Spin the Dreidel!

Dreidel: How to Play

The dreidel has four Hebrew letters:

• Nun (נ) – Nothing happens
• Gimel (ג) – Take the whole pot
• Hey (ה) – Take half the pot
• Shin (ש) – Put one into the pot

Basic Gameplay

1. Each player starts with an equal number of coins, gelt, candy, or tokens.
2. Everyone puts one item into the pot to start.
3. Players take turns spinning the dreidel.
4. Follow the action of the letter.
5. If a player runs out of pieces, they are out (or may be “loaned” one if house rules allow).
6. The game ends when one player has all the pieces or everyone agrees to stop.

Optional House Rules

Every family does it a little differently. Try any of these:

• Double Shin: Shin means put in 2 or 3 instead of 1.
• Starting Ante: Begin with 2 items in the pot instead of 1.
• Side Pot: After every Hey, players add one to a “bonus pot” that Gimel can win later.
• Speed Round: Set a timer. Whoever has the most after 5 minutes wins.
• Team Dreidel: Two teams take turns instead of individuals.
• Knockout Mode: If you hit Shin twice in a row, you lose a turn.
• Lucky Gimel: If Gimel happens on the first spin of a round, the pot refills automatically.

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