Lock In: An Exclusive Press-Your-Luck Dice Game

Lock In is a unique dice game that's quick to learn and quick to play. It's only available here at Dice Game Depot, and it's absolutely free!

In this press-your-luck challenge, players roll nine dice and “lock in” one target number—then try to keep hitting that number as the dice dwindle away. Smart risk-taking and chip management are key, but the thrill of pulling off a Perfect Run is what makes Lock In such a blast to play.

Components

9 standard six-sided dice (d6)
10 chips per player. (Or you can use gaming stones, coins, tokens, etc. instead.)
A scoresheet, paper and pencil, or a scorekeeping app

Objective

In Lock In, players try to set aside all 9 dice by choosing a target number and sticking with it through a series of rolls. You can spend chips to reroll if needed, and you can earn more chips by rolling well. The goal is to score the most points by the end of the game.

Setup

Each player takes 10 chips:

Place 8 chips in your play area in front of you. These are available to spend.
Place 2 chips in your reserve, somewhere off to the side but still within easy reach. These chips are not available until earned.
Specify an area for your discard pile. This is where spent chips go and where you can also earn chips from.

Decide how many rounds to play. A typical game lasts 5 rounds but you can choose to make the game longer if you wish.

Pick a player to begin. Play proceeds clockwise around the table. A round ends when all players have taken a turn.

Taking a Turn

Each player's turn consists of the following steps:

Roll all 9 dice.
Choose one number (1 through 6) from your roll to be your target number.
Set aside one die showing that number. You are now locked in to that number for the rest of your turn. (Note: You do not gain any chips for this first roll.)
Roll the remaining dice.
- If at least one die shows your target number, set aside one matching die.
  (Important! You may never set aside more than one die per roll, even if you roll multiple matches.)
- If your roll does not show your target number, you may spend one chip to reroll all remaining dice. Place the spent chip in your discard pile.
Continue rolling or end your turn.
- You may continue rerolling as long as you roll your target number or have chips available. If you cannot or choose not to spend a chip, your turn ends.

Earning Chips

If your roll contains two or more of your target number, take one chip from your discard pile (if there are any available there).

Scoring

At the end of your turn:

Score 1 point for each die you set aside (including the die you set aside in your first roll)
If you set aside exactly 8 dice, earn 1 bonus point.
If you set aside exactly 9 dice:
- Earn 3 bonus points.
- If you have any chips in your reserve, move 1 into your play area.
If you set aside exactly 9 dice without spending any chips during your turn (a Perfect Run):
- Earn 5 bonus points instead of 3.
- If you have any chips in your reserve, move 1 into your play area.

End of the Game

After the final round:

Each player totals their points from all turns.
Then each player adds 2 points for each chip remaining in their play area. Chips in discard piles or that are still in the reserve do not count.

The player with the highest total score wins.

Tiebreaker

If two or more players are tied:

The winner is the player with the most chips remaining in their play area.
If still tied, those players share the victory.

So there you have it! Lock In is easy to learn, quick to play, and just tricky enough to keep everyone on their toes. One minute you’re cruising through a run, the next you’re debating whether to burn a chip just to stay alive. It’s all about picking your moment and hoping the dice play nice. All you need are a few dice, some chips, and a score sheet to dive in.

Gather your friends, start rolling, and see who can pull off that elusive Perfect Run!

- Lock In and the Lock In logo are trademarks of Dice Game Depot
Game design by Richard R Wickham

Jun 2nd 2025 Dice Game Depot