Domino rules
Blocked domino game: who wins a tranque?
A blocked game, or tranque, is when nobody at the table can play. Here's how to spot one and who wins it.
When is the game blocked?
The game is blocked when no tile left in anyone's hand matches either open end. The classic case: both ends show the same number, and all seven tiles with that number are already on the table.
In the draw game, the game can only block once the boneyard is empty.
Who wins a blocked game?
- 1Everyone turns their tiles face up.
- 2Each player or team counts their own pips.
- 3The lowest count wins the hand.
Blocking on purpose
If you're sure your hand is lighter than everyone else's, closing the game can win it for you. Count the tiles first: a tranque with a heavy hand hands the points to someone else.
Keep score with Pipside
Free, no ads, no download. Tap the tiles left in each hand and Pipside adds up the pips.
Start a gameCommon questions
- What is a tranque?
- Spanish for a blocked game. Some say trancado. It's when nobody can play.
- In partners, does each player count alone?
- Most tables add the two partners' hands together and compare team totals. Some compare the single lowest hand. Agree before you start.
- Can a two-player game block?
- In the draw game, only after the boneyard is empty. In the block game it can happen sooner, because the boneyard tiles stay out of play.