How to play Dice Poker: hands and strategy

Dice Poker is quick to learn: two rolls, five dice, best hand wins. The skill is in what you keep.

The rules

Each round, you and your opponent each roll five dice. After your first roll, keep any dice you like and roll the rest once more, or stand. The best poker hand wins the round. First to win three rounds wins the game.

Hand rankings

1. Five of a kind
2. Four of a kind
3. Full house: three of one number and two of another
4. High straight: 2-3-4-5-6
5. Low straight: 1-2-3-4-5
6. Three of a kind
7. Two pair
8. One pair
9. Nothing

When both hands are the same type, the higher numbers win: three 6s beat three 5s.

What to keep

• Three of a kind: keep them and roll two dice for four of a kind or a full house.
• Two pair: keep both pairs and roll one die for a full house.
• One pair: keep the pair and roll three.
• Four in a row: keep them and roll one die for a straight, but only if you have nothing better.
• Nothing: keep the highest die, or roll all five.

When to stand

If you roll second, you know what you have to beat. Stand as soon as your hand wins. If you roll first, stand on a full house or better.