Chicago
Also known as: Rotation
Roll your way through targets 2-12 in this quick dice duel where timing and luck collide. Can you outscore your opponent in just 10-20 minutes?
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What You'll Need
About This Game
Roll 2 dice trying to make target numbers 2-12 in order. First to complete all targets wins.
How to Play
**Setup:** Two dice.
**Gameplay:**
- Round 1: Try to roll a 2 (1+1). Rounds go 2 through 12
- Each player gets one roll per round
- If you make the target number, score that number (e.g., making 7 scores 7 points)
- If you don't make it, score 0 for that round
**Winning:** Highest total score after 11 rounds (targets 2-12) wins.
**Strategy:** Early rounds (2, 3, 11, 12) are harder. Middle rounds (6, 7, 8) are easier.
History & Background
Chicago (also called Rotation) is a traditional pub dice game with origins in early 20th century America. The name likely comes from Chicago's reputation as a gambling city during the Prohibition era.
The game became popular in bars and taverns because rounds are quick and the rules are simple enough for tipsy players. The built-in difficulty progression (easy middle numbers, hard extremes) creates natural drama.
Chicago spread through blue-collar communities and became a staple of American bar culture. Different regions developed their own scoring variants and house rules.
The mathematical elegance of the game - targeting each sum from 2 to 12 - makes it interesting to probability enthusiasts. The probabilities of hitting each number are well-known: 7 (16.7%), 6 or 8 (13.9%), down to 2 or 12 (2.8%). This creates perfect knowledge of the odds while maintaining exciting gameplay.
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Rules & How to Play
1 linkBackground
1 linkFrequently Asked Questions
Can you play Chicago with 2 players?
Yes! Chicago is an excellent choice for 2 players — in fact, it's designed specifically for a duo. You'll get the full experience without any compromises.
How long does Chicago take to play?
A typical game of Chicago takes about 10-20 min. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Chicago?
To play Chicago, you need: 2 dice. That's it — no special equipment required.
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