Long Shot: The Dice Game is a roll-and-write betting game.

Gamble on a horse race using dice.

Long Shot: The Dice Game Overview

On a turn, dice are rolled, and all players use the results to make choices on their own player sheets.

Dice determine which horse moves, what actions are available, and which bonuses can be triggered. Players use these results to mark horses, place bets, claim ownership, and activate special abilities tied to specific horses.

Although everyone uses the same dice, each player chooses how to apply them, deciding whether to focus on betting, gaining abilities, or preparing for later turns.

As the race advances, some horses pull ahead while others fall behind, and players constantly reassess where to place their money based on the changing situation.

How Do You Win?

When the race ends, players score points from winning bets, horse ownership bonuses, and end-of-race objectives.

The player with the highest total score wins.

Main Mechanisms

Roll-and-write, betting, shared dice with individual decisions, variable player powers, and light engine-building.

Theme

The gambling and uncertainty of horse racing are a good fit for the dice-driven system, with fortunes shifting quickly as the race develops.

Setup

Hand out player sheets, prepare the dice and horse track, and you’re ready to play. Setup is quick, and table space is minimal.

Components & Artwork

Clear player sheets, readable tracks, and a clean layout that keeps the game easy to follow.

Ease of Teaching

Very easy. Roll the dice, mark sheets, and place bets. Most of the complexity comes from understanding the icons and horse abilities.

Similar Games

Downforce, for betting on races, though here the interaction is indirect and driven by cards rather than direct control.

Long Shot: The Dice Game Review

Positives

A solid gambling-style game that creates tension and excitement.

The shared dice system keeps everyone engaged on every roll.

Easy to set up and quick to play.

Negatives

Heavy reliance on luck from the dice.

Strategic depth is limited; reacting to rolls is often more important than planning.

Players can feel disconnected if their chosen horses stall early.

Summary

Long Shot: The Dice Game is a fast, luck-driven betting game that works best when you lean into the chaos.

It’s fun, accessible, and lively, but strategy takes a back seat to the roll of the dice.