How to Play Dreidel

Guide Note: The holiday of Hanukkah wouldn't be complete without a rousing game of Dreidel. Don't know how to play? That's all right. Read on to learn exactly How to Play Dreidel.

Table of Contents:

Fast Facts:

  1. The Hebrew term for Dreidel is Sevivon (which means "turn around and spin")
  2. In Israel, shin is replaced with peh, which changes the phrase to "A Great Miracle Occurred Here".

Introduction

  • The game of Dreidel is a traditional Jewish custom that is usually played around the holiday of Hanukkah using a four-sided top known as a Dreidel. The dreidel is one of the most recognizable symbols of Hanukkah and can be a fun activity for children and adults alike during their holiday celebrations. The great thing about the Dreidel game is that it's simple to learn and even easier to play. So break out your Dreidels, grab your Hanukkah gelt and let's have some fun!

Meaning of the Dreidel

Wikimedia image courtesy of Scarlight
Wikimedia image courtesy of Scarlight
  • While there are varying theories as to the origin of the dreidel and its relationship to Hanukkah, the prevailing explanation points to the meaning of the letters that grace the four sides of the dreidel. The Hebrew letters Nun, Gimmel, Hay and Shin are the first letters in the phrase Nes Gadol Haya Sham, which translates into English as A Great Miracle Happened There. The miracle in question refers to origin of Hanukkah, in which the oil that was used to light the menorah in the holy temple of Jerusalem miraculously lasted eight days (when there was only enough left for one day).

What You'll Need

  1. 2 or More People: The more the better!
  2. Dreidel: Dreidels come in different sizes and colors (and can be made from many different materials). There is no standard Dreidel. If it spins and has each of the four characters, it should work.
  3. Tokens: While Hanukkah Gelt is commonly used as a point marker, you can use almost any small countable objects (such as nuts, raisins, real coins, or candy). Make sure to have at least ten for each person playing.

Hebrew Letters on the Dreidel

  • Besides their symbolic meaning, the 4 Hebrew letters that are found on each Dreidel have a specific meaning when it comes to playing the game. Here are brief descriptions of each letter and what to do when your Dreidel lands on them.

Gimmel

  • Action: You take All of the pieces that are in the pot
    • English: Everything
    • Yiddish: Gantz

Hay

  • Action: You get Half of the pieces that are in the pot
    • English: Half
    • Yiddish: Halb

Shin

  • Action: You Put One of your pieces back into the pot
    • English: Put In
    • Yiddish: Shtel

Nun

  • Action: You Don't Do Anything
    • English: Nothing
    • Yiddish: Nisht

How to Play the Game of Dreidel

  • Now that you know what each of the letters mean, actually playing the game is quite easy. Here's how:
    • Step 1: Decide how many people are going to play.
    • Step 2: Divide your pieces evenly between each of the players.
    • Step 3: Everyone puts one of their pieces in the pot to start the game.
    • Step 4: The first player (either the youngest or the oldest) takes their turn and spins the Dreidel.
    • Step 5: According to which letter is facing up, the player completes the appropriate action (see above).
    • Step 6: The Dreidel is then passed on to the next player.
    • Step 7: The game continues until one player holds all of the pieces.

Other Rules

    1. After someone takes the entire pot, each of the players is required to put one piece in the pot.
    2. If a player loses all of their pieces, they are usually required to leave the game.

Fun Dreidel Stuff

Resources for How to Play Dreidel

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