Fill or Bust

About this board game

Fill or Bust is a dice-rolling press-your-luck game for 2–10 players, with a play time of about 30 minutes. Released in 1981, it combines dice scoring with a deck of cards that can shape the goal of each turn.

On your turn, roll the dice and set aside at least one die that scores points. You may then roll the remaining dice to continue building your score. The risk is simple but significant: if none of the remaining dice score, you lose all the points accumulated during that round.

The card deck adds an extra layer of uncertainty to every turn. A goal card may determine what you are forced to pursue, creating decisions that go beyond simply choosing whether to roll again. Some cards offer the possibility of huge bonuses, while others end your turn before it starts.

• Dice rolling: Roll the dice and set aside scoring dice.
• Press-your-luck decisions: Keep rolling to chase more points or stop before a failed roll wipes out the round.
• Goal cards: Follow turn-specific goals that can bring major rewards or abruptly close the turn.

That blend of straightforward scoring and escalating risk makes each roll meaningful. You must weigh the points already secured against the possibility of improving your result, while the card deck can change the challenge from one turn to the next.

Other than its deck of cards that pushes goals onto players, Fill or Bust is similar to Farkle. If you enjoy dice games built around probability, risk, and the temptation to roll one more time, this classic offers a focused and unpredictable experience.