Yatzy

The Ultimate Guide to Yatzy (Yahtzee)

Yatzy — also known as Yahtzee in North America — is one of the world's most popular dice games. Originally developed in the 1940s by a Canadian couple who called it "The Yacht Game" (they played it on their yacht), the game was later marketed as Yahtzee by the E.S. Lowe Company in 1956 and eventually acquired by Hasbro. Today, over 50 million Yahtzee games are sold every year, making it one of the best-selling games of all time.

Yatzy combines elements of luck and strategy. Each turn, players roll five dice up to three times, choosing which dice to keep after each roll. The goal is to fill in a scorecard with the highest possible scores across 13 categories. While luck determines which dice you roll, strategic decisions about which dice to keep and which categories to score in determine your final score.

How to Play Yatzy — Complete Rules

Setup

Yatzy is played with 5 standard dice and a scorecard. The game supports 2 to 6 players. Each player has their own scorecard with 13 scoring categories.

Gameplay

1. On each turn, roll all 5 dice.
2. After the first roll, you may hold any dice you want to keep and re-roll the rest.
3. You get up to 3 rolls per turn (the initial roll plus 2 re-rolls).
4. After your rolls, you must score in one of the 13 categories on your scorecard.
5. Each category can only be used once. If you can't score points in any remaining category, you must put a zero in one.
6. Play continues around the table until all players have filled all 13 categories.

Scoring Categories

Yatzy Strategy Tips

1. Aim for the Upper Section Bonus

Scoring 63 or more in the upper section (Ones through Sixes) earns you a 35-point bonus. This requires an average of 3 of each number. Prioritize filling the upper section effectively.

2. Don't Waste Your Chance Category

The Chance category lets you score the sum of all dice with no restrictions. Save it for a high total (25+) rather than using it as a throwaway.

3. Go for Yatzy Early

If you roll 3 or 4 of a kind early in the game, it's worth trying for a Yatzy (50 points). Later in the game, the risk of wasting turns increases.

4. Know When to Cut Losses

Sometimes it's better to take a zero in a low-value category (like Ones) than to waste a good roll on it. Strategic zeroes are part of winning play.

Game Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Yatzy and Yahtzee?

Yatzy and Yahtzee are essentially the same game with minor regional scoring variations. Yahtzee is the trademarked American version, while Yatzy is the name commonly used in Europe and Scandinavia. The core gameplay — rolling 5 dice, 3 rolls per turn, 13 categories — is identical.

What is the highest possible Yatzy score?

The theoretical maximum score in a single game of Yatzy is 375 points (without bonus Yahtzees). This requires scoring the maximum in every category plus earning the upper section bonus.

What happens if I can't fill any category?

You must fill in exactly one category each turn. If your roll doesn't qualify for any remaining category, you have to put a zero in one of them. Choosing which category to sacrifice is a key strategic decision.

How many players can play Yatzy?

Yatzy can be played with 2 to 6 players. Our online version supports all player counts with quick match (2 players) and private rooms for up to 6 players. Empty slots are filled with AI opponents.

Ready to play? Roll the dice — match instantly or invite friends for a private game with up to 6 players!