How to Play Liar’s Dice Game 

Liar’s Dice is the perfect game for players looking to use strategy and deception, while relying on luck at times. Whether you’re playing it at game night with friends or looking to boost your gambling bankroll with it, Liar’s Dice is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a go-to choice for anyone wanting to test their bluffing skills, both one-on-one and in a group setting. Let’s see what’s Liar’s Dice all about and how you can play it to your advantage. 

What Is Liar’s Dice? 

Liar’s Dice is a traditional dice game where players make bids about the total number of dice, showing a specific face value across all players while keeping their dice hidden.  

Here, players can bluff about their bids, and opponents must decide whether to believe them or call their bluff. The goal is to be the last player standing with dice. 

History of Liar’s Dice 

Liar’s Dice has been played for centuries (over 500 years ago) and likely originated in China as Chui Niu and in South America as Dudo. Traders, sailors, and Spanish explorers helped spread it worldwide in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Over the next 200 years, pirates and soldiers played this game all over, relying on deception over luck. Today, it’s quite popular as part of board game nights or in casinos and bars, with some digital versions appearing on online platforms. 

How to Play Liar’s Dice Game?

Anywhere from two to six players is the ideal setting to play Liar’s Dice. Except the number of players, what you’ll need to play this game includes: 

• Five six-sided dice per person 

• One opaque cup per player (to hide the dice) 

• A flat surface to roll the dice on 

Now, you can follow these steps for playing Liar’s Dice: 

Step 1: Set Up the Game 

• Each player gets 5 dice and a cup. 
• Roll the dice secretly under the cup. You can look at your dice but keep them hidden from others. 

Step 2: Determine Who Goes First 

There’s no set standard to who starts the game. It can be any random player, or you can agree amongst yourselves who’ll start the round. 

Step 3: Making a Bid 

The first player makes a bid, guessing how many dice of a certain number are on the table. 

A bid has two parts: 

• Quantity (e.g., ‘Five’): How many dice you think will show that number. 
• Face Value (e.g., ‘Threes’): The number you are guessing. 

For example, a bid of ‘five threes’ means you believe at least five dice will show a 3. 

Step 4: Next Player’s Turn 

The next player has 3 options: 

• Increase either the quantity (e.g., from ‘five threes’ to ‘six threes’) or the face value (e.g., from ‘five threes’ to ‘five threes’). 

• If they think the bid is false, they challenge it. 
• Players will need to either increase the bid or raise the challenge while passing is not a common rule in this game. 

Step 5: Calling ‘Liar’ and Checking Dice 

If someone calls ‘Liar’, everyone reveals their dice. 

Count how many dice match the bid (some variations include wild ones). 

• If the bid is equal to or greater than the number of matching dice, then the challenger loses a die. 

• And, if the bid was a bluff, then the bidder loses a die. 

The loser starts the next round. 

Step 6: Keep Playing Until One Player Wins 

The game continues with players making bids and calling bluffs. 

When only one player has dice left, they win the game. 

Liar’s Dice Rules 

This game is more than just rolling the dice and lying. There are also some rules you need to follow in order to play this game. Here’s what you need to know:  

• Each new bid must be higher than the previous one in terms of either quantity or face value. 

• In the South American version, the 1s are wild, meaning they can substitute any other number when counting the total number of dice that match the bid. In other versions, the 1s are not considered wilds unless otherwise agreed before the game starts. 

• If a player loses all their dice, they are out of the game. 

• Only the next player can challenge the previous bid. However, in some house rules, challenges out of turn can occur with consequences (e.g., losing an extra die if wrong). 

Best Strategies and Tips to Win at Liar’s Dice Game 

Winning at Liar’s Dice requires a mix of probability, deception, and psychology. Here are some expert tips and strategies to increase your chances of winning: 

Bluff Smartly

• Bluffing is almost the main part of this game, but don’t overdo it. A predictable bluffer will be called out quickly, so make sure to get into the right mindset for potential winning. 

• Make your bluffs believable; if you have three of a number, then bidding slightly above your actual count can be a safer bluff.

Read Your Opponents 

• Pay close attention to how your opponent’s bid and call bluffs. 

• Watch for hesitation, confidence, or repeated betting patterns, especially from more experienced players. 

• Skilled players will mix real bids with bluffs to confuse others.

Use Probability to Your Advantage

• The more dice in play, the more likely a given number appears. 

