Ship, Captain, Crew Dice Game

Ship, Captain, Crew Dice Game

Rules, Dice Needed, and How the Game Works

Ship, Captain, Crew is a dice game where players roll five six-sided dice and try to score points by first rolling a 6 (ship), then a 5 (captain), and then a 4 (crew)—in that exact order. Any remaining dice after securing those three are added together as the player’s score.

The game blends luck with light decision-making and is commonly played in pubs, game nights, and casual gatherings.

What Is Ship, Captain, Crew?

Ship, Captain, Crew is a round-based dice game where players take turns attempting to “build” their ship by rolling required numbers in sequence.

Key characteristics:

  • Players must roll the required numbers in order

  • Dice can be set aside as requirements are met

  • Remaining dice determine the final score

It’s simple to learn but rewards smart reroll decisions.

What You Need to Play

To play Ship, Captain, Crew, you need:

  • 5 six-sided dice (d6)

  • 2 or more players

  • A flat surface

  • A way to track scores (paper, phone, or memory)

The game is portable and easy to play almost anywhere.

How to Play Ship, Captain, Crew (Basic Rules)

  1. On your turn, roll all 5 dice

  2. You have up to three rolls per turn

  3. Try to roll the following in order:

    • 6 = Ship

    • 5 = Captain

    • 4 = Crew

  4. Once a required number is rolled, set that die aside

  5. After securing ship, captain, and crew:

    • Add together the remaining dice

    • This total is your score for the round

  6. If you fail to roll all three required numbers within three rolls, your score for the round is zero

After all players take a turn, the highest score wins the round.

Why Players Enjoy Ship, Captain, Crew

Players enjoy this game because it:

  • Is quick and easy to explain

  • Involves light strategy without complexity

  • Creates tension with every reroll

  • Works well in both competitive and casual settings

It’s especially popular as:

  • A pub game

  • A warm-up game

  • A between-rounds activity

Common Variations

Many tables use small tweaks:

  • Multiple rounds with cumulative scoring

  • Winner-takes-all rounds

  • House rules for extra rerolls

The core structure stays the same across most variations.

Dice and Rolling Considerations

Because success depends on frequent rerolling, players often prefer:

  • Dice that roll smoothly

  • Clearly readable pips

  • Consistent dice sets to avoid confusion

Some players keep a small dedicated dice set for classic pub-style games.

Closing

Ship, Captain, Crew balances luck and decision-making in a way that keeps every turn exciting. Its simple rules and quick rounds make it a lasting favorite for casual play.