Ten Thousand Strategy: When to Roll, When to Bank

Ten Thousand is a probability game dressed as luck. Learn the bust odds and the rest follows. New here? Read the rules first.

1. Know the bust odds

2. Thresholds by dice left

A solid rule: always roll six or five dice; roll four unless you hold 1000+; roll three unless you hold 400+; bank with two dice at 300+ and with one die almost always.

3. Don't keep a lone 5

A single 5 is 50 points and costs you a die. With four or more dice to roll, leave it and roll; a die in hand is worth more than 50 points.

4. Chase hot dice carefully

Setting aside all six gives six fresh dice at only 2% risk: always roll them. But don't throw away a safe bank just to hunt the sixth die.

5. The endgame

Behind by a lot? Take more risk; a safe 300 won't catch up. On the last turn, bank only when it wins; otherwise keep rolling, since banking short is the same as busting.

Last updated 2026-10-20