Dice Games Properly Explained (Right Way S.) [Illustrated] (Paperback)

Even if you tore out the pages covering games mentioned elsewhere, you'd still be left with nine -- NINE -- previously unpublished games by one of the world's leading designers, several of which could easily have been sold on their own for many times the cost of this book.

Or forget those pages -- who needs a new game anyway :) -- and just concentrate on the coverage of existing games. People are still buying the commericial version of Yahtzee at around five times the cost of this book. Bluff won the German Game of the Year award, at a similar cost.

If you like winning, buy a copy for yourself, and hide it from your friends. The analysis included will enable you to repeat the exchange from an old WC Fields film: "Is this a game of luck?" "Not the way I play it..." If you're a nicer person than that :) it makes an inexpensive present suitable for all the family. Young children can start with the quick and simple luck games, while adults can be challenged by the ones where skill and bluff are more important.

Just feel sorry for Americans, who have to wait until February 2001 before it's published there (according to Amazon.com). Hey, armed with the analysis here, you could probably finance a trip to the States by offering to play some of the games within for money...

Each game's rules are explained very clearly, together with numerous examples of play. Additional notes on winning tactics and strategies are also included, so everyone can play an optimum game. Player numbers range from solitaire up to multi-player party games. Many games are suitable for families and groups with young players; at the other end of the spectrum there are games for the toughest of opponents. There's a game for everyone somewhere between these covers.

The games are categorised neatly between two principle types: games of luck, where players have no control over an outcome; and games of influence, where they do have some direction over their eventual destiny. Younger players would probably enjoy more games from the first two chapters, which cover lucky scoring and lucky counter games.

Before covering betting (or casino) games, the author takes one short chapter to explain the principles of dice probabilities. This is not as daunting as might be expected, and it is invaluable for understanding the odds used in casinos. Essential reading for any one setting foot in Las Vegas! This chapter is key to getting the most out of the second part of the book, and the author should be commended for explaining what could be a most difficult subject with lucidity and brevity.

Games of influence (the second section of the book) begins with progression games (e.g. poker dice) then on to games of jeopardy, category games and finally bluffing games (epitomised by liar dice). By categorising in this way, the games are put into their context, and the strategic explanations more easily understood. The reader therefore learns more than just the rules - they will end up being experts despite themselves.

For comprehensiveness and sheer entertainment value this book cannot be bettered. It is a 'must have' for games aficionados and social players alike. For one, this reviewer cannot wait for another chance at 'Mice & Men' (a Knizia original). The reviewer should also point out that he assisted the author in preparing the text of the book, but that hasn't put him off playing dice in any way.