Dominoes

What is Dominoes?

Dominoes is the classic game of oblong tiles, each with two numbers from 0 to 6. Here you play the draw game for two, against the computer: tiles go down end to end on a single line, and every new tile must show, at the end where it goes, the same number as the tile already there.

Whoever plays out first scores the pips left in the other hand, and the first to 50 points wins the match. The computer plays at three levels, and every day brings a new match, with the same tiles for everyone.

How to play

Each side draws seven tiles from the set of 28; the rest stay in the boneyard.

• Opening. The match opens with the highest double, played by whoever holds it. After that, the winner of a round opens the next with any tile.
• Taking turns. Tap a tile that fits, one of the raised ones, to lay it on the end with the same number. If it fits both ends, tap the outline at the end you want.
• The boneyard. With no tile that fits, draw from the boneyard until you find one. With the boneyard empty, you pass.
• Points. Whoever plays out first scores the pips left in the other hand. If the line blocks, the lighter hand scores the heavier hand's pips. Your final score is your points, plus 100 for a win.

Strategy tips

1. Shed heavy tiles early. Big doubles and high numbers cost a lot if they are still in your hand at the end.
2. Keep your numbers varied. The more different numbers you hold, the less often you have to draw.
3. Play doubles while you can. A double only fits its own number; once the other tiles with that number are out, the double is stuck in your hand.
4. Watch what the computer draws. When it draws from the boneyard, it held neither number at the ends; keep those numbers open.
5. Count what is out. Every number appears on seven tiles. When five or six of a number are on the table, an end showing it is hard to follow.

FAQ

Is Dominoes free to play?

Yes. Like every game on Play, it runs free in your browser, with no download and no account needed.

How long is a match?

A match to 50 points usually takes three to six rounds, about five minutes.

What happens when the line blocks?

If neither side can play and the boneyard is empty, the round ends. The hand with fewer pips wins and scores the other hand's pips; if they are equal, nobody scores.

What is the daily match?

Every day everyone plays the same match, with the same tiles dealt, against the medium computer, so scores compare directly on the leaderboard.

How is my score counted?

Your score is the points you finish the match with, plus 100 if you won it. Higher is better.