Dominoes has been around for centuries, and there’s a reason it’s still a staple at family gatherings, coffee shops, and game nights worldwide. Whether you’re picking it up for the first time or settling a rules dispute, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to play dominoes.
Quick Answer: Players take turns matching the dots (pips) on their tiles to the ends of a chain on the table. Play continues until one player uses all their tiles (and wins) or the game blocks with no one able to play. The player with the fewest remaining pips wins a blocked game.
What You Need to Play Dominoes
- Players: 2-4 (most games work best with 2-4 players)
- Equipment: A standard domino set (double-six has 28 tiles)
- Time: 15-30 minutes per game
- Optional: Pen and paper for keeping score across rounds
Understanding Domino Tiles
Each domino is a rectangular tile divided into two squares, with each square showing 0-6 dots (pips).
Standard Double-Six Set
- 28 total tiles
- Tiles range from 0-0 (double blank) to 6-6 (double six)
- Each pip combination appears only once
- Doubles have the same number on both ends (0-0, 1-1, etc.)
Larger Sets
For more players or longer games:
- Double-nine: 55 tiles (good for 4-6 players)
- Double-twelve: 91 tiles (good for 6-10 players)
Setting Up the Game
- Place all dominoes face-down on the table
- Mix them thoroughly (this is called “shuffling the boneyard”)
- Each player draws tiles:
Starting Hand Sizes
| Players | Tiles Each |
|---|---|
| 2 players | 7 tiles |
| 3 players | 7 tiles |
| 4 players | 6-7 tiles |
Remaining tiles stay face-down as the boneyard (draw pile).
How to Play: Block Dominoes (Basic Rules)
Block Dominoes is the most common way to play. Here’s how it works:
Starting the Game
Option 1: The player with the highest double (like 6-6) plays first and places it on the table.
Option 2: If no one has a double, the player with the highest-value tile (most total pips) goes first.
Taking Your Turn
- Look at the two open ends of the chain on the table
- Play a tile that matches one of those ends
- Matching means the pip count on your tile equals the pip count on the open end
- Your turn ends after placing a tile
Example: If the chain shows 3 on one end and 5 on the other, you can play any tile that has a 3 or a 5.
Can’t Play?
In Block Dominoes, if you can’t match either end, you pass. Your turn is skipped.
In Draw Dominoes (variation), you must keep drawing from the boneyard until you can play.
Placing Doubles
Doubles are traditionally placed perpendicular (crosswise) to the chain. This doesn’t affect gameplay — it’s just tradition and saves table space.
Ending the Round
Domino!
The round ends immediately when a player plays their last tile. They call “Domino!” and win the round.
Blocked Game
If no player can make a legal move and the boneyard is empty (or you’re playing Block Dominoes), the game is blocked.
In a blocked game, all players count the pips remaining in their hands. The player with the lowest total wins. If tied, the player with fewer tiles wins. Still tied? It’s a draw.
Scoring
Scoring varies by rule set, but the most common method:
- Winner’s score: Sum of all pips remaining in opponents’ hands
- Blocked game: Winner scores the difference between their pips and opponents’ pips
First player to reach 100 points (or 150, 200, etc.) wins the match.
Draw Dominoes Variation
This is the most popular variation for 2-4 players:
- Setup: Same as Block Dominoes
- Key difference: If you can’t play, you must draw from the boneyard until you can
- If the boneyard is empty and you still can’t play, then you pass
This variation reduces blocked games and adds more strategy around when to draw.
Muggins (Fives)
A more strategic scoring variant:
- Players score points during the game, not just at the end
- Whenever the open ends of the chain add up to a multiple of 5, you score that many points
- Example: If the ends show 3 and 2, that’s 5 points
- Example: If the ends show 6 and 4, that’s 10 points
This requires mental math and strategic tile placement. Very popular in competitive play!
Mexican Train
A popular party game using dominoes:
- Each player builds their own “train” (chain) radiating from a central hub
- Players can also play on a public “Mexican train”
- If you can’t play, you draw one tile and place a marker on your train (others can now play on it)
- First to empty their hand wins
Mexican Train works great with 4-8 players using a double-twelve set.
Strategy Tips
Early Game
- Play high-pip tiles first — reduces your score if someone else goes out
- Play doubles early — they’re harder to match later (only one playable end)
- Watch what others draw — tells you what numbers are scarce
Mid Game
- Control the board — play numbers you have multiples of
- Block opponents — if they keep passing on 4s, try to leave 4s on the ends
- Save versatile tiles — tiles with common numbers give you more options
End Game
- Count tiles mentally — know what’s been played and what’s likely still out
- Set yourself up — play to leave ends you can match with remaining tiles
- Force the block — if you’re winning by pip count, blocking the game wins it
Domino Etiquette
- Keep tiles hidden — stand them up facing you
- Mix thoroughly — give the bones a good shuffle
- Play promptly — don’t slow the game by overthinking
- Don’t table-talk — announcing what you need is poor form
- Call “Domino!” — tradition demands it when you play your last tile
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to play if I can?
Yes. In most rule sets, if you have a playable tile, you must play it. You cannot voluntarily pass.
Which end of the chain do I play on?
Either end — your choice. This is often strategic.
Can doubles be played on both ends?
In basic dominoes, no — even though doubles are placed sideways, they only have one value. In some variations like Chicken Foot, doubles create branching points.
What if someone plays wrong?
If caught before the next player moves, the tile goes back and the player must make a legal play (or draw/pass). If not caught, it usually stands.
How do I decide who goes first in later rounds?
Typically the winner of the previous round plays first. Some groups give this to the loser to help balance.
What’s the difference between “bones” and “tiles”?
Nothing — they’re both names for domino pieces. “Bones” comes from early dominoes made from actual bone or ivory.
Other Popular Domino Games
- All Fives: Similar to Muggins but played to 61 points
- Chicken Foot: Uses branching from doubles, great for parties
- 42: A trick-taking game with dominoes (popular in Texas)
- Matador: Tiles must add to 7 to be played touching
- Bergen: Score by matching both ends of the chain
Ready to Play?
Start with Block or Draw Dominoes to learn the basics, then explore variations like Muggins or Mexican Train for added depth. Dominoes strikes that perfect balance — easy enough for kids, strategic enough for adults, and just the right speed for casual or competitive play.
Looking for more classic game nights? Check out our guides on board game night ideas and games for couples!
