Remember, if it isn't Creative Crafthouse, it isn't Penny Drop
Last updated July 2026
Penny Drop is a simple, fast wooden dice game for 2 to 10 players. Each player starts with twelve pennies, takes turns rolling a single die, and the first to get rid of every penny wins. It is a mix of luck and nerve that suits a family game night, a party, or a night out with friends equally well.
The quick version
How to Play Penny Drop
On your turn:
- Roll the die and place a penny in the slot that matches the number you rolled.
- Roll a 6 and your penny drops into the box, which is exactly what you want.
- If that slot is already taken, collect every penny on the board and your turn ends.
- You must roll at least once per turn, then choose to roll again or pass.
Play continues until one player has dropped all their pennies.
Game Setup
Setting up Penny Drop is quick and easy:
- Each player starts with 12 pennies.
- Use a standard six-sided die. A special wooden Red One die is included with every Creative Crafthouse Penny Drop game.
- The game board features numbered slots, 1 through 6.
- Pick a starting player at random or roll for it.
Any penny works, and a game of Penny Drop is a great second life for a jar of old pennies.
Penny Drop Rules
The game is played in rounds, with players rolling the die and following these steps:
- Roll the die. Place a penny into the slot that matches the number rolled.
- If you roll a 6: your penny drops into the box, and that is good.
- If the slot is already occupied: you must collect all the pennies from the board and end your turn.
- Players must roll at least once per turn. After that, they can choose to roll again or pass.
The game continues until one player gets rid of all their pennies.
How to Win
The first player to drop all their pennies wins the game. Getting there is a balance of risk and patience: push your luck to shed pennies faster, or play it safe and let opponents fill the slots and collect.
Strategy Tips to Master Penny Drop
- Know when to stop. Rolling multiple times increases your risk. Be strategic.
- Force others to collect. If an opponent is low on pennies, roll cautiously to avoid handing them the win.
- Start strong. Get rid of as many pennies early in the game as you can.
- Play the odds. If certain numbers are already full, passing may be the safer choice.
Penny Drop tends to be the game that stays out on the table. If it goes over well at yours, a few others in the same easygoing, luck-and-laughs spirit are worth a look: Shut the Box, the centuries-old pub classic; the Horse Race Game, a fast two-player dice race; and Hi Roll, a quick roll-and-score for game nights and gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids play Penny Drop?
Yes. The game is simple enough for kids while still being engaging for adults.
Is Penny Drop a gambling game?
It can be, depending on who you are playing with. You can ante up candy, coins, or dollars to add an extra element. The game suits both a family game night with the kids and a night out with friends.
Can I customize my game?
Yes. We offer laser engraving to personalize your Penny Drop board.
Where is Penny Drop made?
Each Penny Drop game is handcrafted in our workshop in Hudson, Florida.
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