Plan on about 10 pieces per player, so 40 pieces for four people. Use 5 each if you want a shorter game or you're playing with little kids. And buy extra, because some of it will get eaten.
Quick chart
| Players | Short game (5 each) | Classic (10 each) | Long game (15 each) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 pieces | 20 pieces | 30 pieces |
| 3 | 15 pieces | 30 pieces | 45 pieces |
| 4 | 20 pieces | 40 pieces | 60 pieces |
| 5 | 25 pieces | 50 pieces | 75 pieces |
| 6 | 30 pieces | 60 pieces | 90 pieces |
Everyone starts with the same amount. That part isn't optional.
How much gelt changes the game
The starting pile matters more than you'd think. The length of a dreidel game grows roughly with the square of the starting amount, so doubling everyone's gelt makes the game about four times longer. In our simulations, two players with 5 pieces each finished in about 34 spins. With 10 each it took about 137. With 15 each, about 314.
So if you're playing with small kids or a big group, start small. Five pieces each is plenty. You can see how player count changes things on the how many players page.
What to play with if you don't have gelt
Anything small, countable and the same size works. Some favorites:
- Nuts in the shell (walnuts and hazelnuts are traditional)
- Raisins, chocolate chips or small candies
- Pretzels or cereal pieces
- Pennies
- Buttons, beads or LEGO bricks
- Paper clips
Avoid anything kids will choke on if you have toddlers around, and in a classroom, skip food entirely. Counters or bingo chips work fine.
Tips for chocolate gelt
- Keep it wrapped while you play. Bare chocolate melts in warm hands and leaves the dreidel sticky, which can actually mess with how it lands.
- Keep it away from the menorah. Foil next to candles is a bad idea.
- Agree on an eating rule. Can players eat their winnings mid-game? Whatever gets eaten is out of play.
- Buy a bag more than you need. You will thank me.
If you're curious why we use chocolate coins in the first place, read the history of chocolate gelt.
Updated October 2026