Pass the Pigs⁚ A Comprehensive Scoring Guide
Pass the Pigs is a well-known game where you toss two pigs like dice, aiming to score points based on how they land․ The first player to reach 100 points wins!
Objective of the Game
The primary objective in Pass the Pigs is straightforward⁚ be the first player to accumulate a total of 100 points․ Players take turns tossing two miniature pig figurines onto a flat surface, such as a table or the floor․ The way these pigs land determines the number of points earned for that particular throw․ Each unique landing position corresponds to a specific point value, adding an element of chance and strategy to the game․
Players have the option to continue throwing the pigs on their turn to increase their score, but they risk losing all the points accumulated in that turn if they roll a “Pig Out․” Once a player reaches 100 points or more, they are declared the winner of the game․ The game is easy to carry and ready to be played on-the-go or at home․
Basic Scoring Rules
In Pass the Pigs, scoring is based on how the pigs land․ Certain positions earn points, with the goal being the first to reach 100 points․
The “Pig Out” Result
The dreaded “Pig Out” in Pass the Pigs occurs when both pigs land on their sides, but with one pig having the spot facing upwards and the other with the spot facing downwards․ This unfortunate outcome has a significant consequence⁚ your score for that particular turn is immediately reset to zero․
It doesn’t matter how many points you may have accumulated during that turn before rolling the “Pig Out”; all those points are lost․ You gain no points for the turn․ The pigs are then passed to the next player, ending your opportunity to score further in that round․ It’s a risk that adds excitement!
Many players consider the “Pig Out” one of the most suspenseful and often frustrating results in the game, as it can quickly wipe out a promising score․ Understanding this outcome is key!
The “Oinker” Result
The “Oinker” result in Pass the Pigs occurs when both pigs land touching each other․ The “Oinker” is one of the worst outcomes you can get in Pass the Pigs! It’s worse than a “Pig Out” and can be absolutely devastating․
If you roll an “Oinker,” you lose ALL of your accumulated points in the game․ Not just the points from that turn, but every point you’ve earned up until that point․ Your score is reset to zero, forcing you to start over from scratch;
The “Oinker” result is very rare, but it is a cruel punishment for greed! It adds an element of risk to the game, encouraging players to be strategic about when they end their turn․ It is something to fear!
Specific Pig Positions and Their Scores
In Pass the Pigs, points are earned based on the positions the pigs land․ Familiarize yourself with the specific pig positions and their corresponding scores․
Sider
When both pigs land on their sides, this is called a Sider․ A Sider is one of the most common outcomes in Pass the Pigs․ If you are lucky enough to have the pigs land on their sides, you will gain one point․
To be considered a Sider, both pigs must be lying flat․ One pig with a dot facing upwards and one pig with the dot facing downwards, will lead to another outcome that is not a Sider․
The Sider position is a frequent occurrence․ It serves as a base score in the game․ This means it’s a foundational element in accumulating points․ The Sider is crucial for keeping the game moving and ensuring players consistently add to their totals․ It prevents long stretches without scoring․ With the Sider, you can maintain momentum towards the 100-point goal․
Trotter/Piggyback
In Pass the Pigs, the Trotter and Piggyback positions are distinct but equally valued at 5 points each․ A Trotter occurs when one pig lands on its side while the other lands on its belly․ Conversely, a Piggyback is when one pig lands on its belly and the other on its side․
Despite their different orientations, both positions offer the same reward․ This makes them relatively desirable outcomes compared to the simpler Sider․ They add a moderate boost to your score․
Achieving either a Trotter or Piggyback position can significantly accelerate your progress․ It brings you closer to the coveted 100 points needed to win․ These positions require a bit more luck than the Sider․ They offer a worthwhile return for those fortunate enough to roll them․
Snouter
The Snouter is one of the more valuable single-pig positions in Pass the Pigs, earning you a solid 10 points toward your goal of 100․ This position is achieved when a pig lands balanced on its snout․ This is typically a challenging outcome to roll․
Given its higher point value, landing a Snouter can significantly boost your score․ It is especially beneficial early in the game when you are still accumulating points․ The Snouter’s rarity makes it a rewarding result, adding excitement to each roll․
Successfully achieving a Snouter gives players a strategic advantage․ It enables them to reach the winning score faster․ While luck plays a role, aiming for consistent throws can increase your chances of landing this coveted position․
Leaning Jowler
The Leaning Jowler is a unique and valuable position in Pass the Pigs, scoring 15 points․ This occurs when a pig leans, supported by its jowl and one foot․ This precarious balance makes it a relatively rare and exciting outcome․
Earning 15 points with a Leaning Jowler can significantly accelerate your journey to 100 points․ It’s a rewarding result that can shift the momentum of the game in your favor․ Because of its rarity, landing a Leaning Jowler often elicits cheers and excitement from players․
Due to the difficulty of achieving this position, players often consider it a stroke of good luck․ Incorporating strategic throws and consistent technique can marginally increase your chances, but ultimately, the Leaning Jowler relies heavily on chance․
Double Positions and Their Scores
Double positions in Pass the Pigs occur when both pigs land in the same scoring configuration․ These combinations yield higher point values, adding excitement to the game․
Double Snouter
The Double Snouter is a coveted result in Pass the Pigs, showcasing both pigs balanced upright on their snouts․ This particular position is quite challenging to achieve, making it a high-scoring play that can significantly boost a player’s total․ Earning a Double Snouter grants a substantial 40 points, reflecting the difficulty in attaining this specific arrangement of the pigs․
When both pigs simultaneously land as Snouters, it represents a moment of both luck and skill, as players aim to reach the 100-point target․ This outcome demonstrates that a single roll can dramatically change the game’s dynamics․ The Double Snouter contributes a sizable amount towards victory, making each toss full of anticipation and the potential for a game-changing score․ Players must be familiar with all the scoring positions in Pass the Pigs․
Double Leaning Jowler
The Double Leaning Jowler in Pass the Pigs is an exceptional outcome, occurring when both pigs land balanced, supported only by their jowls․ This precarious position highlights the game’s element of chance, as it is quite rare to achieve․ A Double Leaning Jowler is worth a significant 60 points, making it one of the highest-scoring results in the game․
Earning a Double Leaning Jowler brings a player much closer to the 100-point target needed to win․ The high point value underscores the difficulty and improbability of both pigs landing in this specific manner at the same time․ When this occurs, it instantly shifts the game’s momentum and offers a substantial advantage to the player fortunate enough to roll it․ Players must be familiar with all the scoring positions in Pass the Pigs․
Mixed Combinations
In Pass the Pigs, mixed combinations occur when the two pigs land in different scoring positions․ Unlike double positions, where both pigs mirror each other, mixed combinations require assessing each pig’s pose independently and summing their respective point values․ To calculate the total score, players must identify the unique position of each pig, referencing the scoring guide for each individual pose․
For instance, if one pig lands as a “Snouter” (worth 10 points) and the other as a “Trotter” (worth 5 points), the combined score for that throw is 15 points․ It’s essential to accurately identify each pig’s position to ensure proper scoring․ Mixed combinations add complexity and variety to the game, demanding quick observation and arithmetic skills․ Always refer to the official rules to avoid confusion․