Jactus Rulebook

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• Rules of Play
  • The object of the game
  • Contents
  • Preparation
  • To play
  • To win

Rules of Play

The object of the game

The object of the game is to acquire one Venus card, two little dog cards, and one Roman coin.

Contents

• 3 Venus cards
• 6 Little dog cards
• 4 Roman coins
• 5 dice

Preparation

The game can be played with 2 to 6 players. However, if there are four or less players, not all the cards or coins are used.

For 4 players: Use 3 Venus cards, 6 little dog cards and three coins only.

For 3 players: Use 2 Venus cards, 4 little dog cards and two coins only.

For 2 players: Use 1 Venus card, 2 little dog cards and 1 coin only.

Place the correct number of cards and coins in the centre of the table.

To play

The first player picks up and rolls all five dice in an attempt to obtain either:

• (a) I, I, I, I, I — a throw which allows you to claim a Roman coin; or
• (b) VI, VI, VI, VI, VI — The Jactus Venereus, in which case you may claim a Venus card; or
• (c) Five of any number — The Jactus Canicula (that is; five I's, five II's, five III's, five IV's, five V's or five VI's), in which case you may claim a little dog card.

If you do not manage to throw any of the above, the next player may take a turn. He or she may pick up and roll all or any of the dice in an attempt to throw one of the three combinations given above. If the second player fails to obtain any of the above, the third player may then take a turn. Again, he or she may pick up and roll any or all of the dice.

Once a player has thrown one of the combinations, he or she may claim a card or coin as specified. He or she then picks up and rolls all the dice to start the next round.

In the event that a player is entitled to collect a card or coin and all have been claimed from the centre of the table, he or she may take the card or coin required from any other player.

To win

The first player to hold a Venus card, two little dog cards and a Roman coin wins the game.