How to Play Dominoes: Rules, Setup, and Scoring

A double-six set has every combination of two numbers 0-0 through 6-6, 28 unique tiles. With two players each draws 7 tiles; with four, each draws 7 (some house rules use 5). The heaviest tile, usually the double-six, opens play, or the player holding the highest double starts. Remaining tiles form the boneyard.

A tile may be played if one of its ends matches the number on an open end of the line. Doubles are placed crosswise and count as a spin point where play may branch. Block dominoes: if you cannot match an end, you pass; if all players are stuck, the lowest pip total in hand wins. Draw dominoes: if you cannot play, you draw from the boneyard until you can; if the boneyard is empty you pass. A 'blocked' or finished hand is scored by totaling the pips on opponents' remaining tiles; the winner adds those points (some rules let the winner score only if they went out, others score the difference). The first to a target (often 100 or 200) wins the match.

Myth: dominoes are numbered 1-6 only. Fact: a standard double-six set includes blanks (0) and runs 0-0 to 6-6. Myth: you can play any tile anywhere. Fact: a tile must match the number on the open end you attach to. Myth: doubles are worth double. Fact: a double's pip count is just its two numbers (e.g., double-six = 12); it is placed crosswise, not scored double.

1. Shuffle and draw hands (7 tiles each for 2-4 players). 2. Start with the highest double, or the heaviest tile if no double. 3. On your turn, match one end of your tile to an open end of the line. 4. In Draw, take from the boneyard if you cannot play; in Block, pass. 5. Place doubles crosswise; they can start a branch. 6. First to play all tiles wins the hand. 7. Score opponents' remaining pips; first to the agreed total wins the match.