Domino rules
How many dominoes does each player get?
It depends on the game and how many people are playing. Here are the most common numbers for each.
Draw and Block dominoes (double-six)
| Players | Tiles each | Left in the boneyard |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 7 | 14 |
| 3 | 7 | 7 |
| 4 | 7 | 0 |
A double-six set has 28 tiles, so with four players every tile is dealt and there's no boneyard. That's the classic partner game.
All Fives (Muggins)
| Players | Tiles each |
|---|---|
| 2 | 7 |
| 3 or 4 | 5 |
Mexican Train (double-twelve)
| Players | Tiles each |
|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | 15 |
| 5 or 6 | 12 |
| 7 or 8 | 10 |
Who goes first?
In the first hand, whoever holds the double-six usually leads with it. If nobody has it, the highest double leads. After that, many tables let the last hand's winner lead with any tile.
New to dominoes?
Short picture lessons take you from your first tile to winning partner play. Free, no sign-up.
Start the lessonsCommon questions
- How many dominoes do you get with 2 players?
- Seven each from a double-six set. The other 14 stay face down as the boneyard.
- How many dominoes do you get with 4 players?
- Seven each. That uses all 28 tiles in a double-six set.
- What is the boneyard?
- The tiles left face down after everyone draws. In the draw game you take from it when you can't play.