Dominoes Rules

1. The history and equipment of dominoes

Dominoes originated in China in the 12th–13th centuries, where early forms (tiles of bone and ivory) are mentioned in old texts. The game reached Europe — probably via Italy — in the 18th century and quickly spread across the continent.

A standard double-6 set has 28 tiles, each divided into two halves bearing from 0 to 6 pips. A double-12 set has 91 tiles (from 0 to 12 pips) and allows games with more players.

2. Classic Dominoes — the Draw Game

Classic dominoes (also known as the Draw Game) is the starting point for all the variants.

Setting up (2–4 players)

• Turn all the tiles face down and shuffle them (this pile is the “boneyard”)
• Each player draws 7 tiles (with 2 players) or 5 tiles (with 3–4 players)
• The remaining tiles form the stock
• The player holding the highest double (6-6 first, otherwise 5-5 and so on) goes first

How to play

1. The first player lays their starting tile in the centre
2. In turn, each player lays a tile with one half matching an open end of the line of play
3. If a player cannot play, they draw a tile from the boneyard
4. If they still cannot play after drawing, they pass

End of the game and scoring

The hand ends when a player has no tiles left (“domino!”) or when nobody can play. The winner scores the pips on the tiles left in their opponents' hands. Games are usually played over several hands until someone reaches 100 or 200 points.

3. Block Game

The Block Game is similar to the Draw Game but with no drawing. If you cannot play, you pass. The hand ends when the line is blocked or when someone lays their last tile. It is the most strategic variant, because information is limited.

4. All Fives (Muggins)

All Fives (or Muggins) adds an extra dimension: you score points during play every time the sum of the two open ends of the line is a multiple of 5.

• Sum of the ends = 5 → 5 points
• Sum of the ends = 10 → 10 points
• Sum of the ends = 15 → 15 points
• and so on.

It is the most popular American variant — and more tactical, since every move has an immediate impact on the score. Depending on the rules, the game is played to 61, 150 or 250 points.

5. Mexican Train

Mexican Train is the best-known of the modern domino games. Ideal for large groups (up to 8 players), it is often played by families at parties.

Equipment

Mexican Train is played with a double-12 set (91 tiles) and a central “station” hub with a track for each player.

Mexican Train rules

1. Play starts with the double-12 tile in the centre
2. Each player must start their own “train” (line) from the centre
3. There is also a communal “Mexican train” that anyone can use
4. If a player cannot play, even after drawing, they place a marker on their own train
5. A marked train can be played on by anyone until its owner plays on it again

The game is played over several rounds (starting with the double-12, then the double-11, and so on down to the double-0). The overall winner is the player with the lowest total of pips left over.

6. Double-12 vs Double-6: which should you choose?

7. Basic strategy

Dominoes is not just a game of luck — there is real strategy involved:

• Hold your doubles back: doubles are hard to place because they only open one number. Play them when it suits you.
• Block the numbers your opponent needs: if you hold lots of 4s, play tiles that put 4s on the open ends to shut your opponent out
• Keep variety: holding tiles with a range of values gives you more flexibility
• Count the tiles: in the Block Game, if you know all the 5s have been played, you can plan accordingly

8. Choosing your domino set

For an enjoyable game, the quality of the tiles is essential. Wooden domino boxes offer a far better experience than plastic dominoes:

• Heavier, more stable tiles — they do not tip over on the table
• Engraved, inlaid pips — more durable than painted ones
• A wooden box for storage — elegant and practical
• A premium feel in the hand