How to Play the Dice Game Tenzi

Tenzi looked like such a good dice game that we got two copies of it one year at Christmas time—and we kept both copies of it! We haven’t regretted that decision as time has passed. I’ll tell you why later.

Not only is Tenzi a great game on it’s own, but you can use the dice for so many other games like Shark Bite, Snowball, Ohio and our mini golf game Whacky Putt.

Let’s get into all things Tenzi.

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

Set Up Tenzi

The set up for Tenzi is easy. Each player gets ten dice of the same colour. Yes, that is a lot of dice. The fun part is that everyone’s dice are a different colour.

Playing Basic Tenzi

All players play at the same time. Yes, this can get noisy and little hectic. This is why everyone’s dice are a different colour. As everyone rolls, the dice tend to cross path’s and it becomes important to know whose dice are whose.

The object of Tenzi is to be the first player to roll ten of the same number.

When all players are ready, someone says, “Tenzi,” and the rolling begins.

On the first roll, a player looks at the dice she has rolled and decides which ones to keep and what ones to roll again. She puts the ones she wants to keep on the side, gathers all the other dice and rolls again.

On the second roll, she puts aside any of the dice that match the ones from the first roll. Again, she gathers the others and rolls again.

Note: a player can change the number that they are rolling for if they choose.

Players keep rolling like this until one player has all ten dice showing the same number. At that point, he will call out, “Tenzi” so that everyone can hear.

Winning Basic Tenzi

Once a player has rolled all ten dice to have the same number, he wins.

Tenzi Variations

There are a lot of Tenzi variations. So many, that the creators put together a card set of them called 77 Ways to Play Tenzi. The game itself came with several variations. We’ll go over a few of our favorites here.

Splitzi

In this variation, a player is rolling to get five dice showing one number and the other five dice showing a different number.

Target Tenzi

In this variation, players have to start by saying what number they are rolling for. Each player can declare their own number or everyone can roll for the same number.

Twozi 

Instead of rolling all ten dice at once, player roll them in pairs. When you get doubles, you set them aside and start rolling another pair.

Mega Tenzi

This game is for two people. Instead of the usual ten dice, each player gets to roll 20 dice. Yep. 20. That’s a lot of dice but still fun.

One at a Timezi

The goal is the same—to get all ten dice showing the same number, however, you only roll one dice at a time.

Wavezi

In this variation, after each roll you have to throw your hands up in the air.

1 to 60

This is our favorite way to play and one that we came up with. On the first round, everyone is rolling for 1s. The second round is 2s, the third 3s until someone rolls all sixes. The winner is the player who wins the most rounds.

What We Like

Tenzi might just be the easiest game to play ever. But that is what makes it such a good game. Any one of any age can play. And you can play with as many players as you have dice for. Also, a game only takes about five minutes to play. We also love that the dice are different colours.

And maybe our favorite part is that when you have a Tenzi game you have a lot of dice to play so many other games with too. The box is compact and holds the dice well, making it a great game to travel with.

What We Don’t Like

There are only two potential problems with Tenzi. First, it is a very noisy game. Not a problem, really, but it is a factor to consider—not a game to be played after someone has gone to bed.

Second, it does get repetitive after a while. This is why there are so many variations. I wish it came packaged with the 77 Ways to Play Tenzi.  Of course,  when you tire of Tenzi you can use the dice for other dice games.

Is Tenzi Worth Adding to Your Family Game Shelf?

You will laugh and groan and shake your head when you have one…last…dice to get on the right number. And when you are the first person to roll those numbers, you will throw your hands up and shout and be filled with a sense of great accomplishment. It’s so simple and so easy. Anyone of any age can play. It makes a great game and I would say that Tenzi is a must have for everyone’s Family Game Shelf.

Get your copy of Tenzi here. Canadians can get their Tenzi here. And 77 Ways to Play Tenzi here.

And when you’re looking for more fun with all those dice, find more games in our dice game section including Mafia, Monkey Dice and Stuck in the Mud.

For more fun, check out our other game reviews and our card games too.

Rating:

Pros: easy to learn, fast, all ages,
Cons: repetitive, noisy
Mom: math skills, speed