Zanzibar Dice Game
If you’re looking for a lively, easy-to-learn dice game that’s perfect for parties, family nights, or just casual fun with friends, Zanzibar might just become your new favorite. With a catchy name and quick gameplay, Zanzibar is the kind of game that’s simple enough for beginners but still full of excitement, strategy, and a touch of luck.
Here is everything you need to know about the Zanzibar Dice Game, the rules, setup, scoring, tips for winning, and even a few fun variations to keep things interesting.
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What is the Zanzibar Dice Game?
Zanzibar is a push-your-luck dice game that uses five regular six-sided dice. Players compete to score the highest total, but there’s a twist, after each roll, players must set aside dice that meet certain requirements, and the goal is to lock in the best possible combination without busting.
It’s part strategy, part luck, and 100% fun, the perfect combination for an evening of laughs and a little friendly competition.
50 Pieces Colored Dice
100 Pieces White Dice Set
What You’ll Need
- 5 six-sided dice
- A flat surface for rolling (tabletop or dice tray)
- Paper and pen for keeping score
- 2 or more players (best with 3–6)
Optional:
- A small cup to roll dice (especially for younger kids or clumsy rollers!)
- Tokens or chips for an added betting element (more on that later!)
Objective of Zanzibar Dice Game
The main objective of this dice game is to achieve the highest scoring combination by rolling specific numbers, mainly sixes, fives, and ones, while following the game’s progressive rolling rules.
Players will take turns rolling dice, setting aside qualifying dice each roll, and trying to build the best possible “hand.” But beware, if you ever roll and can’t set aside a required die, your turn ends immediately, and you score zero!
Basic Rules of Zanzibar
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the basic gameplay:
1. Roll All Five Dice
On your turn, you start by rolling all five dice.
Your goal:
- You must set aside at least one die after every roll.
- The only dice you can set aside are ones, fives, and sixes.
Each of these dice has different meanings:
- Sixes are the highest value (worth 60 points each)
- Fives are moderate (worth 50 points each)
- Ones are the least valuable (worth 10 points each)
2. Choose Dice to Keep
After each roll, you must set aside at least one qualifying die (a 1, 5, or 6). You can set aside more than one if you want, but at least one is mandatory.
Example:
You roll: 2, 5, 6, 3, 4.
You must set aside the 5 or the 6 (or both if you want).
The non-scoring dice (2, 3, 4) can be re-rolled, but again, you must have at least one 1, 5, or 6 in each roll to continue your turn.
3. Continue Rolling
You keep rolling the remaining dice, setting aside at least one scoring die after each roll, until:
- You have set aside all five dice, or
- You roll without getting a 1, 5, or 6 (in which case you “bust” and score zero for that round).
4. Scoring
Once all five dice have been set aside (without busting), you total your points for the round:
- Each 6 is worth 60 points
- Each 5 is worth 50 points
- Each 1 is worth 10 points
The player with the highest total after the agreed number of rounds wins!
Example scoring:
If you set aside three sixes, one five, and one one:
- (60 x 3) + (50 x 1) + (10 x 1) = 240 points
Special Zanzibar Dice Rules
To add a little extra spice to the game, there are some additional rules many players like to use:
Zanzibar!
If you roll three sixes in a single roll, even if it’s your first roll, you instantly call out “Zanzibar!” and win the round automatically with a perfect score of 300 points. (Or 180 points, depending on your house rules.)
You don’t need to continue rolling, instant victory for that round!
Setting Up the Game
- Decide on the number of rounds (for example, 5 rounds for a short game or 10 rounds for a full game).
- Choose a starting player (youngest, oldest, dice roll-off,your choice).
- Keep score on a sheet of paper, listing players’ names and updating points after each round.
At the end of all rounds, the player with the highest total score is the winner!
Sample Turn Example
Let’s walk through a quick example turn:
First roll:
- Dice: 2, 3, 5, 6, 4
- Set aside the 5 (50 points) and the 6 (60 points)
Second roll:
- Dice: 2, 3, 4
- No 1, 5, or 6 rolled! Bust, score 0 for the round!
Another example:
First roll:
- Dice: 1, 6, 2, 4, 5
- Set aside 6 (60 points) and 5 (50 points)
Second roll:
- Dice: 1, 2, 4
- Set aside 1 (10 points)
Third roll:
- Dice: 2, 4
- No 1, 5, or 6 rolled , bust!
In both cases, it shows how important it is to choose carefully and manage risk!
Strategy Tips for Zanzibar Dice Game
Even though Zanzibar is a luck-based game, smart players can maximize their chances. Here are some strategies:
- Bank points early: Set aside sixes and fives whenever you can, even if you roll multiple.
- Don’t get greedy: If you roll one six, don’t risk rerolling too many dice trying to get more.
- Know when to stop: Sometimes it’s better to set aside “weaker” dice to guarantee you can keep rolling.
- Watch your opponents: If you’re behind in points, you may need to take bigger risks to catch up.
- Use probability: Remember, rolling a 6, 5, or 1 on one die is a 50% chance (3/6), but as the number of dice decreases, your risk of busting increases.
Fun Zanzibar Dice Game Variations
If you want to spice up the traditional game, try these variations:
1. Zanzibar Betting Version
Each player antes a chip or coin into a central pot at the start of the game. Whoever wins the round takes the pot! Great for adding a bit of excitement (and low-stakes competition).
2. Double Zanzibar
Instead of three sixes, players must roll four sixes to call Zanzibar for an automatic win!
3. Target Score Zanzibar
First player to reach 1,000 points wins instead of playing by rounds. (Good for longer games.)
4. Zanzibar Challenge
Every player is allowed only one reroll per turn. It forces quicker decision-making and ups the risk factor.
Why You’ll Love Playing This Dice Game
Zanzibar is simple enough to teach in just a few minutes, but it stays interesting round after round because of the tension between risk and reward. Every roll brings excitement, will you hit a six, or bust trying?
It’s perfect for:
- Family game nights
- Parties and casual gatherings
- Icebreaker games
- Camping trips
- Quick after-dinner challenges
Best of all, because it only requires dice and a piece of paper, it’s super portable, ready to go wherever you are.
If you’re looking for a lively, light-hearted dice game that brings people together, you can’t go wrong with Zanzibar Dice Game. It’s quick to pick up, endlessly replayable, and full of those fun, tense moments that lead to laughter and cheers.
