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Learn Dominoes: Tutorial
2–4 players · 10–20 min · Easy to learn
Welcome to Dominoes
Dominoes is a classic tile-matching game played with 28 tiles (a standard double-six set). Each tile has two halves showing 0 to 6 pips.
In a 2-player game, each player draws 7 tiles. The remaining 14 tiles form the boneyard (draw pile).
The goal is to be the first player to play all your tiles, or have the lowest pip count remaining when no one can play.
The First Tile
The game begins with one player placing a tile to start the chain. Typically the player with the highest double goes first.
Here Player 1 has played the [6|6] double to start the chain. The chain now has 6 on both ends.
The next player must match one of the chain ends by playing a tile that has a 6 on one of its halves.
Matching Pip Values
To play a tile, one of its halves must match the pip value at either end of the chain. You choose which end to place it on.
The chain currently shows 3 on the left end and 6 on the right end. From your hand, you could play:
- [2|6] on the right end (matching the 6)
- [0|6] on the right end (matching the 6)
- [4|6] on the right end (matching the 6)
- [2|3] on the left end (matching the 3)
- [3|5] on the left end (matching the 3)
After playing, the new chain end becomes the other half of the tile you placed.
Drawing Tiles
If you cannot play any tile from your hand (no tile matches either chain end), you must draw from the boneyard.
You keep drawing until you get a playable tile or the boneyard is empty. If the boneyard is empty and you still cannot play, you must pass your turn.
Drawing tiles increases your hand size but also gives you more options for future turns. Try to avoid situations where you need to draw repeatedly!
Doubles
A double is a tile where both halves show the same value, like [3|3] or [5|5]. Doubles are played crosswise on the chain, which makes them visually distinct.
Doubles are played just like regular tiles -- they match the chain end value. Playing a [3|3] on a chain end showing 3 keeps the end value at 3, since both halves are the same.
Doubles can be strategic since they do not change the chain end value, which can limit your opponent's options.
Passing
When the boneyard is empty and you cannot play any tile, you must pass. If all players pass consecutively, the game is blocked and ends immediately.
In a blocked game, each player's score is the total pip count of their remaining tiles. The player with the lowest score wins.
Avoiding a blocked game is generally good strategy -- try to keep diverse tile values in your hand so you always have a play.
Strategy Tips
Key strategies for winning Dominoes:
Play doubles early. Doubles are harder to play since they only match one value. Get rid of them before you get stuck.
Count the pips. Pay attention to which values have been played. If many 5s are on the chain, your opponent likely cannot match 5.
Diversify your hand. Keep tiles with a variety of values so you always have a play available.
Block your opponent. If you notice your opponent drawing often, try to keep chain ends at values they struggle with.
Play high-value tiles first. If the game gets blocked, lower remaining pips means a better score.
Game Over
The game ends when:
- A player plays their last tile -- they win!
- The game is blocked (all players pass) -- lowest remaining pip total wins.
Scores represent the total pip count of remaining tiles (lower is better). A player who empties their hand scores 0.
Here Player 1 has played their last tile and wins the game! Player 2 still had tiles worth 12 pips remaining.
Good luck at the domino table!
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