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What is Pass the Pig?

Published in Dice Game 3 mins read

Pass the Pigs is a popular and portable dice game that substitutes traditional dice with two small, rubber pig-shaped objects. It is a commercial version of the classic dice game Pig, distinguished by its unique scoring system based on how these asymmetrical pig 'dice' land after being thrown. Players take turns rolling the pigs, accumulating points based on their landing positions, and deciding whether to "pig out" or continue rolling to score more.

How to Play Pass the Pigs

The objective of Pass the Pigs is to be the first player to reach a predetermined score, typically 100 points, by rolling the two pig dice. The game combines luck with a strategic element of "push your luck," as players must decide when to stop rolling and bank their accumulated points or risk losing them all in pursuit of a higher score.

Here’s a basic overview of gameplay:

  • Taking Turns: Players take turns rolling the two pigs.
  • Scoring: After each roll, the player earns points based on how the pigs land. They can choose to stop their turn and add their accumulated points to their total score, or they can roll again to try and score more points.
  • "Pig Out" & "Makin' Bacon": There are specific landing positions that cause a player to lose all points accumulated in that turn ("Pig Out") or even all points accumulated throughout the entire game ("Makin' Bacon" or "Oinker"). This adds a significant risk-reward dynamic.
  • Winning: The first player to reach the target score wins.

Scoring Positions

The unique charm of Pass the Pigs comes from the various ways the pig dice can land, each corresponding to a different point value. The pigs are designed to be asymmetrical, making certain landings more common or rarer than others, similar to how shagai (traditional Mongolian dice made from animal ankle bones) are used.

Here are some common scoring positions:

Pig Position Points Description
Sider 1 Pig resting on its side, with neither trotter nor snout touching the surface.
Razorback 5 Pig resting on its back.
Trotter 5 Pig standing upright on all four feet.
Snouter 10 Pig resting on its snout.
Leaning Jowler 15 Pig resting on its jowl (face) and snout, often leaning precariously.
Double Sider 1 (per pig) Both pigs land on their sides, one facing up, one facing down.
Pig Out 0 Both pigs land touching each other in any position (losing current turn's points).
Makin' Bacon All points lost Both pigs land touching each other, one on its side, the other on its other side (losing all accumulated points).

Note: Specific point values and position names may vary slightly across different editions or house rules.

Game Components

A standard Pass the Pigs set typically includes:

  • Two small, rubber pig dice
  • A plastic carrying case (often shaped like a pig)
  • A score pad
  • Pencil
  • Instructions

Why Play Pass the Pigs?

Pass the Pigs has maintained its popularity for several reasons:

  • Portability: Its compact size makes it an excellent travel game, easy to carry and play almost anywhere.
  • Simplicity: The rules are straightforward and can be learned in minutes, making it accessible for players of all ages, from children to adults.
  • Quick Gameplay: Individual turns are fast-paced, and a full game can be completed relatively quickly, making it ideal for short bursts of fun.
  • Engaging Element of Chance: The "push your luck" mechanic adds excitement and tension, as players weigh the risks and rewards of each roll.

For more details on the game and its history, you can explore resources like the Pass the Pigs Wikipedia page.