Yahtzee
Dice Games · 12 specs
Direct Answer
Yahtzee is a classic 5-dice game governed by official Hasbro standards where players take up to three rolls per turn to fill 13 distinct scoring categories. Reaching 63 points in the Upper Section awards a crucial +35 point bonus, rolling five-of-a-kind scores a 50-point Yahtzee, and subsequent Yahtzees award +100 bonus points with Joker substitution rules.
Source: Hasbro Official Yahtzee Rules · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Governing Publisher | Hasbro |
| Total Dice Used | 5 standard 6-sided dice |
| Rolls Allowed Per Turn | Up to 3 rolls |
| Total Scoring Categories | 13 boxes (6 Upper, 7 Lower) |
| Upper Section Bonus Threshold | 63 points (three of each 1–6) |
| Upper Section Bonus Value | 35 points |
| Initial Yahtzee Score | 50 points (5 of a kind) |
| Subsequent Yahtzee Bonus | 100 points per additional Yahtzee |
| Full House Score | 25 points (3 of a kind + pair) |
| Small Straight Score | 30 points (4 sequential dice) |
| Large Straight Score | 40 points (5 sequential dice) |
| Chance Score | Sum of all 5 dice points |
Game Turn & Rolling Procedure
On each turn, a player may roll the 5 dice up to three times:
- First Roll: Roll all 5 dice.
- Second & Third Rolls: The player may set aside ('keep') any number of dice and re-roll the remaining dice.
- Scoring: After the third roll (or earlier if satisfied), the player MUST fill exactly one of the 13 category boxes on their scorecard. If the dice do not fit any open category, the player must enter a '0' in an open box.
Upper Section Strategy & The 63-Point Bonus
The Upper Section consists of Aces (1s), Twos, Threes, Fours, Fives, and Sixes, scoring only the sum of dice matching that number. Scoring 63 or more total points in the Upper Section triggers a mandatory +35 point bonus. 63 points corresponds exactly to scoring three of each number (3×1 + 3×2 + 3×3 + 3×4 + 3×5 + 3×6 = 63).
Multiple Yahtzees & Official Joker Rules
If a player rolls a second (or subsequent) Yahtzee during a game and has already scored 50 in the Yahtzee box:
- +100 Bonus: Check the Yahtzee Bonus box (+100 points).
- Joker Rule: The player may use the roll as a wild card. If the corresponding Upper Section box is open, it must be used there. If full, the player may score it in any Lower Section box for full points (e.g., 25 for Full House, 30 for Small Straight, 40 for Large Straight) or as a zero in an open Upper box.