frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about playing Jatzee.
how do I get the upper section bonus?
Score 63 or more points in the upper section (ones through sixes) to earn a +35 bonus. The easiest way to hit 63 is to score at least 3 of each number: 3+6+9+12+15+18 = 63.
what happens if I roll another jatzee?
If you've already scored 50 in the Jatzee category and roll another five of a kind, you earn a +100 bonus! This can happen multiple times in a game. However, if you scored 0 in Jatzee earlier, you don't get the bonus.
what's a good score?
200+ is a solid game. 250+ is excellent. 300+ usually requires hitting the upper bonus plus a Jatzee. The theoretical maximum is 1,575 (with 13 Jatzees), but in reality, anything over 350 is exceptional.
how smart is the bot?
Pretty smart! The bot uses optimal Jatzee strategy based on probability math. It prioritizes the upper section bonus, knows when to take guaranteed points, and makes statistically sound hold decisions. It's beatable, but you'll need to play well.
should I take a zero sometimes?
Yes! Late in the game, it's often better to zero out a low-value category (like ones or twos) rather than waste a high-value category like Chance or Four of a Kind. Strategic zeros are part of good play.
what are the scoring categories?
Upper section: Ones through Sixes (sum of matching dice). Lower section: Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind (sum of all dice), Full House (25), Small Straight (30), Large Straight (40), Jatzee (50), and Chance (sum of all dice).
can I hold all my dice?
Yes! Tap the dice you want to keep. You can hold all five if you're happy with your roll and just want to pick a category. You can also hold none and reroll everything.
why can't I score in a category?
Each category can only be used once per game. If a category is already filled (showing a number), you can't use it again. You can tap any unfilled category to score there - even if it would give you 0 points.
is jatzee free to play?
Yes! Jatzee is completely free to play. The game is supported by non-intrusive ads that help keep it free. Play as much as you want, track your statistics, and challenge the bot anytime.