Ready to conquer the classic bar game of bar dice? This isn’t just about tossing five dice like Yahtzee or Farkle; it’s a strategic dice drinking game played in bars, pubs, and anywhere with a flat surface and a thirst for competition, similar to Liar’s Dice but with more emphasis on quick thinking. Whether you’re a seasoned roller or a complete newbie, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: from core rules and scoring to regional variations (like the three-shake showdown in Wisconsin bar dice), essential etiquette, and even some winning strategies. So grab your dice cup, gather your friends, and prepare to call the shots (literally!) in this exciting game of chance and skill, unlike the turn-taking of Cee-lo or the cooperative nature of Bunco. You’ll be mastering the roll and outsmarting your opponents in no time – no beer die or Roll the Bones experience required.
Core Gameplay Mechanics

Equipment: You’ll need five standard six-sided dice and a cup (or sometimes your hand) for shaking. Some bars provide a coaster to contain the dice and protect the table.
Objective: The goal in bar dice is to achieve the highest-scoring hand by rolling combinations of matching dice. The ultimate prize? A five-of-a-kind, like five sixes, the highest possible hand.
Scoring: Your score is based on the combination of matching dice in your final hand. Five-of-a-kind beats four-of-a-kind, which beats three-of-a-kind, and so on. Higher numbers within a combination also beat lower numbers (e.g., three fives beats three twos). Specific scoring values can vary by house rules, but the principle of higher combinations and higher numbers always applies.
The Ace: A Wild Card with Power: Aces are the game-changers in bar dice. They act as wild cards, able to represent any other die value. An ace’s value is determined by the highest other number rolled in that hand. For example, if you roll two sixes and an ace, the ace becomes a six, giving you a score of sixty-six (representing three sixes). If you roll only an ace and a four, the ace counts as a four giving you forty-four.
Gameplay: A typical game of bar dice involves multiple rounds. Players take turns rolling the dice, usually up to three rolls per turn. After each roll, players can choose to set aside (“farm” or “keep”) any dice they wish to retain for their final hand. They then re-roll the remaining dice. This continues until the player has used all their rolls or is satisfied with their hand.
Winning: The player with the highest-scoring hand at the end of the round wins. In case of ties, tied players re-roll until a winner is determined. The overall game continues until only two players remain, who then play a best-of-three showdown to determine the ultimate champion.
Detailed Bar Dice Rules and Gameplay

Starting the Game: Each player rolls a single die. The player with the highest roll goes first. If there’s a tie, the tied players re-roll until a starting player is determined.
Gameplay:
- First Roll: The first player rolls all five dice. They then choose which dice to keep (“farm” or “keep”), setting aside any aces, matching numbers, or other desired dice.
- Subsequent Rolls: The player re-rolls the remaining dice, continuing to farm dice after each roll. Most bar dice games allow a maximum of three rolls per turn. However, some variations limit players to two rolls, increasing the challenge and the pace of the game.
- Final Hand: After the final roll (or when a player chooses to stop), the player’s score is calculated based on their final combination of dice, using the scoring rules outlined previously.
Winning a Round: The player with the highest score wins the round. The winner is then “out” and does not participate in the following round. Ties are broken with a tiebreaker roll-off between the tied players.
Winning the Game: Play continues, eliminating one player each round, until only two players remain. These two finalists compete in a best-of-three showdown.
The “Horse” Penalty: In the final showdown, losing a round earns the player “a horse.” Accumulating two horses (losing two rounds) results in a penalty, typically buying a round of drinks for the other players. Alternative penalties might include performing a silly forfeit, singing a song, or anything else the group decides on – get creative! House rules often dictate the specific penalties.
Variations in Rolls: While three rolls per turn is standard, some variations use two rolls. This speeds up gameplay and introduces a different level of strategic decision-making, as players have fewer chances to improve their hands. Always confirm the house rules before starting a game to avoid any confusion.
Regional and House Rules: Navigating the Wild West of Bar Dice

