Overview
Pig is a simple push-your-luck game in which each roll can increase the points available to bank—or wipe out the current turn.
Objective
Be the first player to reach the agreed target score.
What You Need
- 1 die
- 2 or more players
- A clear playing area
Setup
Choose a target score, commonly 100. Pick a starting player and keep banked and temporary turn totals separate.
How to Play
- Roll the die.
- On 2–6, add the result to your turn total.
- Choose to roll again or hold.
- Holding banks the turn total.
- Rolling a 1 loses the temporary turn total and ends the turn.
Scoring / Winning
Only held points are permanent. A roll of 1 normally loses only the points accumulated during that turn.
Worked Example
Your banked score is 42. This turn you roll 5, then 4, then 6, so 15 points are at risk. If you hold, your score becomes 57. If you roll again and get a 1, you remain on 42.
Strategy Tips
- A small turn total is easier to risk than a large one.
- When an opponent is close to the target, conservative play may no longer be enough.
- A personal hold threshold can help beginners make consistent decisions.
Common Mistakes
- Adding each roll directly to the permanent score before holding.
- Subtracting previously banked points after rolling a 1.
- Continuing to roll after choosing to hold.
Variations & House Rules
Two-dice Pig introduces additional rules for single 1s, double 1s and doubles. Some versions require an exact target or give every player the same number of turns.
FAQ
Do I lose all my points when I roll a 1?
No. In standard one-die Pig you lose only the unbanked points from that turn.
Is there strategy?
Yes. The central decision is whether the value at risk is worth another roll.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable Pig Score Sheet to enter player names and scores on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.