Pig
Risk it all or play it safe in this nail-biting dice game where one bad roll wipes out your winnings. Perfect for two players who love quick, tense decision-making.
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What You'll Need
About This Game
A simple push-your-luck game. Roll a die to add to your turn score, but roll a 1 and you lose everything for that turn. First to 100 wins.
How to Play
**Objective:** Be the first to reach 100 points by rolling a die and deciding when to bank.
**On Your Turn:** Roll the die as many times as you want; each result adds to your turn total. Say "Hold" to bank your total. Roll a 1 ("pig") = lose ALL points this turn.
**Winning:** First to 100 points (both players get equal turns).
**Strategy:** Bank after 20-25 points typically; probability of rolling a 1 is 1/6 (16.7%). Take bigger risks when opponent is close to winning.
History & Background
Pig is a simple folk dice game with uncertain origins, though similar games have been played for centuries wherever dice existed. Its straightforward rules - roll and accumulate points, but roll a 1 and lose everything - represent one of the purest push-your-luck mechanics.
The game became a subject of academic interest when mathematician John Scarne analyzed it in the 1940s, demonstrating that optimal strategy exists despite the apparent randomness.
In 1992, mathematicians Todd Neller and Clifton Presser used Pig as a teaching tool for dynamic programming and game theory. Their analysis of "optimal Pig play" has been cited in numerous academic papers.
Pig's simplicity makes it an excellent introduction to probability and risk assessment. It's often taught in schools to illustrate concepts like expected value and the mathematical analysis of games. The game has spawned numerous variants, including Big Pig (using two dice) and Pass the Pigs (using pig-shaped dice).
Learn More
Rules & How to Play
1 linkVideos
1 linkBackground
1 linkFrequently Asked Questions
Can you play Pig with 2 players?
Yes, Pig can be played with 2 players. It's a great choice for couples and pairs.
How long does Pig take to play?
A typical game of Pig takes about 10-20 minutes. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Pig?
To play Pig, you need: 1 die (or 2 for Big Pig), and Paper and pencil for scoring.
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