Домино

Dominoes is a family of tile-based games played with rectangular tiles called 'dominoes.' Each tile has two ends showing different pip values (0-6 in the standard double-six set). The basic game involves matching end values to extend a chain.

Be the first to play all your tiles, or have the lowest pip count if blocked.

Standard double-six set has 28 tiles. Shuffle tiles face-down. Each player draws 7 tiles (for 2-4 players). The remaining tiles form the 'boneyard.' The player with the highest double starts, or the highest tile if no doubles.

1. The starting player places the first tile (traditionally the highest double).
2. Players take turns adding one tile to either open end of the chain.
3. The tile played must match the pip value of the open end it connects to.
4. Doubles are placed perpendicular to the chain and may open additional sides (depending on variant).
5. If you cannot play, draw from the boneyard until you can play or the boneyard is empty.
6. If you cannot play and the boneyard is empty, pass your turn.
7. The round ends when a player plays their last tile or all players are blocked.

The player who empties their hand first wins the round. If blocked, the player with the lowest pip total wins. Score the sum of opponents' remaining pips. Play to an agreed total (commonly 100 or 250 points).

• *Keep track of which numbers have been played - counting helps predict opponents' hands.
• *Play doubles early when possible - they're harder to match.
• *If you have many of one number, try to force that number to both ends.
• *Block the board when you have a low pip count and opponents seem stuck.
• *Watch what opponents draw from the boneyard to guess their missing numbers.
• *Save versatile tiles (with common pip values) for later flexibility.

• Block: No drawing from boneyard - if you can't play, you pass.
• Draw: Draw until you can play (standard rules).
• Mexican Train: Multiplayer variant with personal 'trains' and a communal Mexican Train.
• All Fives: Score points during play when ends sum to multiples of 5.