How to Play Ants the Dice Game

Ants is a co-operative family dice game. It’s also a Family Game Shelf original game. Any number of players of all ages.

I first created this game when my oldest daughter was learning to add but we’ve found it to be a fun game for game night as well as some sneaky math practice. If you’re looking for some more dice games that are good for math skills check out Shut the Box, Beat That and Ohio.

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Ants Premise

You are on a picnic, enjoying some great food when the worst happens: the ants have shown up. And they want your food! Work together as a team to save the food before the ants carry it all away.

What You Need For Ants Dice Game

You need two six-sided dice and something to keep score with. We have a fun score sheet in the Fun Library to add to the fun. You can get your password in the black box below.

Playing Ants

Players take turns rolling the dice. When doubles are rolled, the ants have paired up to take some food. So, when doubles are rolled the two dice are added together and the sum is added to the ants score.

On the other hand, when the dice roll shows no doubles, the dice are added together and then that sum is added to the people’s score.

Players take turns rolling but there is only two scores—the ants and the people’s.

When either score reaches 100 points the game is over.

Winning Ants

All players either win or lose together. If the ants were the first to make it to 100 points, then the ants win all the food and the players have lost. But if the people reach 100 points first, the players win and the food is safe.

Variations

For a shorter game, play to 50 points instead.

When playing with young children who are at the number recognition stage instead of addition, play that if the dice roll is doubles then the ants get one point. If the dice roll is not doubles, the people get one point. The game is over when one side reached 10 points.

Note: Large foam dice are a great way to play with younger children. They add texture, colour and safety. You can get yours here. Canadians get yours here.

Dice games like Ants are more fun with colored dice. You can get yours here. Canadians you can get yours here.

The Ants Take the Cake

Ants is a great game for younger kids. Who doesn’t love to work together and beat a pest? It makes a prefect family game night game. And if you love this game you’ll love our other original games too. Check out Whacky Putt (indoor mini golf!), Monkey Dice and Zebra Races. Be sure to visit out Family Game Shelf shop too for unique games like Whacky Putt, Dice Sticks and more!

Get the Rules

If you’re like me, you love games but hate trying to remember the little points of the games (how many dice does this game need?). If this sounds familiar, then download our Quick Play Book where you have the rules for 11 dice games, including Run For It, in one convenient  place. Get yours today from our fun library.

Looking for more family fun? Check out our other dice games, card games and game reviews.