Going to Boston Dice Game: Rules, Tips, and Fun for All

So, I’m at dinner at my grandparent’s house, and we’re all lounging around after stuffing ourselves with my Aunt Chee’s famous shrimp cocktail.

Suddenly, my cousin pulls out a set of dice and says, “Who’s up for a round of Going to Boston?” 

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first – I mean, what kind of game is named after a city? But as soon as we started playing, I was hooked – and so was my 6 year old daugher.  And you’ll be, too.

The rules are simple, the gameplay is fast-paced, and the competition is fierce. Let’s dive into the Going to Boston Dice game.

How to Play the Going to Bost Boston Dice Game (A Step-By-Step Blueprint)

Embarking on your dice-rolling journey to Boston is easier than finding a parking spot in the city.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to make sure you don’t end up lost in Cambridge.

Objective: 

The goal of “Going to Boston” is simple – score higher than Paul Revere’s horse on a midnight ride. Okay, not really, but you do want to outscore the other players through a series of rounds by rolling the highest possible numbers. 

Materials: 

• Three Dice: The vehicles for your journey.
• Score Sheet: Where dreams are made or dashed.
• Adventurous Spirit: Mandatory. No exceptions.

Setup: 

Setting up is simpler than deciding what type of seafood to eat on the Boston Harbor.

1. Seating Arrangement: Circle formation. It makes it easier to see the disbelief on your opponent’s face when you roll triple ones.
2. Rounds: Decide on the number of rounds you’ll play. My family usually goes with 5 to 10 rounds, but it honestly depends on how many people are playing.  More people? Less rounds.  Otherwise the game becomes tedious.
3. Scorekeeper: Elect someone who can add up scores without using their fingers. Trust me, it speeds things up.
4. Who goes first?: Choose who goes first (youngest player, oldest player, or whoever does the best Boston accent).
5. Start rolling!

Gameplay: Rolling, Scoring, and Navigating Your Way Through the Boston 

Here’s how it goes down:

1. First Roll: Throw all three dice. Keep the highest. Feel free to talk to your dice; I find they respond well to encouragement.
2. Second Roll: With the remaining two dice, roll again and keep the highest. This is where the serious players emerge.
3. Third Roll: Roll the last die. This one’s for all the marbles—or in this case, beans (Boston baked beans, to be precise).
4. Scoring: Add up your total. Highest score takes the round. Bragging is optional but encouraged.

If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.

Roll	Action
1st	Roll 3, keep 1 (the highest)
2nd	Roll remaining 2, keep 1
3rd	Roll the last die, add to sum

GOING TO BOSTON GAMEPLAY EXAMPLE

Here’s an example of how one round of the Going to Boston Dice Game might play out between Ty Malone and Poly Esther:

1. Ty Malone starts the round by rolling all three dice. He gets a 4, 2, and 6. He sets aside the highest die, which is the 6, and gets ready to re-roll the remaining two dice.
2. Ty rolls the two remaining dice and gets a 5 and a 3. He sets aside the 5, which is now the highest die, and gets ready to roll the final die.
3. For his last roll, Ty gets a 4. His total score for the round is the sum of all three dice he set aside: 6 + 5 + 4 = 15.
4. Now it’s Poly Esther’s turn. She rolls the three dice and gets a 3, 6, and 1. She sets aside the highest die, the 6, and prepares to re-roll the other two.
5. On her second roll, Poly gets a 4 and a 5. She sets aside the 5, which is the highest die from this roll, and gets ready for her final roll.
6. For her last roll, Poly gets a 6. Talk about luck! Her total score for the round is the sum of the three dice she set aside: 6 + 5 + 6 = 17.
7. Since Poly Esther’s score of 17 is higher than Ty Malone’s score of 15, Poly wins the round.

This is just one example of how a round might unfold. The beauty of Going to Boston is that the outcome is always uncertain, thanks to the element of chance. Who knows, maybe in the next round, Ty will be the one to come out on top.

What’s Up	Cool Stuff	Not So Cool Stuff	Just a Heads Up	Who’s Gonna Love It?
Going to Boston Dice Game	– Easy to learn, even easier than finding a parking spot in Boston. – Quick rounds, perfect for a fast-paced fun. – Encourages friendly competition and bragging rights.	– Can get repetitive, like hearing “Sweet Caroline” for the 100th time at Fenway. – Luck-based, might make strategic players roll their eyes.	– Dice can go rogue, rolling off tables and into the unknown. – Someone’s going to question the physics of your “wrist action” technique.	– Ages 7 and up, because it’s simple enough for kids but still entertaining for adults. – People who enjoy a quick, fun game with a side of historical humor. – Competitive souls who don’t mind leaving their fate in the hands of the dice.

