Qwixx

Qwixx (2012) is a roll-and-write dice game where you cross off the matching coloured numbers on your grid to score the most points. You play by rolling dice and choosing which numbers to cross off, aiming to do so progressively to maximise your score. It’s a mix of using the shared dice to fill your grid efficiently but also choosing the right moment to lock colours and foil other people’s plans.

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You each have your own paper grid of four rows of sequential numbers to cross off and score points. Everyone takes turns to roll the dice (4 colours and 2 white) and everyone crosses off the number the whites add up to, but only the player who rolled can pick another number. The challenge is finding the most efficient use of the high scoring dice, while also being careful not to skip numbers on a line, as they are forfeit.

Another layer is that when one player crosses off the maximum number on a row, that colour is locked for them and for everyone else. Get the timing right and you won’t miss too many points on your row while also foiling other player’s plans to score with that colour. Once two rows are locked the game ends and the player with the most points is the winner.

It’s a really well-balanced challenge that it is more strategic than it appears. However skilful your choices are, you still need a healthy slice of luck on your side to be the winner. This makes it a great game to play with young and old alike as both have an equal chance of winning.

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Our examiner, Rob Prior, first checked Qwixx 18 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 18 months ago.