Code Cracker

About this board game

Code Cracker is a dice-driven game for 1–6 players that takes about 30 minutes to play. Roll the dice to place markers on safe codes, then decide whether to stop or keep rolling in pursuit of valuable safe cards.

Each turn begins with all five dice. After every roll, you must set aside at least one die. The number of pips on that die determines which number you can cover with a marker on one of the three revealed safe cards.

Once you have set aside dice, you face a push-your-luck decision:

• Stop: Take a safe card if all of its code numbers are covered by markers.
• Go on: Roll the remaining dice, set aside at least one die, and place another marker on a safe card.

Safe cards are worth between 2 and 5 points, so completing the right codes can make a significant difference. However, continuing is risky. If a roll produces only pips that do not appear on any of the revealed safe cards, your turn ends immediately, and you cannot claim any completed safe cards.

The game challenges you to balance careful timing with the temptation to earn more. Claim cards when the opportunity is secure, or keep rolling and hope the dice provide the numbers you need. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins.

Released in 2007, Code Cracker offers a compact contest of dice rolling, marker placement, and calculated risk for a group of up to six players.