How to Play the Mexico Dice Game (Simple Family Fun & Strategy)

So, Mexico is often played as a drinking game, but there’s no reason it can’t be enjoyed as a family-friendly game, too.

Just swap out the drinks for casino tokens, counters, mini pretzels, Skittles, or something similar, and you’ve got a game that’s playable for EVERYONE.

So, grab your dice, round up your friends and family, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to play this addictive little game.

Trust me, you’ll be a pro in no time… or at least, you’ll be having too much fun to care.

How to Play the Mexico Dice Game Step-By-Step

Whether you’re gathering with kids, or just looking for a dice game that doesn’t require a morning-after headache remedy, this version of Mexico keeps the fun rolling without the need for anything stronger than a soda.

Objective:

Keep. Your. Tokens.

The goal of the Mexico dice game is simple: have the most tokens at the end of the game. 

To do that…well, don’t lose rounds. Each round, players take turns rolling the dice, trying to avoid having the lowest roll. Got that? Avoid the lowest scoring roll of dice.

The player with the lowest score at the end of each round loses and has to forfeit a casino token to the “pot” in the center of the table. Last one with the most tokens wins.

Materials:

• 2 regular dice (I prefer the colorful ones, because…color makes everything more fun!)
• A stash of casino tokens (or some other substitute) for each player (10 usually work best). Think of them as your in-game life points.
• 3-5 players is ideal, but 3 or more can play
• A table or flat surface for rolling

Setup:

• Gather your players in a circle, with the pot in the center within everyone’s reach but not in the danger zone of wild dice throws.
• The first player is chosen by the most scientific method known to humanity: the youngest player, the last one to win a game, or anyone who mistakenly makes eye contact first. You decide.
• Decide as a group how many rounds you’d like to play. Anywhere from 5 to 10 seems to be the sweet spot, in my house – but figure out what works well for you.

Gameplay:

What I like best about the Mexico Dice Game (actually any of my favorite easy dice games) is its simplicity and the quick pace – especially once you get the hang of playing.

And this family friendly version is similar to its more grown-up counterpart. 

Here’s a breakdown of how a typical round unfolds:

1. First Player Rolls: The opening act, where hope and strategy collide. Roll the two dice.
   
   Here’s where the fun begins: the numbers on the dice form a two-digit number, with the higher number placed first.  A roll of 3 and 2 becomes 32. A roll of 4 and 5 becomes 54.  And the roll of 54 beats the roll of 32. 
   
2. Here’s some twists: doubles (two of the same number) always rank higher than non-doubles.  So 4-4 beats 6-3, and 2-2 beats 5-1.  A 1-1 beats 5-4.  But, a double can be beaten by a higher double.  Like a 4-4 beats a 2-2. 
   
   See what I mean? And if you roll a double, you’re allowed to roll again to try to beat a higher double than you.  But, you can only roll again, ONCE.
   
   Or you can keep your initial roll. If a player rolls a 2 and a 1 (2-1) (called a “Mexico”, not sure why 🤔 ), it’s an automatic win for that round (beating even a 6 – 6).
   
   Then losing player for the round has to give up double the tokens if someone rolls a 21. (been there, done that)
   
3. Every Other Player Tries to Beat the Previous Roll: As the dice move clockwise, each player gets their chance to outdo the previous roll, hoping to not get the lowest roll. The tension! The drama! It’s equally possible to be both the victor and the potential villain with every roll of the dice – depending on your perspective.
   
4. Ending a Round: Once all players have rolled, the one with the lowest roll faces the consequences. In my variation, you give up a token to the “pot” and brace for the next round.  Unless someone’s rolled a Mexico (a 2 – 1 that round).  In that case, the loser has to give up 2 tokens.
   
5. Loser Leads the Next Round: The losing player starts the next round, a mix of a walk of shame and a chance for redemption. The game continues until a predetermined number of rounds, or until everyone agrees the current loser is sufficiently humbled.
   
6. Special Rolls – The Lifelines: Keep an eye out for doubles and the legendary 2-1. Rolling doubles allows you another throw (if you want to use it), and landing a 2-1 can instantly make you the round’s winner, because it’s the lowest roll combination but beats the highest 6 -6

What Does Each Roll Mean in Mexico Dice 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.

