How to play Yahtzee, Tic-Tac-Toe and Jenga
Three classic games. A little friendly competition.
And plenty of reasons to say, “One more round?”
Whether you are revisiting childhood favourites or introducing them to a new generation, Yahtzee, Tic Tac Toe and Jenga are fabulous reasons to gather around the table. Here is how to get started.
How to play Yahtzee
Players: 1 or more • You need: 5 dice, a Yahtzee scorecard per player and a pencil
The aim
Finish with the highest total after everyone has filled all 13 scoring categories. Playing solo? Try to beat your own best score.
Your turn, step by step
- Roll all five dice. Keep any you like.
- Roll again, if you wish. You may reroll any or all dice, including previously kept ones, for a maximum of three rolls in total. Stop earlier whenever you like.
- Choose one empty category. Record the score your final dice earn there, or a zero if they do not qualify. You must fill one box each turn; each category can be used only once.
- Pass the dice. After 13 turns each, add scores and bonuses. Highest total wins.
Yahtzee scoring at a glance
| Category | What scores? |
|---|---|
| Ones to Sixes | Six separate boxes: add only dice matching that box’s number. |
| Three of a kind | At least three matching dice: add all five dice. |
| Four of a kind | At least four matching dice: add all five dice. |
| Full house | Three of one number and two of another: 25 points. |
| Small straight | Four consecutive numbers, such as 1–2–3–4: 30 points. |
| Large straight | Five consecutive numbers: 40 points. |
| Yahtzee | All five dice matching: 50 points. |
| Chance | Any combination: add all five dice. |
Upper-section bonus: Score at least 63 across Ones to Sixes and add 35 points.
What if you roll another Yahtzee?
If your Yahtzee box already holds 50, each extra Yahtzee earns a 100-point bonus. A zero in that box means no bonus. Either way, once that box is filled, use the Joker rules: fill the matching upper box if empty; otherwise choose an empty lower box. Full House, Small Straight and Large Straight then earn their fixed scores. If no lower box remains, put zero in another empty upper box.
Keep your edition’s instructions handy for these extra-Yahtzee turns.
How to play Tic Tac Toe
Also known as noughts and crosses, this easy classic can turn a few spare minutes into an entertaining contest. It needs almost no preparation, making it perfect for waiting room entertainment or a quick game while dinner is cooking.
Players: 2 • You need: Paper and a pencil, or a reusable game board
The aim
Be the first to make a line of three of your own symbols, horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Ready, set, three in a row
- Draw your grid. Two vertical and two horizontal lines make nine squares.
- Choose your symbols. One player is X and the other is O. X goes first.
- Take turns. Add one symbol to an empty square. Once placed, it stays there.
- Watch for a winning line. The game ends as soon as someone makes three in a row. If all nine squares fill without a winning line, it is a draw.
| X | O | |
| O | X | |
| X |
X wins with a diagonal line.
Make a mini match: Play five rounds, swap who uses X each time, and award one point for a win. With careful play on both sides, plenty of draws are perfectly normal!
How to play Jenga®️
Jenga brings a different kind of excitement to the table, with every turn making the tower a little more precarious.
Players: 1 or more • You need: A classic 54-block Jenga set and a firm, level surface
Build your tower
Arrange three blocks side by side per layer, turning each new layer at right angles to the one below. The starting tower has 18 layers. The builder takes the first turn.
Pull, place and pause
- Choose a block below the highest complete layer. Use only one hand at a time. You may gently test for loose blocks; return any displaced block you do not take before touching another.
- Remove it and place it on top. Keep alternating the direction of the layers, completing each three-block layer before starting another.
- Let the tower settle. Your turn ends when the next player touches the tower or after 10 seconds, whichever happens first.
Who wins? The last player to complete a successful turn before someone topples the tower wins.
Make game time a family ritual
For children learning the ropes of a game:
- Play an open practice round
- Talk through possible choices and strategies
- Pair a younger player with an adult
- Celebrate thoughtful moves as warmly as a win!
Find your next family favourite
Looking for a reason to gather the family around the table?
Explore our collection of games for curious minds and playful afternoons.
