There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie and thrill of a good drinking game to liven up a party. Among the vast array of choices, the 3 Man Dice Drinking Game stands out for its simplicity, unpredictability, and sheer fun. Whether you’re a seasoned party-goer or a casual social drinker, this game has a way of drawing everyone in. But before you gather your friends around the table, let’s dive into what makes this game a must-try, including a twist that could change the game entirely—the infamous Snake Eyes rule.
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What is the 3 Man Dice Drinking Game?
The 3 Man Dice Drinking Game is a classic drinking game that’s been a staple at parties and gatherings for years. It’s a game of chance, where the outcome is determined by the roll of two dice, making every turn unpredictable. The game’s origins are somewhat murky, with different versions appearing across the globe, but one thing is certain—it’s universally loved for its ability to keep the party going.
The objective is simple: avoid becoming the “3 Man” or else, you’ll be the one doing most of the drinking. The game continues until players decide they’ve had enough or, more likely, until the drinks run out. With easy-to-follow rules and minimal setup, it’s no wonder the 3 Man Dice Game remains a popular choice among social drinkers.
Setup and Equipment
Setting up the 3 Man Dice Drinking Game is as straightforward as the game itself. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Two Dice: These are the stars of the game. Any standard six-sided dice will do.
- Cups: One for each player, plus an extra for the “3 Man” if you choose.
- Drinks: Beer is a common choice, but any beverage can work—just remember to drink responsibly.
Player Arrangement
Gather all participants around a table. The dice will be rolled in turns, so it’s helpful if everyone is within reach. The game works best with 4-8 players, though you can adjust the rules for larger or smaller groups.
Once the dice and drinks are ready, designate someone to start the game, often by rolling the dice to determine the first 3 Man.

Basic Rules of the 3 Man Dice Game
The rules of the 3 Man Dice Game are simple enough for anyone to pick up quickly, but they add enough complexity to keep things interesting:
- Choosing the 3 Man: At the beginning of the game, players roll the dice to determine who becomes the first 3 Man. Typically, the first person to roll a combined total of 3 is assigned this role. Once chosen, the 3 Man remains in that role until another player rolls a 3, at which point the role is passed on.
- Dice Rolls and Actions:
- Rolling a 3: The 3 Man drinks.
- Rolling a 7: The player to the left drinks.
- Rolling an 11: The player to the right drinks.
- Rolling doubles: The roller assigns drinks to another player. The amount is usually the total of the two dice.
- Rolling Snake Eyes: (More on this twist below!)
- Passing the Dice: After each roll, the dice are passed to the next player clockwise. The game continues in this fashion, with each roll determining who drinks next.
- Becoming the 3 Man: If at any point a player rolls a 3, they immediately take on the role of the 3 Man. If the 3 Man rolls a 3, they must drink and continue in their role.
3 Man Rules: Snake Eyes
The Snake Eyes rule introduces an extra layer of excitement—and potential danger—into the 3 Man Dice Drinking Game. This rule kicks in whenever a player rolls two 1s, also known as Snake Eyes.
Impact on Gameplay:
- Automatic Penalty: When Snake Eyes is rolled, the player is usually required to drink double the amount they would normally have to.
- Role Reversal: In some variations, rolling Snake Eyes can mean the player automatically becomes the 3 Man, regardless of their previous role.
- Assigning Drinks: Alternatively, the roller might get to assign drinks equal to the total of the dice (in this case, 2 drinks) to other players, making it a strategic moment in the game.
Variations:
- Some players might decide that Snake Eyes allows the roller to make up a new rule on the spot, which must be followed for the rest of the game.
- Others might use Snake Eyes to trigger a round where everyone drinks, adding a sudden burst of energy (and perhaps chaos) to the game.
Popular Variations of the 3 Man Dice Game
The 3 Man Dice Drinking Game is flexible, with players often adding their own twists, known as house rules, to keep things exciting. These tweaks can make the game more fun or challenging, and the game can also vary by region, reflecting local customs.
Common House Rules of 3 Man
- No 3 Man: In this version, the game focuses solely on the dice rolls, removing the 3 Man role entirely.
- King of the 3s: The 3 Man has the power to assign drinks every time a 3 is rolled by any player.
- Extra Dice: Adding a third die introduces more possibilities and more rules, upping the ante for everyone involved.
- Double 3s Rule: Rolling two 3s makes the roller the new 3 Man and doubles the penalty drinks.
- Rule Creation: The 3 Man can create a new rule whenever they roll a 3.
- Continuous Rolls: Rolling doubles means the player must keep rolling, with each double increasing the drink count.
- Reverse 3 Man: The 3 Man can pass their role to any player of their choice when they roll a 3.
- Silent 3 Man: The 3 Man can’t speak; if they do, they must drink.

Regional Differences of 3 Man
- North America: Focuses on speed and simplicity, often with quick rounds and competitive elements.
- Europe: May include more complex rules, with traditional drinking songs or chants.
- Australia: Laid-back with humorous penalties and communal toasts.
- Asia: Adapted to fit local drinking customs, often with a more subdued pace or higher stakes.
The 3 Man Dice Drinking Game is a timeless classic that brings laughter, suspense, and a bit of strategy to any gathering. Whether you stick to the basic rules or throw in the Snake Eyes twist for added excitement, this game is sure to be a hit. So gather your friends, grab the dice, and get ready for a night of unforgettable fun. And remember, the only thing predictable about this game is its unpredictability—so roll those dice and see where the night takes you!
Discover More Fun Dice Drinking Games
Don’t stop at the 3 Man Dice Drinking Game; here are more exciting dice-based drinking games to elevate your party:
- Snappa: A fast-paced game where players toss dice onto a table, trying to catch them before they hit the floor. It combines precision and quick reflexes for endless fun.
- Beer Die: This game introduces a competitive element by challenging players to toss a die into their opponent’s cup. It mixes skill with drinking for a high-energy experience.
- DND Drinking Game: A more creative option, this game blends the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons with drinking rules, making it perfect for fans of role-playing games who want a twist on their usual sessions.
You can find all the detailed rules and creative variations on the blog, ensuring a good time for everyone!
FAQ About The 3 Man Drinking Game
What are the rules of 3 Man?
Players take turns rolling two dice, with specific actions tied to each roll, like drinking or passing drinks. The “3 Man” drinks whenever a 3 is rolled, and this role passes to another player when a new 3 is rolled.
What do you need to play 3 Man?
You need two dice, cups, drinks, and 4-8 players to play the 3 Man Dice Game.
Is the 3 Man Dice Game suitable for large groups?
Don’t let the name fool you—3 Man Dice is actually best with 4-8 players. But if your group’s a bit bigger, just split into teams or toss in some extra dice, and you’re good to go!
What are the rules of Snake Eyes?
In the 3 Man Dice Game, rolling Snake Eyes (two 1s) usually results in a penalty, such as the roller drinking double or becoming the new 3 Man. The specific consequences can vary based on house rules.
How to play 7 11 Snake Eyes?
In the 7 11 Snake Eyes drinking game, players roll two dice. Rolling a 7 or 11 allows the roller to choose someone to drink. Rolling Snake Eyes often triggers a penalty, like the roller drinking or assigning drinks to others. The game is fast-paced, focusing on quick rolls and reactions.