Complete guide for new players
Dominoes is played with a set of 28 tiles (double-6 set). Each tile has two ends with 0–6 dots. Players take turns matching a tile's end to an open end on the layout.
Essential tips
- Each player draws 7 tiles at the start (in 2-player games)
- The first player places any tile; subsequent players must match at least one end
- If you can't play, draw from the boneyard (pile) until you can, or pass if empty
- The round ends when one player empties their hand, or when the game is blocked
- Winner scores the total pips remaining in all opponents' hands
- In team mode (4 players), partners sit opposite each other and cannot show their tiles
🔑 The secret the best players use
Pay attention to what numbers have been played. If the number 4 hasn't appeared in 8 turns, someone is hoarding 4s — avoid playing to that end until you know where those tiles are.
Practice on BoardGame Battles — Free
BoardGame Battles has Dominoes with AI at 3 difficulty levels — perfect for practicing these techniques before facing real players online. Available on Web, Android and iOS. No download required.
▶ Play Dominoes Free Now