Bar dice is a game of local customs. Just like your favorite cocktail, the rules can get shaken and stirred depending on where you’re playing. Understanding these regional variations and house rules is key to a smooth, enjoyable game – and avoiding any accidental rule violations (or penalty shots!).
Regional Variations:
Wisconsin: In the Badger State, the final showdown between the last two players gets a twist. Instead of the standard rolling and farming, each player gets three shakes of the dice in a rapid-fire attempt to achieve the highest score. This adds an element of speed and chance to the endgame.
Other Regions: Variations abound beyond Wisconsin, often involving changes to the number of rolls allowed per turn (two instead of three being common), scoring specifics (how different combinations are valued), or the inclusion of special dice combinations as scoring hands (e.g., straights). Some regions might have specific names for these variations (which we’ll explore below if reliable sources can be found). Always confirm the local customs before playing.
House Rules: Where the Wild Things Are:
Individual bars frequently implement their own specific house rules. These variations can add a unique local flavor to the game and can include:
- Penalties: Dropping a die might result in a penalty shot, or touching another player’s dice could lead to disqualification from the round.
- Bonus Rolls: Some establishments offer a bonus roll for rolling specific combinations, like all ones, adding an element of chance and reward.
- Scoring Tweaks: House rules might adjust the scoring system for certain combinations, such as all ones being scored as 11 or even 50. This can drastically change the game’s strategy.
- Special Combinations: Some bars might introduce unique scoring combinations beyond the standard ones, such as specific sequences or patterns.
Before You Play: Always ask the bartender or other players about any house rules or regional variations to avoid misunderstandings or accidental penalties. This ensures a fair and enjoyable game for everyone.
Finding Regional Variations: Due to the localized nature of bar dice, finding documented regional variations can be challenging. Local bar websites, forums dedicated to dice games, or even asking in online communities related to specific regions might provide some clues. However, be prepared for potentially conflicting information, as house rules often reign supreme. When in doubt, always defer to the local customs of the establishment where you are playing.
Penalties, Etiquette, and Special Circumstances in Bar Dice

Bar dice is more than just a game; it’s a social activity. Understanding proper bar dice etiquette, the common penalties, and those special scenarios that can arise will keep the game fun, fair, and free of bar-room brawls (over dice, at least).
Rolling Five Aces: Hitting the jackpot of five aces is a rare and glorious moment. Tradition dictates that this feat is celebrated by buying a round of drinks for everyone playing – or even the whole bar, depending on local customs and the size of your wallet. It’s a celebratory moment, even if it puts a small dent in your funds.
Dropped Dice: Send a die tumbling off the table, and you’ll be taking a penalty shot. This is the standard consequence for a dropped die, but some bars might have alternative penalties, so always check the house rules. A coaster, for containing the dice, sometimes can help to prevent mishaps from happening. Coasters, if available, should be utilized to contain dice rolls and prevent dice from going off the table or bar top.
Touching Dice Out of Turn: Touching the dice when it’s not your turn is a major faux pas. Consider it a cardinal sin in the world of bar dice. This can result in anything from a stern warning to a penalty shot or even disqualification from the round. Treat those dice with the same respect a poker player treats their chips – hands off unless they’re yours.
Dead Dice: If a die lands outside the designated playing area (e.g., falls on the floor, lands in someone’s drink), it’s considered a “dead die.” This usually results in a penalty shot or a re-roll, depending on the house rules. Keep those rolls contained to avoid any “dead die” drama.
Distracting Others: While a bit of playful banter is expected, avoid deliberately distracting or interfering with other players during their turns. Keep the focus on the roll, and the good times will roll, too.
Other House Rules and Penalties: Bar dice rules can vary significantly depending on the establishment. Always check with the bartender or your fellow players about any house-specific rules or penalties before you start. Some bars might have unique twists, like bonus rolls for certain combinations, special scoring rules, or even creative penalties like singing a song or performing a silly forfeit. Knowing the local customs is key to a smooth and enjoyable game.
Who Enforces the Rules?: Typically, the bartender acts as the final arbiter of bar dice disputes, especially when house rules are involved. However, in more casual games among friends, players generally self-police and agree on the rules beforehand.
Example Bar Dice Rounds

