A Guide to Pugasaing: Native American Dice Game Rules, Instructions, How to Play

Introduction

Pugasaing is a game I stumbled upon a while back while researching Native American dice games, and it’s a pretty interesting one if you’re interested in both games and history. It’s a dice-based game that’s easy to learn but can get pretty competitive.

The game has been around for a while, first documented in Western sources in the mid-20th century though it’s still a lesser-known and potentially even lesser-played dice game. It’s got a bit of history to it, originating from the Algonquian peoples with the game’s name meaning “to throw” in Ojibwe language, but I have spotted a few modern variants that keep the game going as of writing this article in 2024.

The basic idea is to roll bones and score points based on the combinations you get, kind of like poker but with dice. There’s a bit more to it, of course, but that’s the gist.

Rules for playing Pugasaing

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Pugasaing rules. The game was originally played with carved bones but now is more commonly played with a set of dice, and the goal is to score points by rolling certain combinations. Each player takes turns rolling the dice, and you can roll up to three times on your turn.

After each roll, you can set aside any dice you want to keep and reroll the rest. The combinations are similar to poker hands, like three of a kind or a full house, and each has a different point value. You’ve got to decide whether to go for a high-scoring combo or play it safe with a lower one. There’s also a special combo called Pugasaing, which is the highest scoring hand. The game is usually played in rounds, and the player with the most points at the end wins.

I’ve found the dice combinations may vary based on the regional rules or variations of the game, but typically, they might include sets such as pairs, three of a kind, straight sequences, or other patterns akin to those in poker or Yahtzee. For instance, a player might score high for rolling a “full house,” which could be a combination of three dice showing one number and two dice showing another. A “straight” might involve rolling a sequential series of numbers, such as 1-2-3-4-5.

The excitement in Pugasiang comes from the strategic decisions players make when choosing which dice to keep and which to re-roll in pursuit of higher-scoring combinations, with each turn being a balance of luck and tactical planning. Points are tallied, and the player with the highest score after a predetermined number of rounds is declared the winner. Success in Pugasiang relies not just on chance but also on the ability to anticipate probabilities and make decisions that maximize scoring opportunities.

In the original game of Pugasaing, you don’t use dice; rather, you use small bone pieces and circular brass pieces. To score 158 points, you need to throw all the bone pieces and brass pieces in a specific way such that all the bone pieces land with their red sides facing up, and one of the “people” pieces lands upright on one of the brass pieces. This requires a specific combination of throws and positioning, rather than simply rolling dice and is more open to interpretation, in my experience.

Equipment and Setup for Pugasaing

For Pugasaing, you’ll need five dice and a score sheet to keep track of points. Players sit around a table, and each gets a turn rolling the dice. You’ll start by deciding who goes first, maybe by each player rolling a die and the highest number starting. Then, you’ll just need to make sure everyone knows the scoring combos and how many points they’re worth.

How to Play Pugasaing

Playing Pugasaing is pretty straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the key game mechanics:

1. Setup: Get your dice and score sheet ready, and decide who’s going first.
2. Gameplay: On your turn, roll the dice up to three times, setting aside any you want to keep after each roll.
3. Scoring: After your rolls, choose a scoring combo based on the dice you’ve got. Mark your score on the sheet.
4. End of the Game: Keep playing rounds until you decide to stop, and then tally up the scores to see who’s won.

How to Win at Pugasaing

Winning at Pugasaing is about balancing risk and reward. Beginners should focus on understanding the scoring combos and aiming for the more common ones. Intermediate players can start taking more risks, going for higher-scoring combos when they see a good chance. Advanced players will be all about strategy, trying to predict opponents’ moves and making decisions based on what they think others will score.

Best Strategies for playing Pugasaing game

Some of the best strategies involve knowing when to keep rolling for a better combo and when to stick with what you’ve got. You also want to keep an eye on what combos you’ve already scored, as some can only be scored once. And don’t forget about the Pugasaing combo – it’s rare, but it can really turn the game around if you get it.

Variations

There are a few variations of Pugasaing you can try. Some people play with different numbers of dice or add in wildcards that can stand in for any number. You can also change up the scoring to make certain combos worth more or less, depending on how you like to play.

Originally, Pugasiang was played with thirteen small bone pieces carved into different shapes like people, snakes, clubs, fish, and ducks, as well as four round brass pieces. These pieces are tossed from a bowl, and points are scored based on how they land, depending on which side is facing up.

Pugasaing was commonly used for betting, with players wagering personal items, family members, and even their own services based on the outcome of the throws. Some players became professionals, traveling around the country and earning a living from playing the game.

The highest possible score is 158, achieved when all the pieces land with their red sides up and one of the people pieces lands upright on one of the brass pieces.

Scenarios

In Pugasaing, you might find yourself with a tough decision if you’re one die away from a high-scoring combo but it’s your last roll. Do you take the risk or play it safe? It’s all about reading the situation and making the best call. If you’re behind, you might need to take more risks to catch up.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Pugasaing game

1. Q: How many people can play Pugasaing?
   A: It’s best with 2-6 players.
2. Q: How long does a game of Pugasaing usually last?
   A: It can vary, but usually around 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Q: Can I play Pugasaing with just regular dice?
   A: Absolutely, any set of five dice will do.
4. Q: Is there a way to play Pugasaing solo?
   A: You can practice rolling and scoring, but it’s really meant for multiple players.
5. Q: Are there official Pugasaing tournaments?
   A: Not commonly, but you can always organize one with friends!

External Links

For more information on Pugasaing and to find official rulebooks, check out these links:

“Hiawatha”.: original Indian legends

Games of the North American Indians: Games of chance