3 Man
Roll the dice and brace yourself. 3 Man is the ultimate dice drinking game—fast-paced, chaotic, and dangerously fun.
✍️ June 20, 2025
Dice, drinks, and a bit of chaos — that’s the 3 Man dice game in a nutshell. It’s fast, unpredictable, and designed to get the whole table laughing (and probably a little tipsy). No need for fancy equipment or complicated rules. If you’ve got dice and friends, you’re halfway there.
But don’t be fooled by its simplicity. 3 Man is a drinking game with serious staying power. The dice decide your fate, and once you’re the 3 Man, it’s game on. Whether you’re here to sip or suffer, here’s everything you need to know to roll with it.
👉 More dice, more drinks, more damage. Explore our list of dice drinking games to keep the party rolling.
How to Play 3 Man
3 Man is a dice-based drinking game where specific rolls trigger different actions. The game starts with one player being crowned the dreaded 3 Man—and then the drinking begins.
1. Assign the 3 Man
Everyone takes turns rolling two dice. The first person to roll a total of 3 (e.g., 1 and 2) becomes the 3 Man. This player now drinks any time a 3 is rolled.
2. Roll a 7? Left drinks
Whoever is seated to the left of the roller takes a drink. Simple and savage.
3. Roll an 11? Right drinks
The player to the roller’s right drinks. Balance is important—even in drinking.
4. Roll doubles? You assign drinks
When you roll matching numbers (like two 4s), you get to assign drinks. The number of sips is usually equal to the number on one die—or both, depending on your group.
5. Roll a 3? 3 Man drinks (or becomes 3 Man)
If anyone rolls a 3 again, the current 3 Man drinks. If that person isn’t the 3 Man yet, the role passes to them.
6. Snake Eyes trigger chaos
Rolling two 1s is a wildcard. Some house rules make this a double penalty, a rule creation moment, or a group punishment.
👉 Love 3 Man? You’ll probably enjoy the Yahtzee Dice Drinking Game too - same dice, more structured chaos.
3 Man Rules and Tips
The beauty of the 3 Man game is how customizable it is. You can keep it light or throw in chaos with house rules.
1. Keep the pace fast
This isn’t a board game. Pass the dice quickly to keep the rhythm and energy up.
2. Establish your house rules early
Before the drinks hit, decide what Snake Eyes means, whether the 3 Man can make new rules, and how long the game lasts.
3. Be ruthless (but fair) when assigning drinks
Don’t be afraid to target the loudest, slowest, or cockiest players. Just don’t be surprised when they return the favor.
4. Use shot penalties sparingly
If you’re playing with liquor, stick to small sips or beer. Shot-based punishments escalate fast and can kill the vibe or someone’s liver.
5. Set a drink limit
To keep things fun and safe, some groups cap it at “max 3 sips per penalty.” It keeps the game lighthearted and less dangerous.
3 Man Variations
There’s no one way to play 3 Man. A few twists can totally change the vibe, from laid-back sipping to full-on chaos mode.
1. Rule-Creating 3 Man
Every time the 3 Man drinks, they get to invent a new rule everyone must follow (like “no saying names” or “drink with your non-dominant hand”). Break it, you drink.
2. Silent 3 Man
The 3 Man isn’t allowed to speak. If they talk—even accidentally—they drink.
3. Double 3s = Double Trouble
If someone rolls two 3s (like 1+2 + 1+2), they become the 3 Man and assign double drinks to someone of their choice.
4. Continuous Rolls on Doubles
If you roll doubles, assign your drinks—and then roll again. This can repeat until you don’t get doubles.
5. Everyone Drinks on Snake Eyes
Turn Snake Eyes into a group event. If it happens, everyone at the table drinks. Last one to sip takes a penalty shot.
👉 Feeling brave? Try the Avalanche Dice Game, where one roll can doom you and your drink.
FAQs about 3 Man
1. What do I need to play 3 Man?
Two dice, drinks, and at least 3-4 players. It works best with 4–8, but you can adapt it.
2. What happens if the 3 Man rolls a 3?
They drink. Again. The role stays with them unless you add a rule to pass it.
3. What’s Snake Eyes?
Rolling two 1s. House rules decide the consequence—usually a big punishment, a new rule, or group drinks.
4. Can I play 3 Man without alcohol?
Yes. Use juice, soda, or water. It’s still fun, especially with the right group.
5. Is 3 Man a good game for large parties?
Yes, but for more than 8 people, consider splitting into teams or using more dice to keep the pace.
6. How long does a typical 3 Man game last?
There’s no fixed time—it usually goes until people are ready to stop. Many groups pause or rotate every 20–30 minutes.
7. Can I make my own rules?
Yes, and you should. That’s half the fun. Many groups let the 3 Man create or update rules as they go.
8. How do you end a game of 3 Man?
Set a number of rounds or time limit, or just agree to stop when the group’s ready. Some play until a player rolls Snake Eyes three times.
