Yahtzee looks like pure luck, but the category decisions decide most games. This guide covers the exact scoring from the game code — the upper-section 63-point bonus (+35), full house 25, small straight 30, large straight 40, Yahtzee 50 — and the strategy that maximizes your total.
Play it now: Yahtzee Dice
The Rules: 5 Dice, 3 Rolls, 13 Categories
Each turn gives you 3 rolls. Tap dice to hold the ones you want to keep, re-roll the rest, then score exactly one unused category.
- 13 turns total: every category can be used once, so early choices compound.
- Upper section (ones–sixes): score the sum of that die value. 63+ across the upper section earns a +35 bonus.
Scoring: The Reference Points
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Upper (ones–sixes) | Sum of that value (63 → +35 bonus) |
| Three/Four of a kind | Sum of all dice |
| Full house (exactly 3 + 2) | 25 |
| Small straight | 30 |
| Large straight | 40 |
| Yahtzee | 50 |
| Chance | Sum of all dice |
Strategy: Chase the Upper Bonus First
- Aim at threes and fours early: the +35 bonus needs an average of 10.5 per upper category — threes and fours are the easiest to fill.
- Take full house and straights when they appear: they beat most three/four-of-a-kind totals.
- Do not over-hunt Yahtzee: 50 points is tempting but rare; switch to four-of-a-kind or chance mid-game for a better expected value.
Advanced Tips
- Decide the turn's target category before your final roll.
- As the upper section fills, prioritize lower-section categories you can still fill without zeroing out.
- Keep high-value lower categories (full house, straights) in reserve for the late game, when the upper section is nearly filled.
FAQ
Q: What is the upper-section bonus?
A: Reach 63 or more across the ones–sixes categories for +35 points — about 10.5 per category on average.
Q: How many rolls per turn?
A: Three. Held dice are not re-rolled.
Q: What are the full house and straight scores?
A: Full house 25, small straight 30, large straight 40, Yahtzee 50.