Farkle

I learned the origin and rules for Farkle from the minister of our church about 15 years ago. He had just returned from a mission trip to Siberia, Russia, with a number of Methodist ministers and the bishop of the Texas Conference. The bishop taught some of the ministers on the plane how to play the game. As the story goes, the game Farkle was derived from the Farkleberry tree, a small tree native to Texas. When the early settlers came to Texas, they discovered the Farkleberry would harden as they dried. The settlers carved these berries into the shape of dice so that they might play games. Thus, the game Farkle got its name. Some have even called the game Farkleberry, though I doubt that the name ever caught on.

While there seems to be several stories about the origin of the game and as many rules, the game is fun and easy to play. Incidentally, there is no such thing as "official rules" for the Farkle game, since it was handed down from one generation to another over the years. Our family, as well as our extended family and many friends, have enjoyed this game for many years. We are noted around the country for holding Farkle tournaments, and the big winner usually is dubbed the "Farkle King/Queen."

The game is played with six dice. Each roll shows different sides of the dice and certain combinations represent scoring points, some of which are very significant. The game is played to 10,000 points and can be completed within 20 minutes, provided no more than four people are playing. While there is no limit to the number of players, it is best not to exceed 8 players. Teams can be established as well. When teams play, the game goal to win is doubled to 20,000 points.

The rules are simple and very little strategy is required; however, luck plays an important role in this game. When a player fails to make points following any roll of the dice, the rest of the players usually yell "Farkle" and the player loses any points accumulated during his/her turn.

The game will make a great, inexpensive gift for friends, family and the office staff. We packaged Farkle games for our family members and friends. If you have an interest in a Farkle game, let me know and I will send you one or more games for a price of $5 per game (new price), plus a shipping cost of $2.00 per game to defray my costs.

The table below shows the price for one to four games, including postage and handling. For 5 or more games sent to the same address, please contact me before sending your payment, as I can save some mailing cost.

Send a check or Money Order in the amount of $8.00 for each game,
which includes postage and handling, to:

Be sure to include your USPS mailing address, as I use First Class postage.
(If you send your email address, I can let you know when I receive your check,
and I can advise you when I mail your game. By the way, I will NOT keep,
give away or sell your email address to anyone.)

1 Game $7.00
2 Games $13.00
3 Games $19.00
4 Games $25.00
5 or more - please contact me for price

I am considering adding score pads, dice and rules, in addition to the complete game.
If you see a value in having these options available, I would appreciate your input.

I received this email and thought you might like to hear what one person said about the Farkle "mania."

"That's really good service - I received my Farkle game in the mail yesterday. Thanks so much - I know we will enjoy playing and I have already told several friends and family members about it. Can't remember if I told you but I visited a friend in Las Cruces, NM in December and a group of her friends "Farkle" all the time. They live all over the place and a couple of times a year, they meet in Florida or Arizona or wherever just to Farkle! They even made a scrapbook of the last time they met in Florida - they really have fun with it and I know we will too. Thanks again.

Sandy
West Des Moines, IA"
January 7, 2005
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"What I like is the game is compact and easy to slip right into my purse. When I vacationed in Oregon and Washington state in April/May, I played with my daughter and son-in-law. I had bought them a set of Farkle. The loved it!"