Farkel

2 or more playersMaterials: 6 dice, paper and pencil

Object of Game: TO score on every roll, and to be the first to score more than 10,000 points

To get started:

  1. Write each player’s names at the top of a sheet of paper. Each player must roll at least 500 points during one roll to get into the game. The player’s game-entry score and subsequent scores are added up below their name.
  2. The first player rolls all 6 dice and decides which dice to use. If he doesn’t roll any ONES, FIVES or other scoring combinations, his turn is over and he must pass the dice.

  1. Only ONES and FIVES count by themselves. Other numbers count as three-of-a-kind, but not in pairs.
  2. Dice can only count for a score one time. After dice are removed, you cannot add to them for a bigger score ( for example, you can’t add a six to previously-rolled sixes to make four-of-a-kind.)
  3. Some dice must be used to score after every roll. You don’t have to remove all the dice that count, only the dice you want to use for a score. Continue rolling and removing dice.
  4. If you roll no scoring dice, your turn ends, and you lose all the points you rolled on that turn. This called a FARKEL.
  5. You may choose to stop rolling at any time, take your points and pass the dice if you think you may roll a FARKEL.
  6. Rolling the dice off the playing surface means re-rolling the eligible dice.
  7. When one player reaches 10,000 points, all other players get ONE more turn to try to beat the high score.

Highest score 10,000 or more wins

OPTIONAL RULES:

With 4 or more players, or to speed up the game, you may change the end score to 5,000 or 7,500 points. Also you may count 4-of-a-kind and a pair as three pairs.

HIGH-STAKES

After all players have entered the game: When a player quits rolling with several dice remaining in play, the NEXT player may roll the remaining dice. If she scores, she gets the same points as the previous player PLUS the points she just rolled. If she rolls no scoring dice, she loses her turn. A player may put up to 500 or 1,000 points for the opportunity to try a high-stakes turn (optional).

PARTNERS:

Partners simply add their scores together under one name with the same game rules applying. EACH PLAYER MUST ROLL THE BEGINNING 500 POINTS TO GET IN THE GAME.