Senior Activities – 2 Dice Games

So many activities for the elderly, and especially craft, are generally enjoyed more by women than by men. So because our menfolk are usually more competitive and love to play games, here are two games of dice that they will enjoy. They are simple to play and need no more equipment than a pair of dice and a pack of cards. In fact the first game, needs only the dice…

A Version of PIG

Best with 2, but can be played with up to four players.

You will need… 2 Dice, Paper and pen for scoring.

Goal… Be the first player to reach 100 points.

How to Play… Each player in turn throws the two dice together. He has three throws. He adds his points together as he goes.

If a 1 is rolled, that player’s turn ends and no points are earned. If after one or two throws he decides to “hold” (rather than risk a 1 on his next throw and losing all his points) he keeps his score and passes the dice onto the next player.

Scoring Examples…

Example 1: Peter rolls a 3 and a 4 and decides to continue. He then rolls a 6 and a 1. Because he rolled a 1, Peter’s turn ends and he earns 0 points.

Example 2: Jack rolls a 6 and a 2 and decides to continue. He then rolls a 6 and a 5 and decides to “hold”. Jack scores 19 points.

Example 3: Mike rolls a 2 and a 3 and decides to continue. He then rolls a 4 and a 2 and carries on to his third throw of a 4 and a 3. He scores 18 points.

NOTE: If a double is thrown then the player doubles that amount. Eg a double 4 will be 8 x 2 = 16 points, a double 6 will be 12 x 2 = 24 points. If a double 1 is thrown then the player gets 25 points for that throw. Only a single 1 will end the players turn.

When a player reaches a total of 100 or more points, the game ends and that player is the winner.

The second game is a big family favourite, played with zest by all ages from 5 year olds upwards…

Black or Red

For 2 Players

You will need… One dice, One pack of playing cards, 20 counters (or matchsticks or some kind of “money”) Paper and pen for scoring

Goal… Be the first player win 10 games

How to play… Each player gets 10 counters. Place the well-shuffled pack of cards between the players. First player throws the dice. He then picks up a card.

If the card is RED (hearts or diamonds) he pays the other player the number of counters as per his dice throw.

If the card is BLACK (clubs or spades) the other player must pay him the number of counters as per his dice throw.

It is then, the other players turn, to throw the dice and the game continues as above.

First player to gain all 20 counters wins the game.

First to win 10 games is the winner. (or less if you want)

Hope you will enjoy introducing these games to your senior menfolk. If you would like to find more Crafts and Activities for the Elderly then please visit My BLOG