In the dice game Octo, a player is always in the lead and being chased by the others. It was featured in the book Dice Games Properly Explained by Reiner Knizia.
Learn how to play this game in a few simple steps.
| Number of players | 3 to 6 |
| Game length | 10 minutes |
| Game difficulty | Easy |
| What you need to play | 8 six-sided dice, a notepad to keep score |
If you enjoy Octo, check out this list of the top games to play with dice.
Object of the game
The object of the game is to score more points than the previous highest score during each player’s turn. Players take turns rolling eight dice and strategically set aside specific numbers to accumulate points. The goal is to surpass the highest score set by any player during the game.
Setting up the game
On the notepad, create a table with columns for each player’s name and a row for each round. Determine the first player who will start the game. You can choose randomly or by any other agreed-upon method.
Playing the game
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Each player takes a turn, starting with one player and moving clockwise. On their turn, a player rolls all eight dice.
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The player must set aside at least one die showing a specific number. For example, if the roll shows 1, 1, 2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, the player can set aside the two fives.
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After setting aside the dice, the player can choose to roll the remaining dice again or end their turn.
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If the player decides to roll again, they must set aside at least one die showing a specific number from the new roll. If they can’t set aside any dice (e.g., all dice show numbers they have already set aside), their turn ends, and they score no points.
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If the player chooses to end their turn, they score points equal to the total of all numbers they set aside.
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The goal is to score more points than the previous highest score during each player’s turn. If no one can beat the highest score throughout a whole round (where all players have a turn without changing the highest score), the player who set that score is the winner.
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When a player surpasses the highest score, their new score becomes the target for the other players to beat.
Winning the game
The winner of Octo is the players with the highest score once all players have had a turn.