Bar dice

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Five ivory dice

Bar dice is a drinking game that involves players rolling dice in turns, attempting to achieve specific outcomes or scores. The game is traditionally played in bars and taverns, often as a means of deciding who buys the next round of drinks. The rules and objectives can vary significantly from one region to another, or even from one bar to another, but the core elements of chance, competition, and social interaction remain consistent.

Gameplay

The basic gameplay of bar dice involves each player taking turns rolling a set of five or six dice, depending on the specific game variant being played. Common variants include Ship, Captain, and Crew, Three Man, and Midnight. Despite the variations in rules, the goal typically involves achieving a certain combination of numbers, or achieving the highest possible score.

Ship, Captain, and Crew

In Ship, Captain, and Crew, players must roll a 6 (ship), a 5 (captain), and a 4 (crew) in that order, with the remaining two dice (the cargo) being added together to form the player's score. Players have three rolls per turn to achieve this combination, with the highest cargo score winning the round.

Three Man

Three Man is a simpler variant where one player is designated as the "Three Man" at the start of the game. Whenever a three is rolled, the Three Man must take a drink. Other rules involve certain combinations causing players to give out drinks or take them themselves.

Midnight

In Midnight (also known as 1-4-24), the goal is to roll a 1 and a 4 with six dice, with the remaining four dice being added together for the score. Only the highest score that includes both a 1 and a 4 counts, and players have a limited number of rolls to achieve their score.

Equipment

The only equipment needed to play bar dice is a set of standard six-sided dice and a flat surface. The number of dice can vary, but five or six dice are most common. Some bars may have custom dice, but standard dice are the norm.

Strategy

While largely a game of chance, some strategic elements can come into play in bar dice. Players must decide when to keep certain dice and when to re-roll, based on the specific rules of the variant they are playing. Risk management and the ability to read opponents' intentions can also be crucial.

Social Aspect

Bar dice games are inherently social, often involving a group of friends or strangers coming together over drinks. The games can serve as icebreakers or as entertainment over the course of an evening. The tradition of playing dice games in bars dates back centuries, with variations of the game being played worldwide.

Cultural Significance

Bar dice holds a place in the cultural fabric of many communities, particularly in regions like the Midwestern United States, where the game is a staple of local bar culture. It is not just a game but a social ritual that fosters camaraderie and friendly competition.