Dixit Rules

How to Play Dixit (complete rules)

With its stunning artwork and simple rules, Dixit is perfect for families, casual players, and anyone who enjoys abstract, emotional gameplay.

It is fairly easy to learn how to play the game and learn the Dixit rules.

Here is how you go about it - we at Playiro explains it:

Preparations

• Players: 3–6 players (up to 12 with expansions)
• Game Components:
  • 84 illustrated Dixit cards
  • 6 wooden rabbit tokens (scoring markers)
  • 1 scoreboard (inside the box insert)
  • Voting tokens (numbered for each player)

Setup

1. Each player selects a colored rabbit token and places it on the start of the scoreboard track.
2. Shuffle the Dixit cards and deal 6 cards to each player.
3. Give each player their numbered voting tokens (except the storyteller, who won’t vote this round).

Gameplay Overview

Dixit is played in rounds, with the role of storyteller rotating each turn.

1. The Storyteller's Turn

• The storyteller chooses one card from their hand of 6.
• Without showing it, they give a clue:
  • It can be a word, phrase, sound, quote, or gesture.
  • Example: If the card shows a boat sailing through stars, the storyteller might say:
    • “Midnight journey”, or
    • Simply hum a tune.

2. Players Choose Matching Cards

• Each other player secretly selects one card from their hand that best matches the storyteller’s clue.
• All chosen cards (including the storyteller’s) are shuffled and placed face-up on the table.

3. Voting

• All players (except the storyteller) secretly vote for which card they believe belongs to the storyteller.
• Use the numbered voting tokens corresponding to the cards.
• After everyone votes, reveal the results.

Scoring

Scoring depends on how many players guessed the storyteller’s card:

• Move each player’s rabbit token on the scoreboard accordingly.
• Draw cards until everyone has 6 cards again.
• Pass the storyteller role to the next player.

Winning the Game

The game ends when:

• The draw pile is empty, or
• A player reaches the end of the scoreboard (30 points).

The player with the highest score wins.
But in Dixit, the real victory is sharing creativity and interpreting stories.

Strategies and Tips

While Dixit rewards creativity, strategy plays an important role too.

For Storytellers

• Balance ambiguity → Make your clue neither too obvious nor too obscure.
• Aim for partial guesses → You want some players to get it right, but not all.
• Use cultural references, emotions, humor, or song lyrics for clever hints.

For Guessers

• Think like the storyteller → Focus on their personality, not just the image.
• Use elimination → Rule out obvious mismatches.
• Submit deceptive cards that attract votes for bonus points.

Overview of the Game Rules

Dixit Expansions & Editions

Try one of these alternativ versions to mix it up a bit at the game night:

Dixit Odyssey

• Allows up to 12 players.
• Introduces new voting mechanics for larger groups.

Dixit Journey, Memories, Harmonies, Origins, etc.

• Expansion decks containing 84 new cards each.
• Can be mixed with the base game for infinite combinations.

Dixit Disney & Themed Editions

• Special themed artwork editions, perfect for fans and younger players.