# Zanzibar - Dice — Where luck meets laughter

> Where luck meets laughter (iPhone/iPad app by Marco Janssen.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zanzibar-dice/id6447702339 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Marco Janssen](https://appshunter.io/developer/787863348)
- Category: Games, Board, Strategy
- Price: $2.99
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 23 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-04-26
- Data updated: 2026-08-17
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zanzibar-dice/id6447702339/reviews.md

## What is Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a thrilling dice game that has captured the hearts of many, especially those in French pubs. This game has become a global sensation and can now be enjoyed by players from all over the world, with any number of players. The objective of the game is simple: be the first player to eliminate all your chips to win.

Zanzibar is a fast-paced game that involves rolling three six-sided dice, making it a perfect party game. The game's unique scoring system means each player starts with either 11, 21, or 41 chips, and the aim is to be the first player to exhaust all of their chips. The number of chips can be adjusted to suit the length of the game, so players can opt for a quick game with 11 chips or a longer game with 21 or 41 chips.

This iOS implementation of Zanzibar supports an unlimited number of players, which can be a combination of human and AI. Additionally, there are two variants of the game available. The first variant is the Simpler Scoring version, where the game rules remain the same except that combinations are scored based solely on their face value. The score awarded for ones and sixes is only 1 point and 6 points, respectively, instead of the original 100 points and 60 points. This version is perfect for players who prefer a simpler scoring system.

The second variant is the Alternative Chip Distribution version, which has the same rules as the regular game, except that the losing player receives chips from each of the other players. The number of chips received is based on each player's score rather than just the winner's score. This version adds an exciting twist to the game, as players must think carefully about their moves to avoid becoming the losing player.

Overall, Zanzibar is an exciting and easy-to-learn game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. With its unique scoring system and two different variants to choose from, it's no wonder why this game has become a fan favorite all around the world.


## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.3 — 2025-12-17

**Release 1.3 (build 40)**

* **Droid decision-making:** if a higher roll is already present, the droid keeps rolling and will not settle for a lower pair; the highest score is now passed through the entire flow.
* **Hold labels** stop blinking during rolling and consistently return to their correct color once the roll is finished.
* **Pair scoring in Zanzibar:** higher pairs always beat lower pairs (kicker only as a tiebreaker), so 5-5-x > 4-4-x.
* **421 variant revised:** order is now 421 > 111 > pairs > barracks (555/222) > straights > nenette, with pairs sorted by pair value instead of the odd die.
* **Project/scheme updated** to Xcode 15.2 (LastUpgrade 2620), including Swift asset symbol extensions in the build settings.

### 1.2 — 2025-12-14

Zanzibar 1.2 (build 39)
- Empty dice slots now show a blank die asset when the value is -1, keeping player and table views consistent.
- Dice-roll sound (dice.wav) is bundled again; the loader now safely handles missing files.
- Music volume uses the correct player, and timers are cleaned up when leaving the play screen.
- 421 tie-breaker is fixed by correctly comparing each player’s highest die.
- Project updated to version 1.2 (build 39) with the latest Xcode build settings.

### 1.1 — 2023-05-07

New: 
- Extra ruleset "421" (settings)
- Added 421 rules text (visible when 421 is selected)

Changed:
- Scrolling of the table is now only allowed when a human player is currently playing
- There is delay between AI dice throws
- End of the game (before scoretable) is marked as Game Over.

### 1.0 — 2023-04-26

No release notes.

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## More apps by Marco Janssen

- [Count Up+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/count-up-plus/id787863345)
- [Pinmate for Pinboard](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinmate-for-pinboard/id6756324920)
- [WispPGP](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wisppgp/id6757249850)
- [Check’d](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/checkd/id6757342492)
- [PerRonduit](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/perronduit/id6758950912)

All apps by Marco Janssen: https://appshunter.io/developer/787863348

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-17.*