How to Win at Yahtzee

Yahtzee is among the most popular box games of the last 40 years, but many people don't understand the strategy required to maximize their scores. Though much of it is luck, knowing which categories to shoot for plays a huge role in a competitor's success of lack thereof.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Form a mindset to shoot for the big-point categories (Yahtzee, large straight, four of a kind, fives, sixes) early in the game.
2. Shoot for one of those categories after the first roll unless it appears improbable. Don't forget that a 0 or 1 can always be placed in the ones category with little harm done if all else fails.
3. Don't fall too far behind the average on top. Players must average three of the same-number dice in each of the top categories to earn the 35-point bonus. Dropping behind on the ones or twos might be a wise stragetic approach because plenty of time remains to land four fives or sixes to make up for it.
4. Secure the bonus on top. It is critical to a player's success. Those who land four fives or sixes early in the game can afford to try to fill the big-score bottom categories and simply place 0 or 1 on the ones category if they fail.
5. Use the Chance category as a wild card. Continue to play for the big points on the bottom with the knowledge that at least one failure can end up filling up Chance.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a running "ahead" or "behind" total on the top section. Don't fall further than five or six points behind the average or you can kiss that bonus goodbye.
• Several bad Yahtzee games consecutively can be so frustrating that it puts players in a bad mood. Don't allow it to affect your performance at work or in life, thereby costing you a job or a relationship. If you find yourself shedding tears over a poor Yahtzee game, consult your friendly mental health professional immediately.