Have you ever played the fun family quick-playing dice game, Qwixx? It’s one all of my boys, and even the adults, really enjoy! It’s quick, easy to learn, and there’s a lot of depth and strategy while still being easy enough for all ages to join in. If you’re wondering how to play Qwixx, we have all the help you need here in this post!
It’s such a small game, which means it is perfect for taking along with us on trips and the simple rules means that anyone can jump right in and play! We usually end up playing multiple rounds of this thrilling game! The end is my favorite when you are literally on the edge of your seat hoping for that perfect roll of the dice!
Even if you choose to play just one round of this game playing through the original rules or want to dive into one of the fun alternate ways to score points and play through the round you’re sure to have a blast!
Plus, after playing this fun game for a few years now, we’ve come up with 10 fun Qwixx game variations to try that are sure to add new life and variety into your game nights with this one clever little dice game.
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How to Play Qwixx
Official Rules Summary
Set-up & Starting Player:
Hand out one score sheet to each player. Give every player one dice. Everyone rolls until one player rolls a 6. This player will become the first player. If there is a tie, all players who rolled a 6 will roll dice again and the highest number starts.
Player Turns:
The player will roll all six dice. Then, they add up the total value of the 2 white dice. For example, a 4 and a 4 are rolled, the total is 8. All players, including the active player, may choose to score this dice result in any row. This is really nice way to include even the non-active players in each roll of the 6 dice!
Important: *Keep in mind, all marks on the scorecard can only go from left to right. So, if a player chooses to score the 5 from the example above on their red row, the previous numbers (2, 3, and 4) can no longer be marked.
Then, the first player may also choose to score one additional time by adding the dice values of either one of the white die paired with any one of the colored die. The score can only be recorded on the corresponding colored row matching the color dice selected on the score pad.
For example, the player might choose to use the white 4 rolled with a blue 1 they also rolled this turn. Those two dice add up to 5, which they can they mark off the 5 on the blue row. This would block the blue 6 (and any proceeding numbers) from any later scoring this game, as pictured above.
Pass the dice to the left to the next player who then becomes the active player and the game continues until the end is triggered by one of 2 methods, as explained below.
Locking a Row:
When a player has marked at least 5 numbers on their scorecard, the final number in the very last column is now available and can be marked when the dice roll is a 12 (red and yellow) or 2 (green or blue). For example, the active player might roll a white 1 and a blue 1. They can choose to score this dice roll in the blue column after scoring the 2 white dice (should they choose to).
When you score the final column, you will mark the final number as well as the lock symbol in the extreme right edge of the row. This will count as an extra point multiplier when scoring.
Now, you’ll remove the colored dice from the row that was locked, setting it aside on the table. There may not be any additional scoring of points on locked color rows for any players. Including scoring any points using the 2 white dice.
Penalties & Scoring:
If, during the active players turn, they are either unwilling or choose not to score either the sum of the white dice or a white dice with a colored dice, they will instead need to take penalty points. Simply mark one of the 4 small boxes in the bottom right corner of the scorecard where it shows an indicator to lose 5 points for not scoring dice.
At the end of the game, each penalty box marked is worth -5 points. The game will end of any player marks off the fourth penalty box.
You’ll notice the scoring tracker below the four colored rows. Each time you add an additional mark to a row it increases the value by the number of marks. The first dice scored is only worth 1 point. The second dice you score in a row is worth 2 points. The third dice is worth 3 points. Etc. This mean, the more marks you can make in a single row will increase your overall score exponentially.
Ending the Game:
The game ends immediately when 2 colored rows are locked or when any player has marked all 4 penalty boxes. Two players may be able to lock different colored rows during the same turn (such as if 2 white 6’s are rolled), ending the game immediately.
Count the total number of marked off numbers per row and calculate the scoring of each color, marking the point value in the appropriate box at the bottom of the scorecard. Continue to calculate the points earned and sum each together. Then, subtract any penalties to get your final game score.
