Chicago - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Chicago is a drinking game in the Dice Games category for 2-6 players that takes about 15-25 min with a easy difficulty level.

Hit numbers 2-12 in sequence

Equipment Needed

Setup

Grab two dice and enough drinks for everyone. Decide who rolls first and set a shared starting target of 2. Keep the drinks nearby,everyone will need easy access as rounds go quickly.

How to Play Chicago

  1. Target starts at 2
  2. Roll to hit the target sum
  3. Hit it = next target
  4. Miss = drink 1
  5. Sequence: 2,3,4...12
  6. First to 12 wins
  7. Losers drink remaining targets
  8. Simple and fun

Tips & Strategies

Rolling technique matters more than you'd think. Try a controlled toss to avoid wild rolls that fly off the table. Remember, if you're stuck on a tough number like 7, visualize common dice pairings like 6+1 or 4+3 to focus your odds. Strategize your drinking,losers chug the drinks equal to their remaining target difference, so pacing can save you from a nightmare 5-drink penalty.

Variations

Reverse Chicago: Start at 12 and roll down to 2 in reverse sequence for added challenge.. Double Trouble: Rolling doubles lets you skip the next number entirely, adding a luck-based twist to the sequence.. Shot Chicago: Instead of sipping, every missed roll results in a shot, making the penalties much harsher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone rolls doubles?
In the base game, doubles don't carry special rules, but you could agree as a group to add a skip or bonus to spice things up.
Can the target number be skipped?
No, every target from 2 to 12 must be rolled in sequence unless you're playing a variation like Double Trouble.
What happens if you reach 12 and win?
The winner is safe, but all losers must drink the sum of their remaining targets. For example, if someone is stuck at 7, they'll owe 5 drinks.
How long does the game usually last?
Depending on how quickly players hit numbers, a game typically takes 15-25 minutes. Longer if players keep missing rolls.

Players: 2-6 | Duration: 15-25 min | Difficulty: easy

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