How to play dominoes: basic rules and scoring
Also known as: Domino, دومینو
Learn how to play dominoes: the double-six set, drawing tiles, matching ends, blocked games and simple scoring. Plus easy variations for families and children.
- Type
- Board game
- Players
- 2–4
- Age
- Ages 6+
- Play time
- 15–45 min
- Origin
- China; the European form developed in Italy and France
Dominoes is a family of games played with rectangular tiles, each divided into two halves marked with dots, or pips. Tile games of this kind were known in China many centuries ago, and the European form appeared in Italy and France in the eighteenth century before spreading around the world. The most common set, called double-six, has twenty-eight tiles covering every pair of numbers from zero to six. With one set you can play many different games, but most are based on the same idea: players take turns matching a tile to an open end of a line on the table. Dominoes is especially popular in Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and parts of the Middle East, where games in cafes and homes can be loud and lively.
Our verdict
Dominoes is simple enough for children who can count to six and strategic enough for experienced players who track which numbers are gone. It is a good quiet game for family evenings and a lively game for groups. The tiles are also fun on their own: many children first meet dominoes by standing them in long chains and toppling them. The game helps with counting, matching and planning, and one set lasts for years.
What works
- One set supports many different games
- Helps young children with counting and matching
- Easy to carry and play anywhere
What does not
- Basic block game is fairly light on strategy
- Rules and scoring vary a lot between countries
How to play Dominoes
In the basic "block" game for two to four players, all tiles are placed face down and shuffled. With two players, each draws seven tiles; with three or four players, each usually draws five. The player with the highest double, such as double-six, places it in the centre to start. Players then take turns in order. On your turn, place one tile so that one of its halves matches the number on an open end of the line. Doubles are usually placed crossways. If you cannot play, you pass; in the "draw" variant, you must take tiles from the remaining pile until you can play or the pile is empty. A round ends when one player places their last tile, or when no one can play, which is called a blocked game. The winner scores the total number of pips left in the other players' hands. Play continues over several rounds until someone reaches an agreed score, such as one hundred points.
Tips for new players
- Play your heavy tiles, with many pips, early so they do not count against you.
- Keep a variety of numbers in your hand so you can match more ends.
- Watch which numbers your opponents cannot play; they are likely missing them.
- Try to block an end with a number you know your opponents do not have.
Good for
Dominoes: common questions
How many tiles are in a domino set?
A standard double-six set has twenty-eight tiles. Larger sets, such as double-nine with fifty-five tiles, are used for bigger groups.
How many dominoes does each player get?
In the basic game, each player draws seven tiles with two players and usually five tiles with three or four players.
What happens in a blocked domino game?
If no one can play, the round ends. The player with the fewest pips in hand usually wins and scores the pips of the other players.
Dominoes belongs to its owners. Playdonya is not connected to them and does not sell this game; the cover is our own illustration.
