Yatzy is a five-dice game in which every turn becomes a decision between taking safe points and chasing a more valuable combination. The objective is to complete every category on the scorecard and finish with the highest total score.
Luck determines which dice appear, but strategy determines which dice you keep, when you change your target, and where you record a weak roll.
You can play Yatzy on CrazyGames for free in a desktop or mobile browser.
Basic Yatzy Rules
Yatzy is played with five six-sided dice. During each turn:
- Roll all five dice.
- Choose any dice you want to keep.
- Reroll some or all of the remaining dice.
- Reroll once more if needed.
- Select one unused scorecard category.
You may roll a maximum of three times during a turn. You can also score after the first or second roll if you already have the combination you want.
Every category can be used only once. If your dice do not qualify for an available category, you may be forced to record zero points in one category.
The game ends when the scorecard is complete. The highest total score wins.
Note: Dice games use several closely related rulesets. Classic Yatzy differs from Yahtzee, and individual browser versions may display a different bonus value or optional mode. Always follow the scorecard shown in the game.
Upper Section Scoring
The upper section contains six number categories:
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Ones | Total of all dice showing 1 |
| Twos | Total of all dice showing 2 |
| Threes | Total of all dice showing 3 |
| Fours | Total of all dice showing 4 |
| Fives | Total of all dice showing 5 |
| Sixes | Total of all dice showing 6 |
For example, a roll of 6-6-6-4-2 scores 18 in Sixes.
In standard five-dice Yatzy, reaching at least 63 points in the upper section awards a 50-point bonus. The 63-point target is equivalent to scoring an average of three dice in each number category.
Lower Section Scoring
| Category | Requirement | Standard Score |
|---|---|---|
| One Pair | Two matching dice | Sum of the pair |
| Two Pairs | Two different pairs | Sum of the four paired dice |
| Three of a Kind | Three matching dice | Sum of the three matching dice |
| Four of a Kind | Four matching dice | Sum of the four matching dice |
| Small Straight | 1-2-3-4-5 | 15 points |
| Large Straight | 2-3-4-5-6 | 20 points |
| Full House | One pair plus a different three of a kind | Sum of all five dice |
| Chance | Any five dice | Sum of all five dice |
| Yatzy | Five matching dice | 50 points |
For pair categories, use the highest qualifying pair when more than one option is available. A full house must contain two different numbers; five identical dice are scored as Yatzy rather than a normal full house under classic rules.
Aim for the Upper Bonus
The upper-section bonus is one of the most reliable ways to build a strong total. Track your progress against the three-of-each-number average:
- Ones: target 3 points
- Twos: target 6 points
- Threes: target 9 points
- Fours: target 12 points
- Fives: target 15 points
- Sixes: target 18 points
You do not need to hit every target exactly. Four Sixes can compensate for a weak Ones or Twos score. High totals in Fives and Sixes provide the easiest way to build this cushion.
What Dice Should You Keep?
Keep Three or Four Matching Dice
Three matching dice create several possibilities: the matching upper category, three of a kind, four of a kind, Yatzy, or a full house if the other dice form a pair.
With four matching dice, reroll the fifth die when Yatzy remains available unless taking the current score protects an important upper-section total.
Keep Four Consecutive Numbers
A four-die sequence is a strong straight attempt. Keep the sequence and reroll the unrelated die. Check whether one missing number can complete a small or large straight.
Be Careful With Two Pairs
Two pairs can be scored immediately or developed into a full house by rerolling the fifth die. Chase the full house when it remains open and the potential reward is worth the risk. Take Two Pairs when later categories are limited or the paired dice are high.
Reconsider Weak First Rolls
Do not force a plan when the first roll offers little support. Keeping a single Six may be useful for the upper section, but keeping one low die while chasing Yatzy is rarely efficient.
When to Use Chance
Chance accepts any dice and scores their total, making it an important safety category.
Do not use Chance on the first disappointing roll of the game. Keeping it open gives you somewhere to place a later turn that fails to produce a required combination.
A strong Chance score usually contains several Fives and Sixes. If the total is low and another low-value category can absorb the roll, preserve Chance for later.
When to Take a Zero
Sometimes no remaining category fits the dice. The correct zero depends on the scorecard rather than the theoretical value of each category.
Consider sacrificing:
- Ones when the upper bonus remains achievable without them.
- A low pair category that would provide few points anyway.
- Yatzy late in the game when there are too few turns left to justify chasing it.
Avoid sacrificing Fives or Sixes if doing so makes the upper bonus almost impossible. Also avoid crossing out Chance early because it protects against future failed rolls.
Early-, Middle-, and Late-Game Strategy
Early Game
Remain flexible. Pursue difficult combinations when a strong opening roll supports them, but do not chase Yatzy from only one matching die.
Middle Game
Check progress toward the upper bonus. Begin protecting categories that have become difficult to fill, and preserve Chance if possible.
Late Game
Calculate what each remaining category needs. A safe score is often better than risking a zero, especially when the upper bonus has already been secured or lost.
Common Mistakes
Confusing Yatzy With Yahtzee
The games are related but use different scorecards. Classic Yatzy includes One Pair and Two Pairs, uses fixed five-number straights, and normally awards 50 points for Yatzy.
Chasing Yatzy Too Often
Five of a kind is valuable but unlikely without a strong first roll. Do not sacrifice several useful scoring opportunities for repeated low-probability attempts.
Ignoring the Upper Bonus
The upper bonus can be worth more than several lower-section categories combined. Monitor the 63-point target throughout the game.
Using Chance Too Early
Chance is your emergency category. Save it until a poor roll cannot be used efficiently elsewhere.
Keeping Low Pairs Automatically
A pair of Ones may not be worth building around. Consider rerolling more dice when the score potential is limited.
Failing to Change Targets
Your first plan does not have to survive all three rolls. If the second roll creates a stronger combination, adapt before using the final reroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dice are used in classic Yatzy?
Classic Yatzy uses five six-sided dice.
How many times can I roll per turn?
You can roll up to three times: one initial roll and as many as two rerolls.
Can I reroll every die?
Yes. After the first or second roll, you may reroll any number of dice, including all five.
What is the upper-section bonus?
In standard five-dice Yatzy, scoring at least 63 points across Ones through Sixes awards a 50-point bonus. Check the in-game scorecard because some implementations use different values.
What is the difference between Yatzy and Yahtzee?
Yatzy normally includes One Pair and Two Pairs, scores straights as 15 and 20, and uses different rules for several lower-section categories. Yahtzee uses its own scorecard and bonus system.
Should I keep Chance until the end?
Not necessarily, but avoid using it for a weak total early. It is most valuable as protection against a later failed combination.
Is Yatzy only a game of luck?
Dice results are random, but decisions about which dice to keep, which category to target, and when to accept a safe score have a major effect on the final total.
Final Advice
Consistent Yatzy scores come from flexibility. Protect the upper bonus, take difficult combinations when the dice support them, and keep Chance available as long as practical. The strongest decision is not always the category with the highest possible score; it is the category that leaves the rest of the scorecard easiest to complete.