Macao Dice Game (Easy, Simple Game Night Fun)
Macao is a dice game that’s all about rolling the right number to hit exactly 9 points, or getting as close as you can without going over.
Think of it as a race to 9, where going over means you’ve hit the wall—hard. I’ve done that more times than I care to admit, and let’s just say it doesn’t add to your cool factor.
Anywho, this game is always a good choice for a party, an icebreaker, or something different for game night with friends and family.
Let’s dive in!
How to Play Macao (Everything You Need to Know)
When you’re playing Macao, your goal is to be the first player to score 3 chips by winning rounds.
How do you win rounds? By either scoring 9 or by being the being the player closest to 9 by the end of the round. Simple, right?
What You’ll Need:
- Dice: Just one six-sided dice.
- Chips: Or gaming stones, if you like to keep it old school.
- Players: Works best with 3 to 6 players, but you could probably push it with as many as 8 – as long as people are quick about rolling
How to Play Macao:
- Starting Off: Pick who goes first, then take turns clockwise.
- Rolling the Dice: Roll at least once, but feel free to keep going. Just remember, every roll adds to your total score.
- Scoring:
- If you go over 9 points, you score zero and are out for the round. I’ve had my share of zeros, and it’s not a great feeling.
- Stop with 9 or fewer points, and your score stands.
- Ending the Round: The player with the highest score under 9 wins and gets a chip/counter. Ties? Time for a playoff round that goes counter-clockwise.
Winning the Game:
- First player to collect 3 chips wins. It’s as simple and as difficult as that sounds.
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.
| What’s Up? (Game Name) | Cool Stuff (Pros of Playing) | Not So Cool Stuff (Cons of Playing) | Just a Heads Up (Things That Could Go Wrong) | Who’s Gonna Love It? (Player Demographics) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macao | Super easy to learn and play; rounds are quick, keep the game fast-paced | Luck plays a big role, so it can be unpredictable; can get repetitive | Easy to bust by going over 9. Yep, you’re just watching now; It’s boring being a spectator if you bust early in the round | Ages 8+ who enjoy quick and light games; great for small groups, especially 3-6 players |
Game Variations and Twists for Macao:
Macao isn’t a one-trick pony. With several exciting variations, you can switch up the rules to keep the game fresh every time you play.
One of the best things about Macao is the variety of rule variations you can try. Here are a few of my favorites:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Macao for Stakes | Players start with chips and put equal stakes in the pot each round. The winner takes the pot. |
| Dangerous Stakes | Like the stakes version, but players must add another stake to the pot if they bust. |
| Instant Win | If you roll an exact 9, you instantly win the round. (Talk about a rush!) |
| Quinze | Instead of playing to 9, you play to 12 or 15 points. (More room for error, but also more risk!) |
| Pontoon (aka 21) | Use two dice and try to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. (Just like the casino game!) |
These variations add an extra layer of excitement and keep the game feeling fresh, even after countless plays.
(Trust me, I’ve tried them all…and busted spectacularly at each one!)
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.
A Few More Pro Tips from a Seasoned Macao Master
After countless games (and countless busts), I’ve picked up a few tricks to help you dominate at Macao:
- Know when to hold ’em: Sometimes, it’s better to play it safe and stop rolling, even if you’re a few points away from 9. Remember, the goal is to get closest to 9 without going over.
- Keep an eye on your opponents: Pay attention to their scores and rolls. If someone’s already at 8, you might want to take a more aggressive approach and try to beat them.
- Embrace the chaos: Macao is a game of luck, so don’t get too caught up in strategy. Sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches (pun intended) and enjoy the ride!
Wait! You Need These 5 Addictive Dice Games in Your Life!
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Pros and Cons of the Macao Dice Game
Like any game, Macao has its highs and lows. Let’s break them down to see if it’s your cup of tea (or your roll of the dice).
Pros:
- Simple Rules: Easy to pick up, even if you’re not a dice wizard.
- Quick Rounds: Perfect for a quick game night. Just don’t blink, or you might miss a round!
- Thrilling Turns: The suspense of not going over 9 keeps everyone on edge.
- Social Fun: Great for laughs and some friendly banter—I’ve made more friends (and friendly rivals) in this game than in any other.
- Customizable: With all the variations, you won’t get bored.
Cons:
- Luck-Based: Sometimes the dice gods are not in your favor.
- Quick Outs: Go over 9, and you’re just a spectator. Been there, done that, didn’t even get a T-shirt.
- Repetitive Rolls: Might get a bit monotonous for those looking for a deep strategy.
- Too Simple?: Might not scratch the itch for complexity.
Always have a snack table nearby—it keeps the spirits high, especially for those of us who find ourselves spectating more often than playing. Trust me, snacks make everything better.
Want More?
Okay, Slam Dice is pretty fun. But, there’s no need to limit yourself to just one dice game. Mix it up a little bit.
Here’s some game suggestions for you to consider:
Slam Dice is a blast, but why stop there? There are loads of other dice games to try that can spice up your game nights.
- PIG: Roll a single die and aim to score exactly 100 points. Just be careful—if you roll a 1, you lose all your points for that turn. The key is knowing when to stop rolling and safeguard your score before the dice turn on you.
- Chicago Dice: Think of this as the road trip of dice games. You’ll make 11 different “stops” (rounds), each with its own unique goal, ranging from scoring the lowest to achieving a straight. It’s a great mix of luck and strategy, showcasing your dice-rolling prowess.
- Farkle: Ready to roll six dice in search of scoring combinations like 1s, 5s, or three of a kind? If you don’t hit any combos, that’s a Farkle, and you lose your points for that round. The challenge is deciding whether to bank your points safely or risk them for a bigger haul.
Each game offers a unique twist and keeps the excitement rolling, so why not give them a shot?
Your Turn
For the seasoned Macao masters: what’s your go-to victory dance move when you scoop those three chips – or when you win in any sort of game? Bonus points for hilarity!