The Classic Game of Nerve, Numbers, and Luck
🧩 Overview
Ten Thousand (also known as 10,000, Zilch, or Greed) is a fast, exciting dice game where every roll tests your courage.
It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and filled with those “just one more roll” moments that make family nights unforgettable.
With six dice, a score sheet, and a bit of luck, players chase the magic number — 10,000 points — balancing risk and reward every turn.
đź‘Ą Number of Players
- 2 or more players (best with 3–6).
- Great for family nights, travel, or friendly competition.
🎯 Goal of the Game
Be the first player to reach 10,000 points by rolling combinations that earn points — but beware: one bad roll can wipe out everything you’ve earned that turn!
🧮 Gameplay & Structure
🔹 Setup
- Each player starts with six dice and a score sheet.
- Choose a starting player; play continues clockwise.
🔹 Taking a Turn
- Roll all six dice.
- After each roll, set aside any scoring dice (see table below).
- You may continue rolling the remaining dice to increase your score — but if you roll and score nothing, you lose all points from that turn (“bust” or “zilch”).
- If you score with all six dice, you’ve got “Hot Dice” — you may roll all six again and keep going!
- First player to reach 10,000 points triggers the final round; all others get one last turn to beat that score.
🧾 Scoring Summary
| Combination | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Single 1 | 100 |
| Single 5 | 50 |
| Three 1s | 1,000 |
| Three 2s | 200 |
| Three 3s | 300 |
| Three 4s | 400 |
| Three 5s | 500 |
| Three 6s | 600 |
| Four of a Kind | 1,000 |
| Five of a Kind | 2,000 |
| Six of a Kind | 3,000 |
| Straight (1-2-3-4-5-6) | 1,500 |
| Three Pairs | 1,500 |
| Two Triplets | 2,500 |
| Four + Two of a Kind | 1,500 |
💡 Tip: The basic scoring is identical to Farkle, but Ten Thousand often includes “Hot Dice” and final-round challenges, making it more tactical and competitive.
🧠Strategy Tips
- Play conservatively early on — every turn with zero points hurts.
- Push harder once you’re behind — high-risk rolls can swing the game.
- Track opponents’ totals; sometimes it’s worth risking a Farkle to catch up.
- Always watch for “Hot Dice” opportunities — rolling all six again can be game-changing.
đź•’ Game Length
A standard game lasts 25–45 minutes, depending on the number of players and how bold everyone feels.
🧾 Recording the Score
Each player keeps track of their total points on a Ten Thousand score sheet.
Printable versions make it easy to organize rounds and totals — perfect for long sessions or tournaments.
đź“„ Get Your Printable Ten Thousand Score Sheet
Keep track of every thrilling roll with our free printable Ten Thousand score sheet, designed for clear scoring and multiple players.
đź’¬ Final Thought
Ten Thousand is the perfect balance of luck and daring — simple enough for kids, strategic enough for adults, and fun every single round.
Whether you call it Zilch, Greed, or 10,000, one thing’s for sure: you’ll want to roll again.