Kaput
Kaput (also known as Drop Dead or Stuck in the Mud) is a classic push-your-luck dice game of pure chance. Roll five dice, avoid 2s and 5s, and try to rack up the highest score.
Objective
Be the first player to reach 200 points.
Players
2 to 6 players.
Setup
Five standard six-sided dice are shared among all players. Each player starts with a score of 0.
Gameplay
Players take turns rolling the dice. On your turn, you roll repeatedly to build up points, but you must avoid rolling 2s and 5s — the "kaput" numbers.
1. Roll Your Dice
Start your turn by rolling all 5 dice.
2. Check for 2s and 5s
Evaluate your roll:
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Any 2s or 5s present: You score 0 points for this throw. All dice showing a 2 or 5 are removed from play ("gone kaput") and set aside for the rest of your turn. Points banked from previous throws this turn are safe.
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No 2s or 5s: Add the sum of all dice to your running turn total.
3. Roll Again
Pick up your remaining active dice and roll them again. Kaput dice do not come back.
4. Going Kaput (Ending Your Turn)
Keep rolling, scoring, and removing kaput dice. Your turn ends when your last remaining dice all show 2s or 5s — you have "gone kaput." Your accumulated turn score is added to your total, and the dice pass to the next player.
Example Turn
All dice are kaput — turn over. Player banks 25 points.
Winning
The first player to reach 200 points wins the game.
Strategy Tips
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There is no strategy — Kaput is a game of pure luck! Sit back and enjoy the ride.
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The tension comes from watching your active dice dwindle while hoping for big scoring rolls.
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Games are quick and social, making Kaput a great warm-up or filler game.