How to play dominoes.

Double-six draw dominoes: the rules

A double-six set has 28 tiles. Each half shows a number from zero (a blank) to six. The dots are called pips. Rules differ between domino games; this guide describes the version you can play on DomiGG.

1. Seven tiles. A fresh start.

   Each player draws seven tiles from a set of 28. In 1v1, the rest form the boneyard; four-player games deal all 28 tiles. One player places the opening tile.

2. Find your match.

   Take turns adding a tile to either end of the chain. Touching numbers must match. Select a highlighted tile, then choose an end when needed.

3. No match? Take a draw.

   If nothing in your hand fits, draw from the boneyard until you can play. If it’s empty, pass your turn.

4. Make every tile count.

   Empty your hand to win the round and score the other players’ remaining pips. In 2v2, opposite seats are partners: you share a score and collect only the other team’s pips. If everyone passes, the lowest pip total wins (combined hands for teams); tied lowest totals score zero. Keep playing rounds until someone reaches the target (100 by default). Choose 25–500 points for bot games and private tables.

For example, if the open ends are 3 and 5, a 3–6 tile fits the 3 end. After you place it, that end becomes 6. A double such as 5–5 matches the 5 end and leaves it at 5; it does not create another branch.

Scoring and blocked rounds

The first player to empty their hand wins the round and scores the pips left in the other players’ hands. Rounds continue until a player reaches the match target, 100 points by default. Bot games and private rooms let you choose 25–500 points.

If you go out in a 1v1 game and your opponent holds 6–4 and 2–1, you score 13 points: 6 + 4 + 2 + 1. Pips still in the boneyard do not count.

If the boneyard is empty and everyone passes consecutively, the round is blocked. The lowest remaining pip total wins and scores the other players’ pips. A tie for the lowest total scores zero.

In 2v2, players in opposite seats are partners and share a score. When either partner goes out, the team collects only the opponents’ remaining pips. In a blocked round, compare the combined hands of each team.

Choose your way to play

Tips for your first game

• Look at both open ends before choosing a tile. A tile that fits both ends can give you more control over the next move.
• Keep track of which numbers opponents pass on. With an empty boneyard, a pass tells you they cannot match either open end at that moment.
• Consider your remaining pips. Playing a high-value tile can reduce the points left in your hand if someone else finishes.
• Try a short practice match first. The highlighted tiles show your legal moves, and you choose an end when both are possible.

Questions before you play