Liar's Dice
A game of bluffing and probability. Players make increasingly bold claims about the dice hidden under all cups combined, challenging others when they suspect a lie.
What You'll Need
About This Game
A game of bluffing and probability. Players make increasingly bold claims about the dice hidden under all cups combined, challenging others when they suspect a lie.
How to Play
- Each player has 5 dice and a cup
- All roll secretly, keeping dice hidden under cup
- First player bids: 'There are at least X dice showing Y'
- Next player must raise: higher quantity OR same quantity of higher face
- '1s' (aces) are wild and count as any face
- Instead of bidding, call 'Liar!' to challenge previous bid
- All reveal dice and count
- If bid was met or exceeded, challenger loses one die
- If bid was not met, bidder loses one die
- Eliminated when you lose all dice
- Last player with dice wins
Where to Buy
History & Background
Liar's Dice originated in South America, likely in Peru or Bolivia, where it's known as "Perudo" or "Dudo." The Inca civilization may have played similar games, though documented history begins with Spanish colonization.
Spanish conquistadors brought the game back to Europe, where it spread through maritime trading routes. Sailors particularly favored it, leading to various regional names and rule variations.
The game gained worldwide recognition through its appearance in the 2006 film "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," where characters play for souls. This sparked renewed interest in the game.
Liar's Dice is notable for being one of the few dice games where bluffing and psychology are central. Unlike pure gambling dice games, skilled players consistently outperform novices, making it a true game of skill despite its random elements.