Dice Of Fortune

Setup

With large classes, you may want to split the students into two or more separate groups/games. You will need two dice for each game being played.

Divide each group into two, three or four teams.

Write the following assignments on the board:

Dice Of Fortune Number Assignments

2 – Bankrupt
3 – $800
4 – $600
5 – $400
6 – $300
7 – $350
8 – $500
9 – $700
10 – $900
11 – Lose A Turn
12 – Free Roll

Game

1. One student sits out each round and chooses a word or phrase from the target language. This word or phrase is written on the board (for one game), or on a piece of paper (multiple games) as blank spaces, as in Hangman.
2. One team starts by rolling the dice. If they roll a money value, they can guess a consonant. If that consonant appears in the word/phrase, they receive the money value multiplied by the number of occurrences. When they have enough money, teams also have the option of buying a vowel for $250.
3. A team continues its turn until their guess does not appear, or they roll “Lose A Turn” or “Bankrupt” (they also lose all their money on the latter). Play then passes to the other team.
4. When they think they know the complete word/phrase, teams can guess the solution. If they are incorrect, play passes to the other team. If they are correct, they win a point.
5. Repeat the game with a new word/phrase. The team with the most points at the end wins.

Target Language

The Dice Of Fortune ESL game can be used to practise any type of vocabulary, and can be adapted to any level, beginner, intermediate or advanced. However, for higher level students, try phrases instead of words. As such, it’s a great way to practise idioms too; you could even award a bonus point for a good explanation of the idiom.

If you have the Internet and a projector available, try our interactive Wheel Of Fortune game as well.