Dogs and Jackals Game
Pyram Enterprises, Inc. Reproduction


Board and playing pieces

Object of the Game

The object of the game is to roll the dice and try to get the highest numbers, avoid penalties, and race to the top of the board. The first player to get into the cobra’s eye at the 29th hole on their side of the board is the winner of the race, and the other player must forfeit his piece. Remember whether you have 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 pieces always start from the fifth hole. Repeat this process of race and capture. The first player to capture all of his opponent’s pieces is the winner.

Diagram of Board

Method of Play

On the playing surface of the board are two sets of 29 holes commencing on either side of a palm tree and leading to the top of the palm tree marked with the head of the cobra. Set game up for play by placing jackals in the first 5 holes on the right side of the board then place hounds in the first 5 holes in the left side of the board. Now before you start, there are a few things you should know about the board.

The symbols on the board marked by cobras at the 15th and 25th holes, entitles the player to roll the dice again. If a player steps on the lizard’s tail at the 10th and 20th holes then follow the tail back to the nose. In other words …if you land on the 10th hole then you must go back to the 8th hole, and if you land on the 20th hole then you must go back to the 6th hole.

Rules and Interpretation of Dice

The rules for using the dice are simple and are as follows:

When the dice is thrown and all symbols appear; follow the first four rules. All other rolls (whether all spots; or symbols and spots are mixed) follow rules 5 and 6. There are two exceptions to this rule:

If you should start from position 5 on the board and you roll 3 lizards (Rule 2) or 2 lizards and 1 cobra (Rule 4) you will notice from position 5 you will not be able to move backward, just roll the dice again.

Dice Rules

If you roll 3 Cobra’s move 3 spaces forward, or opt to roll again. (See suggested strategy for rule 1.) If you roll 3 Lizards move 3 spaces backward (except if you are in position 5, 6, or 7 on the board. You cannot go back from these positions. Roll the dice again. If you roll 2 Cobra’s and 1 Lizard (cancel 1 Lizard and 1 Cobra) leaving 1 Cobra. Move 1 space forward. If you roll 2 Lizards and 1 Cobra (cancel 1 Lizard and 1 Cobra) leaving 1 Lizard. Move 1 space backward. (Except if you are in position 5 at the start of the game, you cannot go back from this position). Roll the dice again. When Lizards and Cobra’s are mixed with spots on the dice, only count the spots and move forward accordingly. If only spots appear then move forward accordingly to the number of spots on the dice.

More Dice Rules

Strategy

“3 Cobra’s” This is a very special roll of the dice. At times it is suggested moving 3 spaces forward. If you are at position 8 you’d be able to avoid the first penalty by moving to position 11, if you are at position 18 you would be able to avoid the first penalty, by moving to position 21. When you are at position 12 you would land at position 15 Cobra or if you are at position 22 you would land at position 25 Cobra. This entitles you to a free roll of dice.

Times to use “option” roll again would be from position 7 and 17 to avoid penalties. At position 10 and 20 Lizard Tails. At position 27 you need a 2 to get to position 29 the Cobra’s Eye wins the game, opt to roll again. You can always opt to roll again, just to try to get higher numbers. Remember when you roll 3 Cobra’s it’s important to know where you are on the board, take advantage and use your best strategy.


Last update January 5, 2010