Lesson 2 of 13
How a turn works
Dominoes is all about matching. The tiles on the table form a line, touching end to end where the numbers match. The line has two open ends. On your turn, play one tile that matches either open end.
- 1The first player sets down any tile, or a specific double if your table uses that rule.
- 2Take turns going around the table. Many Latin tables pass the turn to the right (counterclockwise), and many U.S. tables go left. Just pick one and stick with it. Match an open end and play one tile, with the matching halves touching.
- 3Doubles are set crosswise so they're easy to spot. They still leave just one number open on that end.
- 4If you can play, you must. You can only pass when nothing in your hand matches either end.
- 5Can't match either end? Say “paso” (I pass) and the turn moves on.
- 6The hand ends when someone plays their last tile, or when nobody can play at all.
There are two common ways to handle a pass. In the block game, you simply pass. That's how most Latin American tables and partner games play. In the draw game, usually played by two or three, you take tiles from the boneyard until you can play, and you only pass once it's empty.
Try it
The open ends are 1 and 6. Which tile in your hand can you play?
Tap a tile
Try it
Nothing in your hand matches either open end. What do you do?
Playing for the first time? Use these rules
- Four players, seven tiles each, everyone for themselves.
- Whoever holds the double-six leads the first hand with it. After that, the lead moves one seat: the player after last hand's starter leads, with any tile. (Some tables let the last winner lead.)
- The block game: if you can play, you must; if you can't, pass.
- Whoever goes out scores the pips left in the other hands.
- If the game blocks, the lowest hand scores the others' pips.
- First to 100 wins. These are Pipside's starting settings, too.
Playing with two?
- Seven tiles each. The other 14 stay face down as the boneyard.
- Play the draw game: if you can't play, draw from the boneyard until you can. Pass only when it's empty.
- If neither of you has the double-six, the highest double leads. No doubles? The heaviest tile leads.
- Everything else, scoring included, works the same.
Read the full rules: Draw dominoes vs. block dominoes
Forgot a word? Glossary
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