cheatsheet to play easy-to-learn, FUN dice games whenever boredom strikes. Your sanity (and your hair) will thank you!
2. Three or More
Objective: Have the highest score at the end of ten rounds.
Materials: 5 dice, score sheet.
Setup: Each player takes turns rolling all 5 dice.
How to Play: Roll at least 3 of a kind to score. If you roll no matches, your turn ends with zero points.
Don’t get greedy. Sometimes, banking a lower score is better than risking it all.
Why it’s fun: Who doesn’t love a game that lets you relive those glorious elementary school math days? Except this time, instead of getting detention for rolling dice in class, you’re the one calling the shots. Feeling nostalgic? Check out the all the rules and fun variations for Three or More.
3. 5000 (or Greedy)
Objective: Reach 5000 points first.
Materials: 5 dice, score sheet.
Setup: Each player rolls all 5 dice.
How to Play: Score points by rolling 1s, 5s, or three of a kind. Keep rolling to accumulate points, but risk losing them if you roll no scoring dice.
Why it’s fun: It’s like a high-stakes game of “The Price is Right,” but instead of bidding on a new car, you’re bidding on how much you can push your luck before it all comes crashing down.
Ever had a game night where the only thing organized was the chaos? Same.
This Facebook group is like that one drawer full of random stuff in your kitchen; it’s a bit of everything and somehow EXACTLY what you need. Dive into the treasure trove of laughs, printable games and tips for moms who wish “winging it with style” was a recognized party planning strategy.
4. Ship, Captain, and Crew
Objective: Roll a 6 (ship), 5 (captain), and 4 (crew) in order, then achieve the highest score with the remaining dice.
Materials: 5 dice.
Setup: Each player rolls up to three times.
How to Play: Roll to get a 6, 5, and 4 in order. Use the remaining dice to score points.
Remember that you have to get your ship, captain, and crew first.
Why it’s fun: This game will have you feeling like a salty sea dog, rolling for your ship, captain, and crew. Just don’t get too carried away and start talking like a pirate. Arrrr you ready to set sail? Here be the ins and outs for Ship, Captain, and Crew.
5. Liar’s Dice
Objective: Be the last player with dice remaining by avoiding losing challenges.
Materials: 5 dice per player, dice cups.
Setup: Each player shakes their dice in a cup and keeps the result hidden.
How to Play: Players take turns bidding on the total number of a certain face value. Challenge if you think someone is bluffing.
Bluffing is key. Don’t be afraid to call out a lie, but be prepared to back it up.
Why it’s fun: It’s like a game of poker, but instead of bluffing with a bad hand, you’re bluffing with dice. Talk about a high-stakes game of deception. Feeling lucky? Learn how to lie…um, play Liar’s Dice like a pro.
Rolling dice is cool, but you know what’s cooler? Not starving while you’re at it. Toss some BLT sliders as a game night snack (recipe courtesy of Mary from Life in the RV) into the mix and keep your energy up for that all-important win.
6. Drop Dead
Objective: Gain the highest total score.
Materials: 5 dice, score sheet.
Setup: Each player rolls all 5 dice.
How to Play: Roll the dice and score the total if no 2s or 5s are rolled. Remove any 2s or 5s and continue rolling the remaining dice.
Why it’s fun: With a name like that, how can you resist? It’s like a game of Russian roulette, but instead of a bullet, you’re risking the sweet embrace of disappointment when you roll a 2 or 5. Feeling morbidly curious? Dig into the details of the Drop Dead dice game.
7. Poker Dice
Objective: Roll the best possible poker hand using five dice.
Materials: 5 dice (yep, still sticking with the theme!)
Setup: Just make sure you have the dice handy.
How to Play: Roll to create the best poker hand. Hands (combinations of numbers with dice are ranked like in poker.
Why it’s fun: It’s poker, but with dice. Need we say more? Okay, fine, it’s like poker, but without the smoky rooms, questionable characters, and risk of losing your life savings. Want to feel like a high-roller in Poker Dice without The Ultimate Guide to Poker Dice (A Game Night Gem) the high stakes? Check it out.
Wait! You Need These 5 Addictive Dice Games in Your Life!
Want to have fun on the go (or even a game night) WITHOUT 3 hours of prep and a minor emotional breakdown? Grab some dice and SNAG the No-Fuss Fun Dice Game cheatsheet to play easy-to-learn, FUN dice games whenever boredom strikes. Your sanity (and your hair) will thank you!
8. Yahtzee
Objective: Score the highest points by rolling specific combinations.
Materials: 5 dice, score sheet.
Setup: Each player rolls up to three times.
How to Play: Roll to achieve combinations like three of a kind, four of a kind, full house, etc.
Why it’s fun: It’s the classic game that’s been around longer than your great-aunt Gertrude. But instead of playing it with your family and risking a full-blown argument over scoring, you can play it with your friends and risk a full-blown argument over scoring.
