Game Name: Long Shot: The Dice Game
Publisher: Perplext
Designer: Chris Handy
Players: 1-8
Playtime: ~25-30 minutes
What’s in the box?
How does it play?
Long Shot: The Dice Game is a roll-and-write horse racing game where you’re betting on thoroughbreds, buying horses, and trying to make bank. It’s got a unique blend of strategy, chaos, and that delicious moment when the longshot actually wins.
Think Yahtzee meets Space Base, in that you are rolling dice and something happens good for you when other people roll their dice
Gameplay Rundown
All players start with a dry erase board, a dry erase marker, Starting Cards and $12. Players will take turns rolling dice and moving horses towards the finish line.
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Roll two dice: One for the horse that moves, one for how far.
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Everyone marks their sheets: Bet, buy horses, grab concessions, etc. You’re not just filling in boxes; you’re betting on horses, buying them outright, and even trying to influence the race itself.
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First horse across the line ends the game.
All horses have special powers, which you can see on their associated cards. The horse cards are dry erasable as well.
You can place bets on any horse at any point before they cross the “no bet” line. The earlier you bet, the better the odds might be, but can you pick a winner from the starting pack?
Buying a horse gives you its unique ability, which can trigger when that horse’s number is rolled. These abilities add a layer of strategic depth, letting you push your own horses, slow down others, or even earn extra cash. Plus, owned horses pay out if they place in the top three!
Your player board features a bingo-like grid. Completing rows or columns grants you one-time bonus actions. These can be game-changers, allowing you to move horses forward or backward, place free bets, or gain extra money. Timing these concessions is key to a photo finish!
You’re juggling bets, horse ownership, and concessions bonuses to rake in the cash by the end. There’s even a solo mode — perfect if your friends are too scared of your lucky streak. 😉
👍 The Good Stuff
✅ Fast, addictive gameplay – Races fly by (25-40 minutes).
✅ Tons of interaction – Even when it’s not your turn, you’re still betting and cheering.
✅ Unique horse abilities – Every horse has its own power. Some are broken (in a fun way).
✅ Solo mode slaps – Genuinely challenging and doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
✅ Travels well – Small box that travels well.
✅ Easy to teach – The rules are not too difficult. Several good tutorials on YouTube.
👎 The Not-So-Good Stuff
❌ Luck factor is high – If you hate dice games or want total control, look elsewhere.
❌ Horse powers can feel swingy – Some games, one horse just dominates.
❌ Take that! – Your opponents can move your horse backwards just as it is about to cross the finish line.
🧠 Strategy Corner
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Buy horses with good powers, not just the ones in the lead.
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Go for concession combos early — they snowball.
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Don’t sleep on helmets and jerseys — they give big advantages and tiebreaker wins.
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Spread your bets unless you’re feeling spicy.
🔥 Final Score: 4.5/5 🔥
Long Shot: The Dice Game is pure fun in a small box. It’s got drama, shouting, dumb luck, and smart plays all wrapped into one fast-paced race. Whether you’re gaming with the family or your cutthroat strategy group, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