Highest final score wins!
You can view the official Qwixx rules here!
Qwixx Mixx Rules:
The original game of Qwixx has a brand new version – Qwixx Mixx. Are you wondering how Qwixx Mixx rules differ from the original game rules?
Qwixx Mixx rules are exactly the same as the original Qwix game! The only variation is the scattered scorecard. You will still score red dice roles only in red colored boxes, they’re just not all in the same row any more.
One change to consider is the lock blocks the entire row and removes the dice of the color in the lock. You can still score the locked colors, but only using the white dice so it becomes harder to continue to score the colors as they become locked on different rows.
Shop for Qwixx & Replacement Scorecards
If you haven’t tried this game yet, you’re going to love it! It’s easily one of my family’s favorite games and one we often take on trips as it’s perfect for travel. Grab a copy of Qwixx on Amazon.
You can also find replacement scorecards should you run out with a convenient pack of 200 replacement scorecards!
How to Make Printable Qwixx Scorecards
Once you start playing Qwixx, you’ll see that you will quickly blow through the scoresheets! But no worries! Just make sure you save at least the last 4 Qwixx scorecards and you’ll be able to make your own.
To make your own Qwixx printable score sheets, simply layout out four original Qwixx scoresheets on your printer/scanner. They should be placed closely together, but can have a small gap between cards. Then, simply scan and print or simply make direct color copies.
I also recommend laminating individual Qwixx scoresheets. Then, you can use dry erase markers to easily play again and again without blowing through your printed cards.
If you love board games and games based on the roll of the dice, you’ll also love this fun post with the Yahtzee Rules and 7 Variations to try!
10 Qwixx Rules Variations to Try!
While we really love playing the Qwixx game, it’s also fun to just mix it up once in a while and try a new twist on a game your family enjoys!
1. Qwixx Championship – Play through 4 rounds, then add all your scores together to find the champion!
2. Qwixx Double Play – Play 2 cards at the same time. You need two blue locks before the dice is removed from play!
3. Qwixx Sabatoge – Give each player 2 or 3 tokens. They can use each token once per game on their turn. They will redeem a token, name a player, and then roll. The player named must erase the rolled white numbers anywhere on their scorecard. If it’s marked in more than one place, they can choose which one to erase. If they don’t have any of the number marked, they don’t have to erase anything! If their row is locked, it is saved and blocks any sabatoge attempt.
4. Qwixx SKIP – Name another player (before you roll!) and they don’t get to score anything from your roll.
5. Qwixx Blackout – Play until someone completely fills any one row or the game ends with 4 times not being able to score. This game plays with NO dice being removed with a lock. The goal of this game is to focus on a single color, like maybe the second row, to rack up a ton of points on the bottom of the scoresheet!
6. Qwixx Doubles!! – If you roll doubles on the 2 white dice, you get another turn! This will quickly become your favorite roll with exciting twists and a little bit of “take that” to the gameplay!
7. Qwixx Lock Pick – The active rolling player chooses which column to lock if a White 2 or 12 is rolled. Other players can’t opt to end the game by locking, for example, both the red and yellow row on the same turn. The rolling player picks one of the two qualifying colors, and someone can close that colored row, if applicable. This helps to extend the game!
8. Qwixx Reverse – Play with the opposite rules! On your roll, you score ONLY the white dice. On everyone else’s roll, you can score both the two white dice and one combination with a colored dice!
9. Qwixx Wild 7s – If a 7 is rolled on the 2 white dice, it’s a WILD! Players can score it anywhere in the first 10 numbered spots! (Excluded 2’s and 11’s at the end of the row within the black outline).
10. Speed Qwixx – Set a timer and play until 5 minutes is up! This will transform the game to a fast decision-making game with a much faster pace than the original game.
Which of these fun Qwixx game variations did your family like best? Have any other fun variations for this fast family dice game? Leave them in the comments to add to this idea list!