Passage Dice Game: A Slam Dunk for a Family Game Night
Boy, have I got a classic dice game for you to play today – the game of Passage. Simple dice game right? Uh, not really.
Two dice, some scratch paper for scoring, and a couple buddies to roll with. But man, can it get competitive! I’ve seen grown adults get WAY too invested in this game (and now I’m what that says about the people I hang out with, lol?)
Good news, though.
Passage is perfect for a great family friendly game night, road trip boredom buster, or even a quick, happy “kill some time” session before dinner.
Want to see what all the fuss is about?
Just keep reading.
The ABCs of the Passage Dice Game: Roll Your Way to Game Night Victory!
Let’s jump into how, they what and the why of Passage, so you can get down to having a good time!
The Winning Formula: Scoring Big in Passage
The main goal in Passage is to be the first player to rack up 11 points by rolling a pre-chosen “It” number (more on that later). It’s all about luck, strategy, and keeping an eye on those dice.
Gear Up: What You’ll Need for Passage
You’ll need:
- Two dice
- Pen and paper (for keeping score)
Setting the Stage
- Decide who goes first. (arm-wrestling, flip a coin, roll the dice, etc)
- Kick things off by rolling one die to determine the “IT” number for the game. This number is your golden ticket, the number you want to roll to score points.
Dice Rolling 101: How to Play Passage
Now, the game itself? Super straightforward.
- Each player gets a turn to roll both dice.
- Roll the “IT” number with one die? That’s a point for you.
- Roll doubles of the “IT” number? Boom, two points.
- Roll the “IT” number by adding both dice? Sorry, no cigar, no points for that round.
Remember, it’s one roll per turn, so make it count.
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.
Crown Me: How to Win at Passage
First to 11 points? You’re the champ. It’s as simple—and easy—as that.
| What’s Up | Cool Stuff | Not So Cool Stuff | Just a Heads Up | Who’s Gonna Love It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lowdown on Passage | Perfect for turning any night into a game night, killing time on road trips, or just before dinner. Easy to get into but keeps you on your toes. Plus, it’s hilarious watching everyone get so into it. | Might see your calm, collected friends and family turn into competitive beasts. Yeah, it gets that intense. | Ever play hide and seek with your dice? Yeah, they do that. And the competition? Let’s just say it might get a tad heated. | Perfect for families looking for some fun bonding time. Your competitive friends who can take the heat. Basically, anyone who loves a quick and engaging challenge. |
Shake Things Up: Passage Variations for the Bold and the Brave
After playing Passage a dozen times, you might crave a little twist. Here are a few variations to keep things spicy:
- Progressive Passage – Start with the “IT” number at 1 and increase by 1 each round until you hit 6. It adds a nice curveball to the strategy and really tests the memories of the players. This is actually one of my favorites when I’m playing with my husband. Some serious memory gymnastics.
- Team Passage – Team up in pairs, and your scores combine. It brings a whole new level of collaboration and friendly competition to the table.
- Blind Passage – Don’t reveal the “IT” number until after everyone has rolled once. Just pull the number from a slip of paper from a bowl or hat. It adds an element of surprise and tests your luck even further.
- Passage Plus – If you roll the “IT” number with both dice, instead of two points, make it a rule to earn three points. High risk, high reward.
- Eternal Passage – Forget about the race to 11 points. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and whoever has the most points when the timer goes off wins. It’s a thrilling race against time.
Passage Roulette: Not Your Average Dice Game
Add a dash of spontaneity with Passage Roulette. Before the game starts, write down (or better yet have all the players write down) a bunch of fun, different, quirky actions on slips of paper (like, “sing a verse of your favorite song” or “do 5 jumping jacks”) and throw them into a bowl. Score doubles? Draw an action from a bowl and let the games begin. Sing, jump, or dance—make it a game night to remember (or maybe one your friends won’t let you forget).
Oops… Did I Do That? Common Rookie Moves to Dodge in Passage
Getting into Passage is brilliant, but let’s not be that player who:
- Forgets the “IT” number. (Been there, done that, got teased mercilessly.)
- Gets mixed up between adding dice and the bliss of rolling the “IT” number. . One’s a score, the other’s a bummer.
- Rolls out of sheer excitement, way out of turn. (Guilty as charged.)
Passage for All Ages: Adapting the Game for Adults
Think Passage is just for kids? Think again. It’s really for players of all ages. And with a few tweaks, it becomes the perfect adult game night centerpiece. Here’s how:
- Introduce penalties for the lowest scorer each round. Nothing like a bit of friendly pressure.
- Make strategy bets. Predict your score for the next round and see if you can hit it. If you do “prize”…if not, you forfeit some of your points.
And remember, the key to a great adult game night is not just the game, but the company and the snacks. Keep both as interesting as the game, and you’re set for a fantastic evening.
Always have extra dice on hand. Why? Because in the heat of the game, dice have a way of rolling into another dimension, never to be seen again until you’re vacuuming three months later.
Unlock Instant Joy: Grab Your Free No-Fuss Fun Dice Game Cheatsheet!
Feeling a bit blah and not sure how to flip the script on a dreary day? Let’s inject some excitement with our super simple, totally FREE No Fuss Fun Dice Game Cheatsheet, featuring 5 Easy-Peasy Games for Every Generation.
Here’s how to jumpstart the joy:
- Click HERE to grab your cheatsheet and sign up for our smile-sparking newsletter of party tips, tricks, games, and goodies. It’s on the house!
- Print that baby out—any old paper will do, but if you want to get fancy, card stock is your friend.
- Find a spot for it where you can’t miss it. The fridge door? Perfect. Tucked in your bag for spontaneous fun? Even better.
Why You’re Gonna Be All Over This:
- Impulse Game Nights: Got a crowd of glazed-over eyes? Break out this cheatsheet and watch the room light up faster than you can say “snake eyes.”
- Combat Kid Boredom: The next time the kiddos hit you with the “I’m bored,” you’ll be ready to roll with a fun dice game that’s sure to banish boredom to the shadow realm.
- Just Because Giggles: Who needs an excuse for fun? Challenge your other half to a dice duel post-dinner, or let the dice decide who’s picking tonight’s flick with the fam. It’s about turning everyday moments into memories.
Don’t hesitate, DOWNLOAD your FREE No Fuss Fun Dice Game Cheatsheet and get ready for endless entertainment with games that are a breeze to play.
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.
Your Turn
We’ve all been there: forgetting the “IT” number at the crucial moment.
What’s your funniest “oops” moment while playing ANY GAME? Bonus points if it involves a household pet OR a precocious kid.