Kismet: Your Guide to the Classic Dice Game – Rules, Instructions & Strategy
Introduction
Kismet is a dice-based game that’s a lot like Yahtzee (which I’ve also written a guide on), but with a colorful twist. It’s been around since the 1960s and has a pretty decent longevity. The game uses five dice, but instead of the usual white, these dice are colored, which adds a new layer to the game. The colors are important because they can score you extra points.
The aim is to roll the dice and make certain combinations, kind of like poker hands. You’ve got a score sheet with different sections, and you’ve got to decide where to put your scores to get the most points. It’s a mix of luck and strategy, and it’s a blast to play with friends or family.
Quick Tip for Kismet
Always think ahead! Look at your score sheet and plan your moves. Sometimes it’s better to take a lower score now to set up for a big move later.
Rules for playing Kismet
Alright, let’s get into the rules. You’ve got five dice, each with six sides (d6 / six-sided dice). The sides are colored: black, red, green, blue, and yellow. The colors matter because they can give you bonuses on certain rolls. You play with a score sheet that’s divided into two sections: the upper and lower sections. In the upper section, you’re trying to roll as many of the same number as you can. In the lower section, you’re going for specific combinations, like a Full House or a Flush, but with the added twist of colors.
Each player gets three rolls per turn. You can keep dice between rolls if you’re working on a combo. After your rolls, you choose where to put your score. If you can’t make a valid combo, you’ve got to put a zero somewhere, so choose wisely. You keep playing until everyone has filled out their score sheet, and then you add up the points. There are bonuses for high scores in the upper section and for getting a Kismet, which is five of a kind with the same color. The player with the highest score wins!
Equipment and Setup for Kismet
For Kismet, you need the special colored dice and a score sheet for each player. You can find these online or in a game store. To set up, give everyone a score sheet and something to write with. Decide who goes first with a quick roll-off, and you’re ready to start!
How to Play Kismet
Playing Kismet is pretty straightforward. Here’s the breakdown:
- Roll the dice up to three times, keeping some if you want.
- Choose where to put your score based on what you rolled.
- Pass the dice to the next player.
- Keep going until all score sheets are filled.
- Add up the points, including any bonuses.
- The player with the highest score wins!
How to Win at Kismet
Winning at Kismet is about balancing luck and strategy. You want to aim for the high-scoring combos, but you also need to be flexible. Sometimes the dice just won’t cooperate, so you’ve got to make the best of what you roll. Keep an eye on your score sheet and try to fill in the harder combos when you get a good roll. Don’t forget about the bonuses for colors, either. They can really boost your score.
Best Strategies for playing Kismet game
For the best strategies, you want to focus on the lower section of the score sheet. That’s where the big points are. Try to get the color bonuses whenever you can, and don’t be afraid to take a zero in the upper section if it means you can score big on a Flush or a Full House.
Also, watch what other players are doing. If someone’s close to a Kismet, it might be worth it to try and block them by taking a combo they need.
Variations
There are a few variations of Kismet you can try. Some people play with different scoring rules, like extra points for rolling a straight with all different colors. You can also play with more than five dice for a bigger challenge. Just make sure everyone agrees on the rules before you start.
Scenarios
Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a tough spot, like needing a specific roll to win. In those cases, focus on the dice you need and re-roll the rest. If you’re way behind, take some risks and go for the high-scoring combos. You might just catch up!
Frequently Asked Questions about playing Kismet game
- Q: Can I use regular dice to play Kismet?
A: You really need the colored dice for the full game, but you can play a simplified version with regular dice. - Q: How many people can play Kismet?
A: It’s best with 2 to 6 players, but you can play solo to practice. - Q: What’s the best way to keep score?
A: Use the official score sheets, or make your own based on the scoring combos. - Q: Can I change my score once I’ve written it down?
A: Nope, once you’ve chosen where to put your score, it’s final. - Q: How long does a game of Kismet usually take?
A: It depends on the number of players, but usually around 30 minutes to an hour.
External Links
For more info on Kismet, check out the official rules and other resources:
- Kismet Score Sheets [EN/PDF]
A digital native around since the early days of online gaming communities around 2001. An early contributor to the cult gaming site ClanTemplates, Adam has spent years giving free gaming resources to the community. With BoardCards, Adam is most experienced and commonly writing the articles on Strategy multi-player games like Settlers of Catan and Avalon. His first introduction to board games was via Mancala, an Egyptian-origin stone game and one of the oldest known games still played worldwide. Contact me via email
