Basic Rules of Dominos

Objective of the Game

The objective of the game is to be the first player to play all your dominos. Players take turns placing tiles on the table, each tile matching the end of the domino chain. If a player cannot place a tile, they must draw from the boneyard (remaining tiles). Play continues until one player plays all tiles or no one can make a valid move. This game is for fun only; no real money is involved. You can compete with friends globally with virtual credits.

Tiles

A standard domino set consists of 28 tiles. Each tile, also known as a “bone,” has two square ends marked with dots representing numbers (0 to 6). The tiles range from double-blank (0|0) to double-six (6|6). For double-nine or higher domino sets, the tile count and dot values increase.

Game Flow

Each player draws seven tiles to start. The player with the highest double (e.g., 6|6) places it on the table to start the game. If no player has a double, players continue drawing from the boneyard until a double appears. The game proceeds clockwise, with each player matching one end of a tile in their hand to an open end of a tile on the table. If a player cannot make a match, they must draw from the boneyard until they draw a playable tile or the boneyard is empty. The game ends when a player has no tiles left or when the game is blocked, meaning no moves are possible.

Scoring

Scoring varies by game style. In blocking games, the winner scores by adding up the dots on the tiles remaining in opponents' hands. In scoring games, points are awarded for specific configurations of the chain, such as multiples of 5 on open ends. A common game-winning score is 100 points, but this can vary by house rules.

Special Rules for Doubles

• Doubles are placed perpendicular to the line, marking the start of a new branch in the domino chain.
• Some rules require players to play a double immediately if it is the first playable tile.

Ending a Game and Winning

If a player places their last tile, they win the game. If no player can play and the game is blocked, the winner is the player with the fewest dots remaining. In some rules, if the game is tied, the match continues until a player wins based on the scoring criteria.