Roll	What It Means	Gameplay Implication
6-6	The highest roll…kinda	You’re basically the king/queen of the round. Sit back and watch the peasants (I mean, your friends) try to match your greatness.
5-5, 4-4, 3-3, etc.	Doubles	Good news! You get to roll again to try to beat a player who rolled the same set of doubles as you. Or you can hold where you are. Doubles are like getting a bonus life in video games. Use it wisely.
2-1 (Mexican)	The lowest but MIGHTEST roll	Plot twist! This roll beats even 6-6, making you an instant legend. It’s like pulling the best prank ever.
6-1, 5 -4, 3-2, 4-3, 2-4, etc.	Mixed roll	The meat of the game. Your roll forms a two-digit number (higher number first), and your goal is to not be at the bottom. Think of it as not being the last picked in gym class.
Lowest non-special roll (e.g., 3-1 > 2-2)	The unfortunate soul	The dreaded position. If you’re not special (in the doubles or Mexican sense), you better not be lowest. This is the “Awww, crap” moment.

House Rules and Variants When Playing Mexican Dice (to Keep Things Spicy)

Okay, so you’ve got the basics of the Mexico Dice Game down pat, but where’s the excitement in that?

It’s like eating vanilla ice cream every day – sure, it’s good, but why not throw in some sprinkles or hot fudge to spice things up?

That’s where house rules and variations come into play:

1. Drinking Game Version: Every roll is a gamble. Will you come out on top or will you be chugging your drink in shame? The key is to stay hydrated and pick a drink you can handle. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re in over your head halfway through the game.
   
2. Family-Friendly Token Version: If you’re playing with the kiddos or the grandparents, swap out the booze for some tokens. Treasure hunt, anyone? Watching the little ones strategize like tiny CEOs is hilarious – they’re fierce, calculating, and sometimes a little sneaky.
   
3. Silent Mode: Ever tried playing a round in complete silence? It’s intense. First person to make a peep loses a token or takes a sip. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been the one to break the silence and end up as the designated drink fetcher.
   
4. The Double Down Rule: Feeling lucky? If you roll doubles, you can double down and roll again. But be careful – if you fail, you face double the consequences. If you don’t roll another double, you have to do some sort of silly challenge. What challenge? It’s up to the players to decide. It’s like playing Russian roulette with your dignity.
   
5. The Redemption Roll: If you’re the unlucky soul with the lowest score, don’t despair! The Redemption Roll gives you a chance to save yourself by rolling a single die. Rolling a 6 is like hitting the jackpot – you’re safe and someone else takes the fall.
   
6. The Switcheroo: Once per game, you can swap your roll with someone else’s. It’s a game-changer, but timing is everything. I’ve learned the hard way that this can backfire spectacularly – karma is swift and merciless in the Mexico Dice Game.
   
7. Clockwise Confusion: Just when you think you’ve got the game figured out, the order of play reverses at random intervals. It’s like being on a treadmill that suddenly speeds up – you’ve gotta think on your feet!
   
8. The Ultimate Sacrifice: Feeling bold? Sacrifice 5 tokens to challenge the next player to a roll off with one die instead of two. Whoever gets the highest roll wins. If they win, they get your tokens plus 5 more from the pot. If you lose, you also have to do some sort of silly challenge AND you’ve lost your tokens-making yourself more vulnerable. But be careful – I’ve seen this move backfire more times than I can count.
   
9. Thief in the Night: Roll snake eyes (1-1) and you get to steal a token from any player you want.  Sneaky, stealthy, and oh so satisfying – especially when you’re paying back your little brother for talking smack to you in a previous round. 
    
10. Sloppy Dice: Drop your dice? Lose a turn and take a drink or lose a token. It’s a simple way to keep things tidy and add a bit of risk to the game. Plus, it’s always funny to see someone scramble to stop their dice from falling to the floor.

The key is having all players agree to any house rules before starting to keep things fair and friendly.

The variety in rules keeps the game fresh.

And of course, feel free to get creative and make up your own twists – some the BEST games are the silly variants my friends and I would come up with on the fly. 

