Setup
Players
- 2+ players
Materials
- 6x standard dice
- Pen and paper to track scores
Scoring
Players compete to reach 10,000 points to win the game. Alternatively, you can agree on another winning threshold and aim to reach a 1,000 or 5,000, for instance, here’s how Farkle is scored:
- A single 5 = 50 points
- A single 1 = 100 points
- Rolling three of a kind in one throw is worth the points times 100-fold: for example, three 3s will amount to 300 points
- The exception to the three of a kind rule is that rolling three 1s will amount to 1,000 points
- Rolling a straight 1/2/3/4/5/6 is worth 1,500 points
- Rolling four of a kind is worth 1,000 points
- Rolling five of a kind is worth 2,000 points
- Rolling six of a kind is worth 6,000 points
- Rolling two triplets is worth 2,500 points
- Rolling four of a kind with a pair is with 1,500 points
Objective
The objective of Farkle is to be the first player to score 10,000 points by rolling all six dice and keep any dice that score points. The points are added together, and the player must decide to either keep the points and end their turn or keep rolling to try to score even more points. If the player rolls all six dice and doesn’t score points, the move is called a “farkle” and they lose the points accumulated during that turn.
Gameplay
Players start by agreeing who goes first, and then moving clockwise around the table or play area. You can decide who goes first by seeing who rolls the highest number before beginning.
The players will roll all six dice in their first turn. Then, they must look at what point-combinations are possible as a result, and decide which dice to keep as their score, and whether they want to keep going to accumulate an even higher number of points. If the player at any point fails to roll any of the scoring combinations or single die, they will “farkle” and hence lose all points for the turn.
With the risk of losing points, players must calculate their tolerance for risk and balance whether they want to end their turn and keep their points or aim for more. At the end of each turn, players will mark their scores on the scoring sheet to keep a running tally.
Players will keep taking turns until one player reaches 10,000 points, winning the game.
Endgame
A game of Farkle comes to an end when a player reaches 10,000 points, winning the game (or reaching any other agreed-upon threshold).
Example/ Demonstration
- Four players are gathered around the table to play Farkle.
- All roll the dice once to determine who goes first; it’s player three.
- Player three begins their turn by rolling four of a kind (4x 3s), scoring 1,000. They decide not to risk their points and end their turn. They mark their 1,000 points down on the scoring card.
- Player four rolls a single 5, scoring 50 points so they decide to continue rolling. Unfortunately, the next turn banks them with no scoring combinations, resulting in a “farkle” so they don’t score any points for that round.
- Player one rolls two triplets: 4s and 6s. Since it’s worth 2,500 points, they decide not to risk at and bank the points, turning it over to player two.
- Player two “farkles” right on the first throw, and has to miss a turn.
- Players keep rolling until one of them reaches 10,000 points, in this case, it’s player number two who wins the entire game.
FAQs
Is there a kids version of Farkle?
Yes! Check out Farkle Fiesta for a family friendly colorful version of the original.
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