Beginner’s Blunders: What Not to Do in Going to Boston

Even seasoned Going to Boston players can make mistakes. Here’s a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not keeping the highest die from each roll (trust me, I’ve made this mistake more times than I’d like to admit – especially if I’m too busy snacking and drinking than paying attention to the game)
• Not keeping a running total of your score
• Accidentally dropping your dice in your clam chowder or *gasp* under the couch (hey, it happens to the best of us)

Spinning the Rules: Creative Twists for Your Going to Boston Game

If you’ve mastered the basic Going to Boston dice game rules, and you’re ready to spice things up a bit.  There’s a few creative twists that I’ve got in my back pocket that can make your game even more exciting. Check these out:

1. Double Down: If a player rolls doubles (two dice with the same number), they get to roll an extra die on their next turn. This adds an element of luck and can help players catch up if they’re trailing behind.
2. Boston Bonus: If a player rolls a total of 15 or higher on their first set of 3 rolls, they automatically score a bonus 10 points. This rewards players for starting strong and keeps everyone on their toes.
3. Yankee Swap: After each round, the player with the lowest score can choose to swap their score with another player. This adds a bit of strategy and can help level the playing field.
4. Newmarket Challenge: If a player rolls three of a kind (all three dice showing the same number), they can choose to double their score for that round or force an opponent to skip their next turn. Choose wisely.

Dice Flick Tricks: “This is where the brainy bit of your game night is all about getting really good at throwing dice. Forget about those famous science guys, Newton and Einstein; your mission to win at ‘”Going to Boston'”is all about how well you can flick your wrist like the experts from the old days. Just make sure those dice don’t end up on the floor, or you’ll be in today’s version of trouble – losing points.”

Extra Dicey Tips

• Talk to Your Dice: Yes, really. I’ve whispered sweet nothings to mine, and while I can’t prove it works, it certainly makes for a great story.
• The Element of Surprise: Change up the twists each game night. Keeps the gameplay fresh and your friends guessing.
• Keep Snacks Handy: Nothing says “game night” like thematic snacks. Think baked beans, clam chowder, and tea (okay, maybe not the tea—too soon?).

Armed with these twists, your next Going to Boston game night is guaranteed to be a hit.

Just remember, it’s all in good fun—unless you’re losing, then it’s serious business.

Understanding the Unique Appeal of Dice Games like Going to Boston

Dice games have been around for centuries, and there’s a good reason why they remain popular today. Here are some of the unique appeals of dice games like Going to Boston:

• They’re accessible to players of all ages and skill levels
• They require minimal equipment (just dice and a flat surface)
• They offer a perfect balance of luck and strategy
• They provide a social experience that brings people together

Snapshot: Going to Boston in a Nutshell

Here’s a short, overview of the Going to Boston Dice Game and what it takes to play (and win!) the game:

If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.

lement	Detail	Why Am I Like This?
Alternate Names	Boston Bound, The Great Bean Roll, Chowdah Chasers.	Because we thrive on confusion and secretly enjoy the chaos of not knowing the game’s actual name.
Objective	Outscore your friends to become the Paul Revere of dice.	Because nothing says “fun” like a competition that tests friendships and patience.
Players	2-6 (or more), inclusivity at its finest.	Because we believe more is merrier, especially when it leads to longer waiting times and more dramatic outcomes.
Dice/Components	Three dice, score sheet, a dash of competitiveness.	Because what’s a game without the heart-racing thrill of potentially losing to inanimate objects?
Gameplay	Roll dice, keep the highest, talk to them like they’re your only hope.	Because deep down, we all believe in the power of pep talks, even to dice.
Scoring	Highest sum wins, brings bragging rights.	Because we secretly love math when it serves our ego.
Turns	Turn-based, with a mix of strategy and praying to the dice gods.	Because we enjoy the illusion of control in a game ruled by chaos.
Strategy	Roll high or charm your dice. Yes, that’s the strategy.	Because we’re all about that base… no treble. Just kidding, we’re all about hoping luck is in our favor.
Winning	Fleeting joy and temporary glory.	Because in the end, we all just want to be the king of the hill, even if it’s just for a moment.

Beyond Boston: Dice Games Galore for All Ages and Interests

1. Sevens: In this game, you roll two dice and try to get a total of 7. If you do, you win! It’s a quick and easy game that anyone can play.
2. Jackpot Dice Game: This one’s a bit like Yahtzee. You roll five dice and try to get certain combinations, like three of a kind or a straight. The more challenging the combination, the more points you score!
3. Chicago Dice: Here, you’ll need two dice and a cup. Take turns rolling the dice in the cup and secretly look at them. Then, make a bid on the total of everyone’s dice. If you’re right, you win points, but if you’re wrong, you lose!
4. Tenzi: In Tenzi, everyone gets 10 dice. The goal is to roll your dice as fast as you can until all of them show the same number. It’s a race to see who can do it first!
5. 10000 Dice Game: This game is all about scoring points. Take turns rolling six dice and earning points based on what you roll. The first player to reach 10,000 points wins!

Your Turn

What’s your favorite dice game?  Is it one that’s family friendly or for the over 21 crowd?  Let me know your ideas in the comments below.