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	Cool Stuff	Not So Cool Stuff	Just a Heads Up
Drinking Game Version	Ups the stakes and adds excitement	Can get out of hand quickly, not suitable for all players (definitely adults only)	Players drink too much, leading to arguments or accidents; drink responsibly and have Uber on speed dial to get everyone home safely
Family-Friendly Token Version	Inclusive for all ages, encourages strategic thinking	May not be as exciting for adult players	Kids might get upset if they lose tokens, could lead to tantrums or hurt feelings
Silent Mode	Adds a new challenge, can be hilarious	May be difficult for some players to stay quiet, can slow down gameplay	Players might accidentally make noise, causing disputes over who should be penalized
The Double Down Rule	Increases risk and reward, keeps players engaged	Can be frustrating for players on a losing streak	Players might take too many risks, leading to a quick elimination
The Redemption Roll	Gives losing players a chance to stay in the game	May prolong the game if used too often	Players might argue over what constitutes a “low score” for the redemption roll
The Switcheroo	Adds a strategic element, can help players catch up	May lead to hurt feelings if used against a specific player	Players might accidentally switch with the wrong person, causing confusion
Clockwise Confusion	Keeps players on their toes, adds an element of surprise	Can be disorienting for some players, may slow down gameplay	Players might forget the new direction and roll out of turn, leading to disputes
The Ultimate Sacrifice	Allows players to make bold moves, can shift the balance of power	Can be a risky move, may lead to a player’s quick elimination	Players might argue over what constitutes a “silly challenge” for the loser
Thief in the Night	Adds an element of revenge and strategy, can help players catch up	May lead to hurt feelings if used too often against a specific player; Maybe set a rule that each player can only be challenged once in the game.	Players might accidentally steal from the wrong person, causing arguments
Sloppy Dice	Encourages careful rolling, adds an element of risk	Can slow down gameplay, may be frustrating for clumsy players or little kids	Players might argue over what constitutes a “dropped” die, leading to disputes

Strategies and Expert Tips

• Roll with Confidence: Whether you’re aiming for doubles or just trying not to be the lowest roller, a confident roll can sometimes feel like it influences fate. Or maybe that’s just me being optimistic after all these years.
• Keep an Eye on the Pot: Tokens in the pot mean someone’s luck is running thin. Gauge when to play it safe and when to risk it all for a double roll.
• Don’t Fear the Mexico: The 2-1 roll, or the Mexico, is a rare but game-changing roll. It’s both feared and revered, capable of flipping the script in an instant. If you roll it, wear that smug smile with pride—you’ve earned it.
• Adapt and React: Each round is a new chance to strategize. Learn from the previous round, adapt your strategy, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll avoid being the round’s loser.

Mexico Dice Game Rules and Suggestions for Age Appropriate Adaptations

This little gem has been a staple at my family gatherings and game nights with friends for as long as I can remember.

It’s the swiss army knife of dice games – adaptable, easy to learn, and always ready to inject some laughter into any situation. 

And speaking of adaptations, here’s some suggestions for how you can make sure that everyone is having an awesome time – no matter their age:

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.

