Ship, Captain, and Crew: Dice Game Rules, Instructions and How to Play Guide!

Introduction

Ship, captain, and crew is a classic dice game that’s been around for ages. It’s a game of chance and a bit of strategy, played with a handful of dice and some friends. The game is also known by other names like “6-5-4” or “Ship of Fools,” but the basics remain the same. It’s a popular game among sailors and has been a favorite pastime for people looking for a quick and fun game to play in social settings.

The game originated among sailors in the 18th century. It’s easy to see why it became popular: it’s simple to learn, doesn’t require much equipment, and can be played in a short amount of time. The goal of the game is to roll a ship (6), a captain (5), and a crew (4) in that order, and then get the highest score possible with the remaining two dice, which represent the ship’s cargo.

If you’re interested in other naval-inspired dice games, I recommend checking out Crown & Anchor, which I’ve also written a guide on.

Rules for playing Ship, captain, and crew

The rules for Ship, captain, and crew are straightforward. You’ll need five dice and something to keep score with. Players take turns rolling the six-sided dice up to three times, trying to get a 6 (ship), a 5 (captain), and a 4 (crew) in that order. Once you’ve got your ship, captain, and crew, the remaining two dice (the cargo) are added together for your score. If you can’t get the ship, captain, and crew in three rolls, you score zero for that round.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Each player gets up to three rolls per turn.
2. You must roll a 6 before you can keep a 5, and you must roll a 5 before you can keep a 4.
3. If you roll a 6, 5, and 4 in any of your rolls, the remaining two dice are your cargo.
4. After securing the ship, captain, and crew, you can choose to reroll one or both cargo dice to try for a higher score.
5. The game is typically played in rounds, and the player with the highest cargo score at the end of the round wins the pot or score for that round.
6. The game can be played for a predetermined number of rounds or until a player reaches a certain score.

Equipment and Setup for Ship, captain, and crew

To play Ship, captain, and crew, you’ll need five six-sided dice and a flat surface to roll them on. You’ll also want a way to keep score, like a piece of paper and a pencil or a smartphone app. Players should sit around the playing surface so everyone can reach the dice when it’s their turn. Decide who goes first with a roll-off or just agree among yourselves.

How to Play Ship, captain, and crew

Playing Ship, captain, and crew is all about rolling the right numbers at the right time. Here’s how the game typically goes:

1. Setup: Decide the order of play and what you’re playing for (points, chips, or fun).
2. Gameplay: On your turn, roll all five dice. Set aside any 6s, 5s, or 4s in that order. You can’t keep a 5 or 4 without a 6 or 5, respectively. If you secure your ship, captain, and crew, add up your cargo dice. If not, pass the dice to the next player.
3. End of the Game: The game ends after a set number of rounds or when someone hits the target score. The player with the highest total score wins.

How to Win at Ship, captain, and crew

Winning at Ship, captain, and crew often comes down to luck, but there are some strategies you can use. First, focus on getting your ship, captain, and crew as quickly as possible. Once you have those, you can decide whether to risk rerolling your cargo dice for a higher score. Pay attention to other players’ scores and decide if you need to play it safe or go for a big roll.

Another tip is to keep an eye on the overall game. If you’re ahead, you might want to play conservatively to maintain your lead. If you’re behind, you might need to take bigger risks to catch up. Remember, it’s just as important to know when to hold onto your cargo as it is to know when to reroll for a better score.

Best Strategies for playing Ship, captain, and crew game

When it comes to strategies for Ship, captain, and crew, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, always secure your ship, captain, and crew before worrying about your cargo. It’s tempting to keep high cargo dice early on, but without the ship, captain, and crew, those dice won’t count for anything.

Another strategy is to consider the odds. If you have a 6 and a 5 but no 4, and your cargo dice are high, it might be worth keeping the high cargo and hoping for a 4 on your last roll. This is a riskier move but can pay off if you’re trying to make a comeback.

Lastly, watch your opponents’ tendencies. Some players are more conservative, while others take more risks. Use this knowledge to your advantage when deciding how to play your own turns.

Variations

There are many variations of Ship, captain, and crew that can add twists to the game. Some people play with different scoring systems or add rules like “no captain, no crew,” where you need to roll the captain and crew in the same turn. Others might introduce penalties for not rolling any part of the ship, captain, and crew in three rolls.

I’ve also seen people play it as a drinking game, where everyone who is not the winner has to take a drink. It can also be played as a gambling game by ante’ing up or playing with a set amount per pot.

Scenarios

During the game, you might find yourself in various scenarios. If you’re struggling to roll your ship, captain, and crew, consider changing your rolling technique or switching up the order in which you pick up the dice. If you’re consistently rolling high cargo, be cautious about rerolling—sometimes it’s better to stick with a sure thing.

If you’re in the lead, play it safe and focus on securing your ship, captain, and crew without taking unnecessary risks. If you’re behind, you might need to gamble more on rerolling cargo to catch up.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Ship, captain, and crew game

1. Q: Can I keep a captain or crew before I have a ship?
2. A: No, you must roll and keep a 6 (ship) before you can keep a 5 (captain) or a 4 (crew).
3. Q: What happens if I don’t roll a ship, captain, and crew in three rolls?
4. A: You score zero for that round and pass the dice to the next player.
5. Q: Can I reroll my cargo dice?
6. A: Yes, once you have your ship, captain, and crew, you can reroll one or both cargo dice to try for a higher score.
7. Q: How many people can play?
8. A: The game can be played with any number of people, but it’s typically best with 3-6 players.
9. Q: Is there a way to play Ship, captain, and crew online?
10. A: Yes, there are online platforms and apps where you can play virtual versions of the game.

External Links

For more information on Ship, captain, and crew, check out these resources:

Ship, Captain, and Crew Gameplay [Video]