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Dominos
Dominoes is a family of tile-based games played with rectangular tiles each divided into two ends marked with pips. The standard double-six set, with tiles from 0-0 up to 6-6, originated in 18th-century Italy and China before that. The most common game, the Draw or Block game, has players matching ends to build a chain.
Dominos Rules
A double-six set has 28 tiles. Players draw a hand of tiles (typically seven for two players) and the rest form the boneyard. The player with the highest double, or a chosen tile, leads by placing the first tile. Play then proceeds in turns around the table.
On your turn you must add a tile to an open end of the layout so that its matching number touches — a 5 must join a 5, a blank a blank, and so on. Doubles are usually laid crosswise and can open new branches. In the Draw game, if you can't play you take tiles from the boneyard until you can; in the Block game you simply pass.
The round ends when one player plays their last tile and 'dominoes,' or when the game is blocked because no one can move. The winner scores the total pip count remaining in the opponents' hands, and players typically play to a target score such as 100 or 250.
Dominos Strategy & Tips
Play your heavy tiles early
Tiles with high pip counts hurt most if you're caught holding them. Get doubles and big numbers down while you still have matching ends available.
Track the suits
Count how many tiles of each number have been played. If all the 4s are out, an open 4 end is dead and you can use it to stall or block opponents.
Control the open ends
Try to keep at least one end matching a number you hold plenty of. Forcing opponents to draw or pass while you keep playing is a steady route to winning.
Block when you can't win the race
If you can't go out first, aim to jam the board on numbers no one can match, then win on the lowest remaining pip count in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dominoes are in a set?
A standard double-six set has 28 tiles, covering every combination of two numbers from blank to six. Larger sets exist, such as double-nine (55 tiles) and double-twelve (91 tiles).
How do you win at dominoes?
You win a round by being the first to play all your tiles, or, if the game is blocked, by holding the fewest total pips. Most games are played to a cumulative target score.
What do you do if you can't play a domino?
In the Draw game you take tiles from the boneyard until you can play. In the Block game there is no drawing, so you simply pass your turn.
How many dominoes do you start with?
In a two-player game players usually draw seven tiles each; with three or four players the hand is often five tiles. The remaining tiles form the boneyard.