Block Dominoes

Block Dominoes is the simplest and most commonly played domino game. Although there are a number of variations on the game, the rules are fairly basic. Players begin with a double six domino set. Other sets can be used with more players. If there are 2 players, each get 7 tiles each. If there are 3 or 4 players, they each get 5 tiles. The rest of the tiles remain in the boneyard and are not used in the round.

The player with the highest doublet plays first, laying it in the center of the table and play resumes to his left. Each player then adds a bone to an open end of the layout, with like numbers touching. The layout should always have two open ends. Doublets are laid crosswise as is customary, but shouldn't affect the number of open ends.

If a player is unable to lay a tile down, he must pass and play continues to the left. Play ends when a player gets rid of all the tiles in his hand or when no players can add to the layout. In this event, the player with the lightest hand wins the total of all pips on all the bones remaining in the other hands. The final winning amount can be preset before the game. The best strategy for this game is for the player to try to keep the largest assortment of different numbers in their hand as long as possible. For example, if the player has a 4-3 and a 4-5 in their hand, and the play calls for a 5, the best play depends upon how many 3s or 4s are in their hand.

©Dominoeshq.com