September 29, 2023
The game Die, or as some like to call it, Dye, has become one of the most popular tailgating and college games in the country. With the likes of some companies such as DyeisLife, making successful brands based solely around the game.
While playing Die is great, sometimes you might not have the right amount of players, the correct table, or are just flat out tired of playing the same old game. We're here to give you 3 dice tossing games to play instead of Die.
What Is Die?
Die, or dye, finds its popularity with it's athletic prowess and speed of game. Basically, 2 teams of 2 will take turns throwing a dice extremely high into the air, across the table, and having it hit the surface, before falling to the ground.
The game is played with offensive and defensive turns. So when the dice hits the table, the defending team is trying to catch the dice before it hits the ground.
Offensive players get points when the dice is able to hit the table, hit the cup, or land in a cup to score 1, 2 or 3 points respectively until reaching 11 total points.
You only need 4 cups, a dice or 2, and a table to play.
Click here for the full instructions or check out the video below to get an idea on how to play.
Why you should play Die
Snagging the dice before it hits the ground, or to even have the dice hit the table at all, takes some genuine skill and real coordination.
But the game's speed is really why it is great for tailgates or a long day out. It is a relatively slower paced game with constant tosses and catches. The pace makes the game easy to watch and truthfully, some of the action tends to be social media or even ESPN worthy.
So if you want a game where you can get some fans to "ooh" and "ahh" Die is a great game.
Some things to keep in mind for Die
There is only a few reasons not to play Die. The 1st reason being the materials, if you don't have cups or a relatively big table, the game just won't work as its meant to.
In addition, the games do take a long time to finish, which means a lot of people who might want to play, never will.
3 Dice Throwing Games You can Play Instead of Die
1. How to Play the Dice Game NickiBall
Think Die, but with a much smaller table, and more "every man for themself" energy.
NickiBall is played with each player having their own cup and placing them together in the middle of a table.
Players then take turns tossing the dice into the air, and onto the table, while all other players try to catch the dice before it hits the ground. When a single player is able to get to 21 points they win!
Click here for the full instructions or check out the video below to get an idea on how to play.
Why you should play NickiBall
You should play NickiBall if you have a unique group size. The game Die, requires 2-4 players, which means even numbers. NickiBall is intended to be played by yourself, so it allows even, as well as odd numbers of players such as 3 or 5 to be able to play!
In addition, you might only have access to a square or round table, and NickiBall only needs a small table surface to fit everyone's cup, making it a rather versatile game.
Some things to keep in mind for NickiBall
NickiBall is a very slow paced game, and is probably meant for a group of players and nobody else around. For instance, Die is a great game to watch, where as NickiBall can be a little difficult to spectate.
Another reason the game struggles is with the table. The game is really best played on square or round tables, so if you only have a longer folding table, it can take away from the intended gameplay.
2. How to Play the Dice Game Power Threes
Power Threes is one of my favorite games because I think people undervalue games that get more people involved.
Power Threes is played with 6 players having their own bottle, and placing on the ends of the table
Teams of 3 then have players take turns tossing the dice into the air, and onto the table, while the opposing team's players try to catch the dice before it hits the ground. The most exciting part about this game is that players can throw as soon as the prior player's throw hits the table, making it quite chaotic.
Click here for the full instructions or check out the video below to get an idea on how to play.
Why you should play Power Threes
I alluded to this already, but it gets 6 players involved in the gameplay, versus the typical 2-4 you see in Die. With that being said, the game is played very similarly to Die, so it allows for great spectating as well!
The game also only requires bottles and no cups. So if you only have bottles handy, then it might be worth looking into learning how to play this game!
Some things to keep in mind for Power Threes
The game requires 6 players. So if you have anything less than 6, the game does not work. The structure is dependent on consecutive throws, and would not have the same effect if it was only 1 or 2 throws happening at a time.
Additionally, you do need 3 dice. Typically people have 1 or 2 dice at a party or tailgate, so finding a 3rd dice can be hassle.
3. How to Play the Dice Game Snappa
The 3rd game on the list is Snappa, and it's okay to have a seat for this one...
Snappa is one of the few active dice games which requires, and I mean, requires, players to be sitting.
Teams of 2 have players take turns tossing the dice into the air, and onto the table, while all other players try to catch the dice before it hits the ground. The game differs from Die because it is played to 21 points, and players must be seated in their chairs for the entirety of gameplay, or they are penalized.
Click here for the full instructions or check out the video below to get an idea on how to play.
Why you should play Snappa
Snappa offers something that none of these other dice throwing games do, and that would be that you can play the game indoors. The games Die, NickiBall, and Power Threes all require "sky-high" throws, which would hit the ceiling if indoors. Being seated makes Snappa's overall playing height much lower than the prior games.
If you like to sit instead of standing, this is a great game for you. So pull up a chair and get to throwing some dice.
Some things to keep in mind for Snappa
If you are outside, Snappa is probably not the best game. The game is mainly for indoor settings. However, you can still play, you just need chairs... which can also be an issue at a tailgate.
The game is meant to be more offensive than a game like Die, so expect to miss catches more often then not.
Wrap-Up
Whether it is Die, NickiBall, Power Threes, or Snappa, you really cannot go wrong. At the end of the day, the game you play will be great, because hopefully the company you keep is great!
Each dice throwing game offers their own sense of individuality. Some lean on their pace of play and environment, while others' strengths lie in their materials and number of players.
Despite all of that, if you need a change from playing Die, make sure you learn to play NickiBall, Power Threes, or Snappa to be the life of the party at your next tailgate.
Which Game is Your Favorite?
Die
NickiBall
Power Threes
Snappa
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