Initial Rules for Tao Dice

Two to Four Players

Each player starts with:

• 2D6
• 1D20
• Equal distribution of black stones

Gameplay:

• All players ante one black stone into the pot.
• All players roll their 2D6 in cups, hiding from other players
• Starting with the player with the fewest stones, each player is given the opportunity to add one stone to the pot. If one player does, other players must match that stone or 'fold' (forfeiting their ante)
• Once stones have been matched, or the bid has gone all the way around without any players adding stones, all players roll their 1D20 out in the open.
• Again, each player is given the opportunity to add a stone, and if any player adds a stone, each subsequent player must call the bet or fold.
• After that round is complete, players reveal their 2D6, and add them to with their 1D20 to determine their score.
• The roller with the highest score takes the pot.

I upped the 'held' dice to 2D6 because it has to be a significant indicator of the total hand, and 1D6 wasn't meaningful enough. With a 2-12 point spread, weighted in the middle at 7 (instead of a 1-6 even spread), it has a meaningful impact on the final total when added to the D20.