The Tenzi Dice Game is a fast-paced game where players compete to be the first to roll ten of the same number.
It strikes a balance between luck and skill; you need a good dose of luck, but your skill in quickly rolling dice is also crucial.
It’s ideally played with 2-4 players, though more can join.
Below, I’ll guide you through the rules and gameplay.
Players
3+
Equipment
20-30 party cups, 2+ ping pong balls
Duration
5-10 minutes
Area
anywhere
Tabletop
yes
Drinking
yes
How to Play Tenzi
To play Tenzi, each player needs a set of 10 six-sided dice. It’s best if each player’s dice are the same color to avoid confusion during the fast-paced rolling, as this can get quite chaotic.
The set below contains six sets of 10 colored dice in a useful storage case, making it a perfect starter kit for your Tenzi games. It also includes a ’77 Ways to Play Tenzi’ card deck that offers hours of entertainment with all its possibilities.
Got your dice? Got your friends? Get ready to roll!
Tenzi Rules
To determine the starting player, everyone rolls three dice. The person with the highest total begins.
Your goal is to roll ten of the same number as quickly as possible. You do this by repeatedly rolling your dice and setting aside the number you are collecting.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Tenzi:
1. First Player Kicks-Off
The first player starts rolling their dice. As soon as they begin, all other players start rolling as well.
2. Set Aside Successful Rolls
On your first roll, decide which number you will aim for—typically, the number that appears most frequently in your initial roll.
Set these dice aside after each roll.
3. Continue Until You Have 10 of the Same
The game ends when a player gets all ten of their dice to show the same number and shouts ‘TENZI!’
TIP: Using shoe box lids can help keep the dice organized during the game.
Tenzi Variations
What makes this game great is the many variations you can play. Here are several worth trying:
Team Tenzi
Teams use one set of dice and pass them after each turn. The team with the most wins takes the game.
Splitzi
Aim to have five dice showing one number and the other five showing a different number. The first to achieve this shouts “Splitzi!” to win.
Super Tenzi
Challenge yourself with twenty dice instead of ten for a tougher game.
Tenzi Towers
Add intensity by stacking your secured dice into a tower. The first to stack all their dice correctly wins.
Target Tenzi
Choose your target number before the game starts for an added challenge.
Sixzi
Everyone aims to roll sixes only.
Tip: Mix and match different Tenzi variations to create your own game styl
Tenzi Drinking Game
Though not originally a drinking game, Tenzi can easily be adapted into one. In this variation, play continues until all but one player have scored Tenzi. Here are some additional rules:
- The first winner distributes ten(zi) drinks as they choose.
- At each subsequent Tenzi, all remaining players take three sips before continuing.
- Players drink according to their finishing order—first place takes one sip, second place two sips, and so on.
Alternatively, you can explore other dice-based drinking games like Ship, Captain, Crew.
I’d like to remind everyone to enjoy drinks responsibly and to be mindful of each other’s well-being. Remember, moderation is key for a healthier and more memorable experience. Also, let’s keep an eye on our friends and loved ones – a small act of care can make a big difference. Let’s ensure our gatherings are not just fun, but also safe and supportive for all.
Wrap Up
Tenzi offers many variations, ensuring it never gets boring. Just be mindful of the noise and chaos, especially when others might be sleeping.
