Introduction
Yard dice games are a fantastic way to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends. These oversized dice offer a unique twist on traditional games, making them more interactive and engaging, especially in an outdoor setting. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or just looking for a fun way to spend time outside, yard dice games are perfect for all ages. This article will explore some popular games you can play with yard dice, tips for making your own yard dice, and why these games are a must-have for any outdoor gathering.
What Are Yard Dice?
Yard dice are essentially large, oversized dice typically made from wood or plastic. They are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use. The size of the dice adds an extra element of fun, as players can easily see the results from a distance, and the large dice can be tossed or rolled with more enthusiasm than their smaller counterparts.
Popular Yard Dice Games
Here are some popular games that you can enjoy with yard dice:
Yard Yahtzee
Yard Yahtzee is a giant version of the classic dice game Yahtzee, played outdoors with yard dice. The rules are similar to the original game, where players roll the dice up to three times per turn, trying to get specific combinations to score points.
How To Play Yard Yahtzee
Objective: The goal is to score the most points by rolling five dice and achieving specific combinations, such as a full house, straight, or Yahtzee (five of a kind).
Gameplay: Each player takes turns rolling the five dice, attempting to score in one of 13 categories. Players can roll the dice up to three times on their turn to achieve the desired combination.
Scoring: Players mark their scores on a scorecard after each turn. The player with the highest total score at the end wins.
Yardzee
Yardzee is another popular game played with five or more yard dice. It’s a simplified version of Yahtzee and is great for players of all ages.
How To Play Yardzee
Objective: The objective is similar to Yahtzee, where players aim to score points by rolling specific combinations with the dice.
Gameplay: Players take turns rolling the dice and marking their scores on a scorecard. Categories include three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind, full house, small straight, large straight, Yahtzee, and chance.
Scoring: Points are tallied at the end of the game, and the player with the highest score wins.
Yard Farkle
Farkle is a fun dice game where players roll six dice to score points, typically aiming for specific combinations to accumulate the highest score.
How To Play Yard Farkle
Objective: Players aim to reach a predetermined score, such as 10,000 points, by rolling six dice and scoring points based on the combinations they roll.
Gameplay: On each turn, a player rolls all six dice and sets aside any scoring dice. They can then choose to roll the remaining dice or end their turn and bank their points. If they roll and do not get any scoring combinations, they “farkle” and lose all points accumulated that turn.
Scoring: Points are awarded based on specific combinations, such as three of a kind, straights, and ones or fives. The game continues until one player reaches the target score.
Snake Eyes
Snake Eyes is a simple and quick game where players roll the dice to avoid rolling a “snake eyes” (two ones).
How To Play Snake Eyes
Objective: The goal is to avoid rolling a snake eyes, which results in an immediate loss of points.
Gameplay: Players take turns rolling two dice. They continue to roll until they either decide to stop and bank their points or roll a snake eyes, losing all points for that round.
Scoring: Points accumulate based on the dice rolls, except for snake eyes, which result in a score of zero for that round. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Making Your Own Yard Dice
Creating your own yard dice is a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here’s how you can make your own set:
Steps To Make Yard Dice
Cut The Wooden Blocks: Start by cutting your wooden blocks into cubes. Sand the edges and corners to smooth them out and avoid splinters.
Paint Or Stain The Blocks: Apply paint or wood stain to the blocks, depending on your preferred finish. Allow them to dry completely before proceeding.
Add The Pips: Use a dot stencil, stickers, or simply paint the pips on each side of the dice. Make sure to follow the traditional dice numbering, with opposite sides adding up to seven.
Seal The Dice (Optional): For added durability and weather resistance, apply a clear sealant over the dice. This step is particularly useful if you plan to leave the dice outside or use them frequently.
Let Dry: Allow the dice to dry completely before using them in your games.
Tips For Playing Yard Dice Games
Choose The Right Surface: Yard dice games are best played on a flat surface, such as grass or a deck. Uneven ground can affect the roll of the dice.
Consider The Weather: Since yard dice are typically used outdoors, consider the weather. Avoid playing on rainy or overly windy days, as this can impact the enjoyment of the game.
Set Boundaries: Define a specific area where the dice should be rolled to prevent them from going too far or getting lost.
Use A Scoreboard: For games like Yard Yahtzee or Yard Farkle, use a large scoreboard to keep track of points. This makes it easier for everyone to see and keeps the game organized.
Conclusion
Yard dice games are a versatile and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors with friends and family. With a variety of games to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a fast-paced game like Snake Eyes or a strategic challenge like Yard Yahtzee. Creating your own yard dice adds a personal touch to the games and can be a fun DIY project. So next time you’re planning an outdoor gathering, consider bringing out the yard dice for a memorable and entertaining experience.