The Skunk dice game is a perfect choice for family game night. Originally launched in 1953 by W.H. Schaper, it offers fun for all ages. Skunk is one of those games which even though the directions for play are simple (so all can play), the game still provides suspense and challenges for all who are playing; young or old.
The object of the game is to be the first player to score 100 points (or more) and not have their total score beaten. This is entertainingly done by the rolling of ‘two skunk dice.’ Skunk dice are six sided dice with images of skunks in place of the number one (instead of the one pip). Although these dice are charming to use and add to the appeal of Skunk, any two dice can be used to play the game (the number one would just be the skunk).
A player scores points by rolling the dice and adding together their total. For example if a player rolls a 6 and 5, their score would be 11. They can choose to roll again and continue to add to this score, taking the risk of rolling a skunk, or they can stop and keep the score of 11 for their first round.
Rolling a skunk or double skunks during a players turn has consequences. If the player rolls one skunk at anytime during their turn, they receive 0 points for the round. If a player rolls double skunks at anytime during their turn, they receive a 0 for the round and all the previous rounds. They need to start all over again in accumulating points.
So, in the above example, if the player with the score of 11 chose to roll again and then rolled a 3 and an image of a skunk, their turn would end and they would receive 0 points. Double skunks would wipe out their entire score.
Once a player reaches 100 points that player can continue to roll raising the ‘goal’ or immediately stop. The other players are given one more chance to reach the goal and possibly even win the game.
With every roll the excitement of rolling a skunk or skunks increases. Players may soon learn to go steady like a turtle and accept their measly one roll scores of anywhere between 4 and 12. Or for some players, the temptation is too great and they continue to roll to see how high they can go.
They take the advice of the skunks. Written on the box, the adorable skunks are quoted and urging players on; “Come on, take another shake” or “Don’t be afraid of a little skunk!”
This all makes for great family fun on game night. Older children or adults can help the younger children add their totals and ask them if they want to roll again. They know if they see a ‘Skunk’ their turn will end but the image of the skunk will still make them smile.
And because of the entertaining quality of risk playing, all players enjoy watching the rolls of the skunk dice!
(In the above image there are ‘chips’. These are used to add or take from a ‘kitty’, however they do not add to the object or playing of the game.)
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