Age Group	Suggested Adaptations	My Two Cents
Kids (under 10)	– Play for points, small candies (hello M&Ms) or small prizes instead of money or drinks (obviously, right) – Simplify the rules (e.g., ignore the “social roll” or “double trouble” rules) – Play in teams to encourage cooperation	Listen, when it comes to the little ones, it’s all about keeping it simple and fun. Trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of meltdowns over a game of Candy Land. Stick to the basics and focus on the excitement of rolling the dice and watching the points add up. And maybe have some tissues handy, just in case.
Teens & Tweens (11-17)	– Play for small stakes like candy or chores – Introduce more complex rules like the “Switcheroo” or “Clockwise Confusion” – Allow non-alcoholic drinks as penalties (e.g., soda, juice) – Create a themed playlist to set the mood -Play in teams for a fun, partner dynamic	Soooo…teenagers. They’re too cool for kid stuff but not quite ready for the adult table. The key here is to find that sweet spot between challenging and fun. Throw in some wacky rules to keep them on their toes and maybe even let them create their own variations. Just be prepared for some eye-rolls and snarky comments. It’s all part of the charm.
Adults (21+)	– Play for drinks or money, depending on the group’s preferences – Add in all the house rules and variations for maximum chaos – Create a tournament bracket for larger groups – Loser has to perform a silly dare or buy the next round	This is where the real fun begins. With adults, you can go all out with the rules, the stakes, and the trash talk. Just make sure everyone’s on the same page about what’s cool and what’s not. And if Uncle Joe starts getting a little too competitive, just remind him that it’s all in good fun (and maybe cut him off from the tequila).
Seniors (65+)	– Play for bragging rights or small tokens – Use larger, easy-to-grip dice – Stick to the basic rules to avoid confusion – Take breaks between rounds to chat and reminisce	Okay, so maybe Grandma isn’t going to be pounding shots and yelling “Mexico!” at the top of her lungs (or maybe she???). But that doesn’t mean she can’t get in on the fun. Keep the rules simple, the stakes low, and the conversation flowing. And if Grandpa starts dozing off mid-game, just give him a gentle nudge and remind him it’s his turn. He’ll be back in the game in no time.

Remember, the goal is to have a good time, no matter your age. So feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your group’s preferences.

I once played with my grandparents (they were in their 70’s at the tight) who insisted on using the “double” rule, and let me tell you, it was hilarious watching them get all competitive over a lucky roll.

Other Fast and Fun Dice Games for Everyone to Enjoy

While the Mexico dice game is certainly a favorite in my household, it’s not the only simple dice game out there. In fact, there are plenty of other traditional dice games that are just as easy to learn and play.

So, how does the Mexico dice game stack up against the competition?  Here’s some options that you might want to consider adding to your next game night lineup:

1. PIG: A simple, push-your-luck dice game where players take turns rolling a single die, trying to be the first to reach 100 points. The catch? If you roll a 1, your turn ends, and you lose all the points you accumulated during that turn. It’s a great game for teaching kids about probability and risk-taking.
2. Tenzi: A fast-paced, simultaneous dice-rolling game where each player has 10 dice. The goal is to be the first player to roll all 10 of their dice to the same number. It’s a fun, frantic game that’s perfect for larger groups and can be easily adapted for younger players.
3. Liar’s Dice: A classic bluffing game where each player has their own set of five dice. Players roll their dice in secret and then take turns making bids on the total number of a specific value that they believe are showing on all players’ dice combined. The catch? You can bluff and try to deceive your opponents. The last player with dice remaining wins.
4. Beetle: Beetle is a simple, creative dice game that’s perfect for kids. Each player takes turns rolling a single die, trying to draw parts of a beetle based on the number they roll (for example, a 6 might let you draw the body, while a 1 might let you draw an eye). The first player to complete their beetle wins. This game is great for developing creativity and fine motor skills.
5. Bunco: Bunco is a social dice game that’s usually played with 12 players, divided into three tables of four players each. Players take turns rolling three dice, trying to score points by rolling three-of-a-kind. The number you’re trying to roll changes each round, starting with ones and going up to sixes. Players can also score points by rolling a “bunco” (three-of-a-kind of the number you’re trying to roll that round). The game is played in rounds, with players rotating tables after each round. The player or team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Game	Players	Dice Needed	Difficulty	Gameplay	Unique Features
Mexico Dice	2+	2	Easy	Roll dice, aim for the highest number	Drinking/token version, fast-paced
PIG	2+	1	Easy	First player to reach 100 points wins	Push-your-luck, quick rounds
Tenzi	2+	10 per player	Easy	Be the first to roll all 10 dice to the same number	Fast-paced, simultaneous play
Liar’s Dice	2+	5 per player	Moderate	Bluff and deceive opponents about dice rolls	Hidden dice, betting, bluffing
Beetle	2+	1	Easy	Roll the die to draw parts of a beetle	Drawing, creativity, easy to learn
Bunco	12	3 per table	Easy	Roll three-of-a-kind to score points	Party game, team play, multiple rounds

Your Turn

If you could create your own ultimate “roll of shame” for the loser of each round, what would it be? The more creative (and family-friendly), the better!