Posted by The Skunk dice game is a perfect choice for family game night. Originally launched in 1953 by W.H. Schaper, it offers excitement for all ages. Skunk is one of those games which even though the directions for play are simple (so all can play), the game still provides suspense and fun for all who are playing; young or old.
The object of the game is to be the first player to score 100 points (or more) and not have their total score beaten. This is entertainingly done by the rolling of ‘two skunk dice.’ Skunk dice are six sided dice with images of skunks in place of the number one (instead of the one pip). Although these dice are charming to use and add to the appeal of Skunk, any two dice can be used to play the game (the number one would just be the skunk).
A player scores points by rolling the dice and adding together their total. For example if a player rolls a 6 and 5, their score would be 11. They can choose to roll again and continue to add to this score, taking the risk of rolling a skunk, or they can stop and keep the score of 11 for their first round.
Rolling a skunk or double skunks during a players turn has consequences. If the player rolls one skunk at anytime during their turn, they receive 0 points for the round. If a player rolls double skunks at anytime during their turn, they receive a 0 for the round and all the previous rounds. They need to start all over again in accumulating points.
So, in the above example, if the player with the score of 11 chose to roll again and then rolled a 3 and an image of a skunk, their turn would end and they would receive 0 points. Double skunks would wipe out their entire score.
Once a player reaches 100 points that player can continue to roll raising the ‘goal’ or immediately stop. The other players are given one more chance to reach the goal and possibly even win the game.
With every roll the odds of rolling a skunk or skunks increases. Players may soon learn to go steady like a turtle and accept their measly one roll scores of anywhere between 4 and 12. Or for some players, the temptation is too great and they continue to roll to see how high they can go.
They take the advice of the skunks. Written on the box, the adorable skunks are quoted and urging players on; “Come on, take another shake” or “Don’t be afraid of a little skunk!”
This all makes for great family fun on game night. Older children or adults can help the younger children add their totals and ask them if they want to roll again. They know if they see a ‘Skunk’ their turn will end but the image of the skunk will still make them smile.
And because of the entertaining quality of risk playing, all players enjoy watching the rolls of the skunk dice!
(In the above image there are ‘chips’. These are used to add or take from a ‘kitty’, however they do not add to the object or playing of the game.)
Play a game today!
The original game comes with chips to put in a kitty whenever a skunk (or two) is rolled. The rules say that the winner ccollects the chips at the end of the game. But what is the benefit of winning the chips in the kitty?
Where may I find a reasonably-priced game of Skunk, if it’s still possible? You didn’t have anything available about sales of it.
Please let me know at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
It is on Amazon for 50-60 bucks. Not reasonably priced but can purchase it.
OMG best memories with my grandma EVER!!! We’d sit on the dining room linoleum floor…her in her “housedress and apron” and me in…whatever! She’d kick my butt every time!!!! I’d have to erase all my points to zero because the double skunk roll would inevitably hit me all the time. I’m so happy to have found this. I think my uncles stole the game when she died. 🙁 RIP grandma
I want to play skunk, how do i play it on here ?
We have my mom’s Skunk game that she played in the 1960s with her siblings in their backyard by the pool. Mom played it with me when I was a kid, and now, as my parents are getting ready to move, we found the game again. The scoring sheets from the 60s are still in the box with the names of mom, her siblings, and their friends. My daughter is now sitting on the floor begging me to play, so off I go.
I, too, have my mom’s Skunk dice. One skunk is worn off, but it doesn’t matter :). I am a resource room teacher and teach it to my students for learning fun. It’s great for mental math! Once they get really good with addition, I sometimes vary the game by starting the game at 100 and subtracting (instead of adding). Or multiply the amount on the two dice, adding up the products (The winning score has to be higher for this variation- perhaps 300 or 500). The students love the game and don’t realize they’re getting faster at their math facts. I have other dice that also can be used with the 1 always being the skunk. (Dice with the digits instead of pips; Polyhedral dice with more number options.) My Christmas gift to my students this year will be sets of ten dice, with the rules to “Skunk”, “Yahtzee”, “Farkle”, and “Tenzi” for lots more learning fun at home.
“Once a player reaches 100 points that player can continue to roll raising the ‘goal’ or immediately stop. The other players are given one more chance to reach the goal and possibly even win the game.
With every roll the odds of rolling a skunk or skunks increases.”
That is 100% incorrect. The odds of a skunk on one die is always 1 out of 6. The die does not ‘remember’ what number came up last. This is pure probability mathematics. Every roll DOES NOT EVER increase the odds of a skunk coming up.
My wife had the game as a little girl. We’re now in our 70’s & I’ve brought it back to life with my grandkids. And we played it with our kids. But one thing isn’t clear. the “one more chance” to hit the goal after someone’s cracked 100 & set it. Does this mean one more roll of the dice? or one more turn in which you can roll as often as you’d like to see if you can avoid the skunks and surpass the goal. I think it’s the latter.
Hi Don, I believe it is one more chance, with as many rolls of the dice as needed, without skunks, to try and better their score, too. The first to go over 100 has the option themselves to go as high above 100 as they want to try to get (without skunks).
So if someone is at 90, they might try to roll a few times after hitting 100 to have better assurance of keeping the win.
I love the game. I have my mom’s dice and the skunks are worn. I’ve since purchased another set (shown in image) and my mom’s dice now sit in a treasured spot.
I just found a complete specimen of this game tonight in a box by a dumpster. I see it was introduced in ’53, but does anyone know what year, even decade, they ceased being manufactured? I’m a nostalgia nut and to learn that it’s indeed 50s vintage would definitely increase it’s value for me.
I grew up playing the game and it is great fun for my grandchildren now. BTW.. My Elementary School Principal in Forest Lake, Minnesota was the inventor of the game. His name was Harold Manley.
Only got called into his office once and we did not talk about his game..LOL
lol Bill! But you did get skunked! Thanks for visiting and sharing your story.
It is a great game. Besides the game shown, I have my Mom’s original skunk dice…..the skunks are totally worn off, but I wouldn’t have it any other way and they are treasures to me.
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