Dice Game Rules: Zonk

Number of Dice

• You can play Zonk with either five dice, which is known as Chicago or Five-Die Zonk, or six dice, which is known as Detroit or Six-Die Zonk. In the latter version, the dice must be paired-off in colors: two white dice, two red and two green.

Earning Points

• In both versions of Zonk, ones are worth 100 points, 5s are worth 50 points and three-of-a-kinds are worth 100-times the number you triple-up on. The only exception is rolling three 1s, which earns you 1,000 points.

  In Chicago Zonk, you can earn a run or straight using all of the dice with a roll of 1-2-3-4-5 or 2-3-4-5-6. This will earn you 1,500 points.

  In Detroit Zonk, you can only achieve a run, again using all of the dice, with a roll of 1-2-3-4-5-6. That earns you 1,000 points. Also, when playing Detroit Zonk, if you are able to pair up all of the dice so colors correspond with the numbers displayed in a single roll, you earn 1,000 points. As an example, the two red dice could both show 2, the two white dice could both show 3 and the two green dice could both show 4. Keep in mind you can combine points from different arrangements. For example, a roll of three 2s, one 5, and one 1 will earn you a total of 350 points.

Rolling

• When you achieve points in Zonk, you have the option of immediately adding them to your score and ending your turn, or pushing the scoring dice aside and continuing to roll with the remaining dice. If you are able to score points with all of the dice you use in your roll, you must pick up all of the dice and roll again. In this manner, you could potentially add on to your score indefinitely, provided you don't Zonk. When or if you decide to drop out and keep the points you have accumulated, the next player will have the option of picking up your remaining dice and building off of your score.

Winning

• In both versions of Zonk, gameplay ends when a player achieves the pre-designated point total. A typical game goes to 10,000.