Let’s walk through a couple of example rounds of bar dice to illustrate the gameplay and the strategic decisions involved. We’ll assume standard rules (three rolls per turn, aces wild) for these scenarios:
(Round 1: Playing it Safe) Goal: Highest score wins the round.
- Sarah’s Turn: Sarah rolls a two, three, four, five, and an ace. The ace becomes a five, giving her an initial score of fifty-five. Taking a conservative approach, she keeps the two fives and the ace, re-rolling the two and three, hoping for another five or a six to maximize her score. She rolls a six and a one. Her final score is sixty-five (two fives, an ace-as-a-six, and a one).
- John’s Turn: John rolls two ones (aces), a two, a three, and a four. He keeps the aces and the four, re-rolling the two and three hoping for at least one more four to get three or more of a kind. He rolls a one and a five. His final score is forty-four (two aces becoming fours, and the existing four).
(Round 2: The High-Risk Gamble) Goal: Highest score wins the round.
- Sarah’s Turn: Sarah rolls two sixes and three ones. This gives her an initial score of sixty-six. Feeling bold, she re-rolls a one hoping to improve her score to seventy-six, but rolls a two. Her final score remains sixty-six.
- John’s Turn: John rolls two fives and two aces, giving him fifty-five. Taking a more cautious approach to maximize his aces value, he keeps these and rolls the remaining die (a three), hoping for a six. He rolls a one. His final score is fifty-five.
- Round Outcome: Sarah wins the round with sixty-six.
Strategic Insights: These examples highlight the risk-reward dynamic of bar dice. Sarah’s conservative approach in Round 1 paid off, while her gamble in Round 2 didn’t change her score. John’s decision to maximize his aces value was sound but ultimately didn’t yield a winning score against Sarah’s hand. The constantly shifting possibilities make each roll a strategic decision, adding to the excitement and challenge of bar dice.
Strategies and Tips for Conquering Bar Dice

While bar dice is undeniably a game of chance, understanding the strategies and nuances of probability can significantly improve your odds. Here’s how to sharpen your game and outsmart those dice-rolling sharks:
Aces Are Your Allies: Aces are the most valuable asset in bar dice. Always keep them. Their wild card nature allows them to adapt to your highest roll, offering maximum flexibility to build powerful scoring combinations.
Calculated Risks: The Art of the Re-roll: Don’t shy away from re-rolls, but calculate your risks. If you have a reasonable hand – like two pairs or three-of-a-kind – but see a chance to significantly improve it (e.g., rolling for a four-of-a-kind or higher), a calculated re-roll can be a game-changer. However, recognize when you have a strong starting hand (like four-of-a-kind with a high number already) and avoid excessive greed. Re-rolling a strong hand for a marginal gain is a common pitfall.
Reading Your Opponents: Observe what other players are keeping. If everyone seems focused on sixes, and you’ve secured a solid set of fives, sticking with your current score might be the smarter play, especially given the decreasing probability of rolling multiple sixes as others also roll for them.
Knowing When to Quit (While You’re Ahead): Just like in poker, knowing when to cut your losses is essential in bar dice. If the dice are being uncooperative, don’t chase low-probability outcomes. Accept a decent hand rather than re-rolling into a worse situation.
Probability: The Silent Partner: Understanding basic dice probability can inform your strategy. For example, the probability of rolling a specific number on a single die is 1/6 (16.7%). The probability of rolling a pair is considerably lower, and the odds decrease further for three-of-a-kind, four-of-a-kind, and five-of-a-kind. Consider these probabilities when assessing the risk/reward of re-rolling.
Advanced Tactics:
- Bluffing: In more casual games, a bit of bluffing can add a psychological element. Even if your hand isn’t great, acting confident might discourage your opponents from taking risks.
- Adapting to Variations: Be aware of house rules and regional variations. If the game uses two rolls instead of three, your risk assessment and strategy should adapt accordingly.
- Player Count: Your strategy can also change based on the number of players. In a larger game, a more conservative approach might be beneficial, while in a smaller game, taking calculated risks can pay off.
By understanding these strategies, managing your risk, and adding a dash of calculated boldness, you can significantly improve your odds of dominating the next bar dice showdown.
Beyond Bar Dice
Looking to spice things up beyond bar dice? Whether you’re in a bustling sports bar with a large group or enjoying a cozy evening at a pub with close friends, exploring other drinking games can amplify the fun. Consider classics like Beer Pong, Flip Cup, Kings Cup, or Never Have I Ever for larger gatherings, or opt for card games like Poker, Blackjack, or President for smaller, more intimate groups. These games add a layer of friendly competition and social interaction, perfect for birthday parties, casual hangouts, or any occasion where you’re looking to elevate the energy and create lasting memories. For those seeking dice-based thrills, Liar’s Dice, Farkle, or Mexico offer a different spin on the classic dice-rolling experience, each with its own unique set of rules and strategies.