• If wild 1s are in play, a specific number appears on ⅓ (33.3%) of dice, and if not in play, then a specific number appears on 1/6 (16.7%) of dice. 

• If there are 10 dice left in play, except about three of any specific number to appear. 

Control the Pace of the Game 

• Try to control the bidding tempo to keep others off balance. 

• Look for opportunities to push bids higher without putting yourself at risk. 

Utilize the Last Die Advantage 

• If you are down to one die, your bids must be well-calculated. 

• Watch how many dice are left in the game and estimate which numbers are most likely to appear. 

What Are the Variations of Liar’s Dice Game? 

Although the premise of this game sounds simple, there are still a few variations that emerged from the centuries of playing this game on different territories. All of them are still popular worldwide, and revolve around bluffing, so we’d like to guide you through each one. Here’s what you need to know about them: 

Classic Liar’s Dice 

This is the standard version where players roll 5 dice and keep their results hidden. They take turns making bids on the total number of a specific face value, and the next player must raise the bid or challenge it. 

Single-Hand Liar’s Dice 

This version is typically a one-on-one setting, where players bid based on their own dice instead of a shared pool. It’s quite a distinct version, and it’s a great option for a smaller pool of players. 

Common-Hand Liar’s Dice 

All dice are rolled in the center and are visible to all players, meaning there are no hidden rolls. In this version, bluffing is more psychological than statistical, as players share a single pool of visible dice.  

Mexican Liar’s Dice 

Also known as “Mexican Poker Dice”, this version introduces special rules like “wild 1s” and unique rankings for different dice combinations, making it a mix of poker and bluffing. Some versions involve rolling two dice, where a player announces a total but can lie about it. 

Elimination Liar’s Dice 

Players start with a set number of dice and lose one each time they are caught bluffing or incorrectly challenging another player. The game continues until only one player has dice left. 

Each variation adds its twist to the game, making Liar’s Dice adaptable to different playstyles and group dynamics. 

Fun Facts & Pop Culture References About Liar’s Dice 

Liar’s Dice game has been a part of history for centuries, played by pirates, soldiers, and gamblers alike. However, it has also found its way into pop culture, appearing in famous movies and video games becoming a well-known dice game across the globe. 

Liar’s Dice in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest 

In the movie, Will Turner, Bootstrap Bill, and Davy Jones’ crew engage in a high-stakes game of Liar’s Dice aboard the Flying Dutchman. Due to the intensity of the scene that shows how Will gambles his soul to free his father from servitude under Davy Jones, the dice game gained popularity among the movie’s fans. Interestingly, the dice used were custom-made to include the Kraken symbol, adding an eerie touch to the game.  

Liar’s Dice Across Cultures: The Perudo Connection 

This is not just a game; it has cultural variations worldwide. One of the most famous versions is Perudo, a South American variant played in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Unlike traditional Liar’s Dice, Perudo uses special rules, such as: 

• The players place bids according to the dice still left in play, and the risk of bluffing becomes more important with fewer dice remaining. It’s all about tactical thinking here. 

• In this version, the number 1 is always wild, increasing the level of deception. 

• Instead of outright calling ‘Liar’, players can call ‘Exacto’ if they believe the bid is correct. If they are right, they regain a die. 

Interesting Fact: Perudo is often played in drinking game settings in South America, where losing players take a sip of their drink. 

Liar’s Dice in Video Games 

This game has made its way into the world of video games, bringing strategic deception to digital platforms: 

• In Red Dead Redemption, players can join in a game of Liar’s Dice in saloons across the Wild West. The game uses classic rules, but AI opponents bluff convincingly, making it a challenge. It was such a hit that fans were disappointed when it was left out of Red Dead Redemption 2, even creating mods to add it back. 

• As a game about pirates, Assassin’s Creed IV wouldn’t be complete without Liar’s Dice game. In this game, players can take a break from plundering ships to gamble with fellow pirates using strategic bluffs. 

Is Liar’s Dice a Good Gaming Choice for You? 

Liar’s Dice is more than just a game of chance; it’s a thrilling battle of wits, deception, and strategy. Whether you’re playing with friends, testing your bluffing skills, or exploring its cultural roots, this game never fails to entertain. With its rich history, exciting variations, and pop culture influence, this remains a timeless favorite.  

So, grab some dice, sharpen your poker face, and see if you can outsmart your opponents.