9. Plus and Minus
Objective: Practice early math skills while having fun.
Materials: 5 dice, score sheet.
Setup: Each player rolls all 5 dice.
How to Play: Roll the dice and add or subtract values over four rolls to get the highest score.
Use this game to sneak in some math practice for kids. They won’t even realize they’re learning.
Why it’s fun: It’s like a math lesson, but instead of falling asleep at your desk, you’re rolling dice and having fun. Who knew learning could be so enjoyable? Want to sneak in some education? Check out the rules.
Let’s Take a Closer Peek at Each Game
| What’s Up | Cool Stuff | Not So Cool Stuff | Just a Heads Up | Who’s Gonna Love It? |
| Mafia Dice | Quick, easy to learn | Can be repetitive | Watch out for cheaters | Families, casual gamers |
| Three or More | Simple math skills | Can be frustrating with no matches | Keep score accurately | Kids, family fun night lovers, math enthusiasts |
| 5000 (Greedy) | High risk, high reward | Easy to lose points | Know when to stop | Thrill-seekers, gamblers, great family fun night option |
| Ship, Captain, and Crew | Thematic, fun | Needs luck | Focus on order | Party-goers, casual players, families |
| Liar’s Dice | Bluffing, strategy | Can be intense | Be ready to call bluffs | Poker fans, strategists, families with older kids |
| Drop Dead | Simple, fast-paced | Can be luck-based | High rolls early | Quick thinkers, families |
| Poker Dice | Strategy, poker skills | Needs poker knowledge | Know your hands | Poker lovers, strategists, |
| Yahtzee | Classic, strategic | Can be long | Go for big scores | Families, classic gamers |
| Plus and Minus | Educational, fun | Can be too simple | Sneak in math | Kids, parents, teachers, families |
This table gives you a quick rundown of each game, highlighting the pros, cons, and who’ll enjoy them the most.
Rolling Into Fun: Why Dice Games Are the Real MVPs
- Engagement: Nothing says “party” like the clatter of dice hitting the table. It’s like they have their own gravitational pull, drawing everyone in with the promise of fun and a touch of chaos.
- Randomness: Dice are the great equalizers. You could be up against Einstein, but if the dice don’t roll in his favor, tough luck, genius! It’s all about the thrill of the unknown, and let’s be honest, a little schadenfreude when your friend rolls a one.
- Skill-building: Dice games sneakily teach you to think on your feet. You’re constantly calculating odds, strategizing, and trying to outsmart your opponents. It’s like a workout for your brain, but with more laughter and less sweating.
Always have a set of dice in your bag. They’re the perfect ice-breaker, whether you’re stuck at an airport, making new friends at a party, or trying to keep your kids from running crazy at a restaurant while you’re waiting for your entrees’. Trust me, nothing brings people together like the shared hope of rolling a six.
Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to spice up your evening, don’t underestimate the power of those little cubes.
Dice games are the unsung heroes of entertainment, ready to turn any gathering into an adventure.
Ever had a game night where the only thing organized was the chaos? Same.
This Facebook group is like that one drawer full of random stuff in your kitchen; it’s a bit of everything and somehow EXACTLY what you need. Dive into the treasure trove of laughs, printable games and tips for moms who wish “winging it with style” was a recognized party planning strategy.
How to Host a Dice Game Night Without Losing Your Mind
So, you’ve decided to host a dice game night. Bold move. Here’s how to make sure it’s a hit and not a total disaster:
- Prep Like a Pro: Set up a comfy playing area and gather all the necessary supplies. Trust me, nothing kills the vibe faster than scrambling for dice mid-game.
- Game Variations: Keep things spicy by adding variations to the games. It keeps everyone on their toes and prevents boredom.
- Snacks and Drinks: Have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand. No one wants to play on an empty stomach. Plus, a well-fed guest is a happy guest.
Always have a backup game ready. If one game flops, you can quickly switch gears and keep the fun rolling. I went to a game night once where the main game was a total dud. Luckily, the host had a backup game, and it saved the night. Lesson learned: always be prepared for the unexpected.
Wrapping It Up: Why Dice Games Are Your New Best Friend
To sum it up, dice games are the unsung heroes of game nights. They’re easy to learn, quick to play, and perfect for any gathering.
Seriously, next time you’re planning a game night, don’t overlook these little cubes of joy.
Want More?
I’ve got tons of fun dice games you can use to spice up your next game night, family reunion, get together, whatever. Take a peek:
- 10 Best Dice Games for Large Groups for Game Night Fun
- How to Play the Mexico Dice Game (Simple Family Fun & Strategy)
- How to Play Tenzi (an Easy Guide for Dice Game Addicts)
Your Turn
So, what’s your favorite dice game? One of the picks above? Or something new? Let me know in the comments below.