In Pass the Pigs you will take the two pig “dice” and roll them onto the table. The positions that the pigs land in will be worth certain points. After scoring these and if you did not roll a “pig out” (with one pig showing a spot and the other not) then you can decide to take your points and score them for your turn or push your luck and roll the pigs again. If you get a pig out you will lose all points accrued so far that turn, and play will pass to your left. In this way you will try to be the first to score 100 points. This is a simple, portable game with a whole host of fun to be had by players of all ages. With a little help, children as young as 5 can enjoy the fun of passing the pigs.

Do You Like Fun?

Setup of this game is very simple; take the two piggies from the box and start tossing them onto the table and shouting out their positions. Each different position scores a different amount of points based on its difficulty to achieve. A pig on their back (a razorback) is worth a simple 5 points, but get yourself two razorbacks (a double razorback) and you’ll net yourself a sweet 20 points. Aim of this game is to reach 100 points by throwing piggies onto the table and scoring points based on how they land.

Where Can I Pass Pigs, & With Who?

Pass the Pigs is a traditional parlour game that has really stood the test of time. The gameplay is simple and the fun is maximum. This is a great game for people of all ages. Its small package and easy gameplay makes it a staple for travel, camping and restaurants. Aside from a trip to the beach (pigs do not like being lost in the sand) I cannot see many opportunities unsuitable for a game of Pass the Pigs.

What Is Pig Throwing Good For?

Well I am so glad that you have asked. There are many things to be learned from Pass the Pigs

Pig passing is great for learning simple addition skills. The whole game is based on adding up your scores and deciding whether to push on or stick with what you have earned so far. Your children will get quick at adding on 5 points at a time, and this game is so addictive you will find them doing maths without even realising.

Perils of pushing your luck is another thing you will be exposed to. You can choose to play it safe, and that brings with it known success, or you can roll the piggies again and risk what you have already earnt in search of bigger scores. There will invariably be a dose of disappointment when you roll a pig out and lose all that you had built up, but this quick play style helps to soften the blow with getting back on the horse quickly after. You can also still be involved by shouting out the positions that your fellow players make the piggies get into and also aiding with the maths of adding up their scores too.

If you are looking for a game for your jollies or your trips to grandma’s house then look no further than Pass the Pigs. And if you think this is a game just for kids then prepare to be proven wrong. Much fun was had by me and 15 other women at a hen party a few years ago with whoops of delight each time the fabled leaning jowler was thrown only to be followed by an overzealous pig out and tumble back down to zero points.

This blog was written by Hannah Blacknell

Editors note: This post was originally published on 27th April 2023. Updated on 12 July 2024 to improve the information available.