How to get the Yatzy upper bonus (63 points)
The 63 points you need for the upper bonus is exactly three of each number: 3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 + 18. So treat three dice as par in every upper box and keep a running count of how far ahead (+) or behind (−) par you are. If you finish the upper section at par or better, you get the bonus: 35 points in Classic and Yacht, 50 in Scandinavian Yatzy.
Par table for each number
One die more than par puts you ahead by that number; one die fewer puts you behind by that number.
| Box | Par (three dice) | Four dice | Two dice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ones | 3 | 4 (+1) | 2 (−1) |
| Twos | 6 | 8 (+2) | 4 (−2) |
| Threes | 9 | 12 (+3) | 6 (−3) |
| Fours | 12 | 16 (+4) | 8 (−4) |
| Fives | 15 | 20 (+5) | 10 (−5) |
| Sixes | 18 | 24 (+6) | 12 (−6) |
| Total | 63 |
When the upper section is full, a plus-minus total of zero or more means you earned the bonus.
How to reach it
- Go high first: four Sixes (+6) covers two Fives (−5). Extra dice in high boxes absorb shortfalls in the others.
- Three of a high number usually goes up top: 6-6-6 in Sixes locks in par, which tends to pay more over the game than using it as 3 of a kind.
- Scratch Ones, not Sixes: a 0 in Ones costs only 3 against par; a 0 in Sixes costs 18 and almost rules the bonus out.
- Check the cost of two dice: before writing two Fives (−5), make sure the remaining boxes can make it back.
- Late in the game, do the math: if the points you still need exceed what four of each remaining number would give, let the bonus go and play for the lower section.
What the bonus is worth
35 points is more than a Classic full house (25), and the 50-point Scandinavian bonus equals a whole Yatzy. That is why a player who quietly hits par in the upper section often beats one who rolled a single lucky combination.
In Pipsheet
Under the upper section, Pipsheet shows each player how many points are still needed for the bonus ("17 to go") and how far ahead of or behind par they are (+4, −17). Reach 63 and the bonus (+35 or +50) is added automatically. The Stats screen shows each player's upper bonus rate.
FAQ
- How many points do I need for the upper bonus?
- 63 or more in the six upper boxes in all three rule sets. The bonus is 35 in Classic and Yacht and 50 in Scandinavian Yatzy.
- Why 63?
- Because three of each number (3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 + 18) adds up to 63.
- Can I still get the bonus if I scratch Sixes?
- You would be 18 behind par and need 18 extra points from Ones to Fives. Five of each of those gives only +30 in total, so it is possible in theory but very unlikely.
- Can an app show how far I am from the bonus?
- Yes. Pipsheet shows each player's points to go and plus or minus against par right on the score sheet.
Let the score sheet count down to your bonus
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