How to play Dominoes

1 player vs computer, or 2 online

Be the first to a hundred points, scored by going out, which means playing your last tile and taking whatever pips are left in your opponent's hand.

The rules, step by step

1. 1

   Each player is dealt seven tiles. The rest go face down in the boneyard.

2. 2

   Whoever holds the highest double plays it first. If neither player has a double, the heaviest tile opens instead.

3. 3

   After that, play a tile whose number matches one of the two numbers showing at the ends of the line. Tap the tile, and if it fits both ends you are asked which.

4. 4

   In the draw game a player with nothing to play takes from the boneyard until they can, and passes only when it is empty. In the block game they pass straight away.

5. 5

   Play your last tile and you go out: the pips left in your opponent's hand are your score for the hand.

6. 6

   If both players pass in a row the hand is blocked. Whoever holds fewer pips scores the difference, and equal hands score nothing at all.

Three tips that change how you play

• Lead with your heaviest tiles. Pips in your hand are exactly what you lose by, so a double six is worth twelve points to somebody if you are still holding it when the hand ends.
• Count the number you hold most of, and try to get both ends showing it. If you have four tiles with a three on them and both ends show a three, your opponent has to find one of the few remaining threes or pass.
• Watch what your opponent cannot play. Every time they draw or pass, they have told you which number they are short of. Play it back at them at the first opportunity.

Choosing the end

Say the line shows a two at the left and a five at the right, and you hold the five-two. It fits both ends, and the two plays look identical. They are not. Play it against the five and the left end still shows a two while the right now shows a two as well, so both ends are the same. Play it against the two and you leave a five at the left and a five at the right. Now look at the rest of your hand. If you hold three more tiles with a two on them and none with a five, the first play leaves you able to answer either end whatever happens, and leaves your opponent needing a two they may not have. The second play leaves you unable to answer your own board. Same tile, same turn, and one of the two choices probably wins you the hand.

Three mistakes that cost beginners the game

Playing whichever tile fits, without looking at which end.

A tile that fits both ends is two different moves, and they leave the board in different states. Ask what number you are leaving showing, and whether you can still answer it next turn.

Saving a double because it feels valuable.

Doubles are the hardest tiles to shed, because only one number will take them. Play them early while both ends are still live, or you will be holding the double six when somebody goes out.

Ignoring the boneyard count.

When the boneyard is empty, a player with nothing to play must pass, and two passes in a row end the hand on pips. If you are holding fewer pips than your opponent, a blocked hand is a win, so blocking the game deliberately is a real tactic rather than an accident.

Common questions about Dominoes