Dreidel.com is first and foremost a place to play dreidel online. But if you're teaching the game, settling a rules argument at the table, or just curious why there's a Hebrew letter on your spinning top, it's all here.
Playing dreidel
How to Play DreidelThe full rules in plain English, plus the house rules worth knowing.How Many Players Can Play Dreidel?Two works. Three to six is better. Here's how group size changes the game.How Much Gelt Do You Need to Play Dreidel?About 10 pieces per player. A chart by group size and what to use instead.When Do You Play Dreidel?During Hanukkah, usually after lighting candles. Dates through 2031.Is Dreidel a Game of Luck?Yes, pure chance. But the math behind it is surprisingly interesting.How to Spin a DreidelThe right grip, how to spin longer, and a little physics.
The letters
What Do the Letters on a Dreidel Mean?The Hebrew phrase behind the letters, and what each one does in the game.What Does Nun Mean on a Dreidel?Nothing happens. Your turn is over.What Does Gimel Mean on a Dreidel?The best spin. You take the whole pot.What Does Hey Mean on a Dreidel?Take half the pot. Odd number? Round up.What Does Shin Mean on a Dreidel?Put one piece into the pot.What Does Peh Mean on a Dreidel?Israel's version of Shin. Put one piece in.Why Do Israeli Dreidels Have Different Letters?Because the miracle happened there. In Israel, "there" becomes "here."How Many Sides Does a Dreidel Have?Four sides, four letters. Plus a handle and a point.
History & culture
The History of the DreidelFrom a European spinning-top game to a Hanukkah classic.What Is a Dreidel Called in Hebrew?It's a sevivon. Here's where the word came from.Chocolate Gelt: Why We Play Dreidel With Chocolate CoinsHow real coins for kids and teachers turned into chocolate.Dreidel SongsThe story behind "I Have a Little Dreidel," plus an easy letter chant.Types of DreidelsPlastic, wood, clay, silver, glass and chocolate. Which to play, which to keep.
Make & teach
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Updated October 2026