Ship Captain Crew

• 🎲  How to Play Ship Captain Crew
• ⚓  Ship Captain Crew Rules
• 🏴‍☠️  Ship Captain Crew Variations
• 🍻  Ship Captain Crew Penalties
• 👾  FAQs about Ship Captain Crew

Ship Captain Crew is the kind of dice game that takes over the table before you know it. All it needs is five dice, a couple of friends, and suddenly you’re yelling about ships, captains, and cargo like you’ve been drafted into a pirate crew. It’s rowdy, it’s simple, and it’s the perfect mix of luck and bragging rights.

The goal sounds straightforward — roll a 6 (ship), a 5 (captain), and a 4 (crew) in order before stashing away points as cargo. But don’t be fooled: luck is a fickle first mate. One minute you’re stacked with treasure, the next you’re sinking without a crew. That’s the magic of this fast-paced classic.

👉 Like your dice games rowdy? Check out Three Man — fast, messy, and perfect for groups.

How to play Ship Captain Crew

The aim is to roll your way to victory by collecting a “ship” (a 6), a “captain” (a 5), and a “crew” (a 4) in that order, before using the remaining dice to score cargo points. Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Roll the dice

Each player gets three chances per turn to roll five dice.

2. Secure your ship

Before you can do anything else, you’ll need to roll a 6. Without it, you can’t move forward.

3. Recruit your captain

Once you’ve got your ship, the next goal is a 5.

4. Gather your crew

With the ship and captain in place, you’ll need a 4 to set sail.

5. Load the cargo

Your remaining two dice (after 6-5-4 are secured) count as your “cargo.” The higher the combined number, the better.

6. Beat your rivals

At the end of the round, whoever has the highest cargo score wins that hand.

👉 Prefer cards after that? Deal into Ride the Bus next.

Ship Captain Crew Rules

The rules are simple enough to pick up in one round, but they’re what make the game so addictive.

1. Order matters

You can’t use a captain or crew until you’ve rolled the ship first.

2. Three rolls only

You only get three tries to build your 6-5-4. After that, you’re stuck with whatever you’ve got.

3. Cargo breaks ties

If two players get the same total cargo, you re-roll until there’s a winner.

4. All or nothing

If you fail to roll 6-5-4 in order, you score zero for that round.

5. Winner takes all

If you’re playing for coins, chips, or sips, the round winner collects the pot.

Ship Captain Crew Variations

Some crews keep it classic, others spice it up with pirate flair or party twists.

1. The Kraken’s Revenge

If you fail to get your ship, captain, and crew in three rolls, you “wake the kraken” and lose double the stakes.

2. Ghost Ship

Play in reverse: aim for a 4 (crew), then 5 (captain), then 6 (ship). Anyone who messes up order loses cargo points.

3. Double Cargo

Instead of just two dice, all remaining dice after 6-5-4 are counted as cargo. Great for higher scores and wild swings.

4. Mutiny Mode

If two players tie, they both lose and the pot rolls over to the next round.

5. Pirate’s Booty

Instead of points, play for candies, coins, or sips. Whoever wins each round claims the loot.

Ship Captain Crew Penalties

This is where the fun comes in—add playful consequences to keep things rowdy.

1. Take a sip

Zero cargo? Take a drink.

2. Walk the plank

Lose three rounds in a row, you have to do a dare chosen by the group.

3. Swab the deck

Lowest score of the round fetches snacks or refills for everyone.

4. Silent sailor

Fail to roll 6-5-4 at all? You can’t talk until your next turn.

5. Captain’s orders

Round winner gets to make one rule for the next turn (like everyone must roll with their non-dominant hand).

FAQs about Ship Captain Crew

1. How many dice do you need?

Five standard dice. Nothing fancy.

2. Can you play with any number of players?

Yep—2 or more, but it’s best with 4–6 for real chaos.

3. Do you always need to roll in order?

Yes. Ship first (6), captain next (5), crew last (4). No shortcuts.

4. How do you win?

By having the highest cargo total after securing 6-5-4.

5. Is it a drinking game or a regular game?

Both. The base is family-friendly, but with penalties, it easily becomes a party game.