Nordic Yatzy

Prioritize the Upper Section Bonus

One of the most important strategic goals in Yatzy is achieving the 63-point bonus in the upper section. This bonus awards you 50 extra points when you score at least 63 points across ones through sixes. To achieve this, you need an average of three dice per number category. Early in the game, focus on scoring high numbers (fours, fives, and sixes) when you have three or more of them, as these contribute significantly toward the bonus threshold. If you're falling behind on the bonus, consider using your lower-scoring upper section categories strategically to catch up.

Strategic Category Timing

Knowing when to score specific categories is crucial for maximizing your total score. Save your flexible categories like Chance for emergency situations when you have a poor roll and no good options. The Yatzy category (50 points) should only be used when you actually have five of a kind—never waste it on a bad roll. For pairs and three-of-a-kind, wait until you have high-value dice (fives or sixes) to maximize points. Small and large straights should be scored when you have the exact combination, as they're difficult to achieve and offer fixed points.

Understanding Dice Probability

Smart Yatzy players understand basic probability to make better decisions. With three rolls, you have decent odds of completing common combinations like pairs and three-of-a-kind, but straights and full houses are much rarer. When deciding which dice to keep, calculate your odds: if you have three sixes on your first roll, you have two more chances to get additional sixes, making it worth pursuing the upper section or four-of-a-kind. However, if you're one die away from a large straight on your third roll, you might be better off taking a guaranteed score in another category rather than hoping for that specific number.

Endgame Decision Making

The final rounds of Yatzy require careful planning and sometimes defensive play. With only a few categories remaining, you'll occasionally need to sacrifice a category by scoring zero points to preserve better options for future turns. When you have a poor roll late in the game, it's often better to take a zero in ones or twos rather than wasting a valuable scoring category like three-of-a-kind or chance. Always keep track of which categories you have left and plan your approach for the remaining rounds. The player who manages their final categories most effectively often wins close games.

Game Objective

The goal of Yatzy is to score as many points as possible by rolling five dice to make specific combinations. Each game consists of 15 rounds, and each player gets up to three rolls per round to achieve the best possible result. After your final roll, you must choose one of the 15 scoring categories on your scorecard to register your dice combination. Each category can only be used once, so strategic planning is essential.

Gameplay Mechanics

1. Roll all five dice by clicking the 'Roll Dice' button to start your turn.
2. After each roll, select which dice you want to keep by clicking on them. Kept dice will remain locked for subsequent rolls.
3. Click 'Roll Dice' again to re-roll the unkept dice. You can do this up to two more times per turn (three rolls total).
4. After your final roll (or earlier if you're satisfied), click on a scoring category to register your score. The game will automatically calculate your points.
5. The next round begins, and you repeat this process until all 15 categories are filled.

Understanding the Scorecard

The scorecard is divided into two sections. The upper section (ones through sixes) scores the sum of matching dice—for example, if you have three 5s, you score 15 points in the Fives category. If you score at least 63 points in the upper section, you receive a 50-point bonus. The lower section includes special combinations like three-of-a-kind, full house, straights, and the coveted Yatzy (five of a kind), each with specific scoring rules. Some categories like three-of-a-kind and chance simply sum all five dice, while others like small straight award fixed point values.

Winning the Game

The game ends when all 15 categories on your scorecard are filled. Your final score is the sum of all categories plus any bonuses earned. In single-player mode, challenge yourself to beat your personal best. When playing against the AI robot, you'll need sharp strategy to defeat the optimal play algorithm. In multiplayer games, the player with the highest total score wins. Competitive players often aim for scores above 200 points, with exceptional games reaching 300 or higher when luck and strategy align perfectly.