- A standard double-six domino set contains 28 tiles.
- Players take turns matching a tile to one of the chain’s two open ends.
- The player holding the highest double starts under the rules used in this guide.
- When you cannot make a match, draw from the boneyard until you find a playable tile or the boneyard is empty.
- You win a round by playing all your tiles first or holding the fewest pips when the game becomes blocked.
Dominoes is a family of games with many regional and household variations. This guide explains a simple version of Draw Dominoes for two to four players using a standard double-six set.
Before starting, make sure everyone agrees on the number of tiles to deal, who plays first, how drawing works, and how a blocked round is scored. The rules below provide one complete, beginner-friendly system.
What You Need to Play Draw Dominoes
You need:
- One double-six domino set
- Two to four players
- A flat playing surface
- Paper or a scoring app if you plan to play several rounds
A standard double-six set contains 28 tiles. Each tile is divided into two ends, and each end shows zero to six dots, called pips. A blank end represents zero.
A tile with the same number on both ends, such as 5-5, is called a double. Tiles that remain after the deal form the boneyard, which players draw from during the game.
For the beginner rules in this guide, deal the following number of tiles:
| Number of players | Tiles per player | Tiles left in the boneyard |
| 2 | 7 | 14 |
| 3 | 5 | 13 |
| 4 | 5 | 8 |
Other versions use different hand sizes, so confirm the rules before beginning.
How to Set Up the Game
- Place all 28 dominoes face down and mix them thoroughly.
- Each player draws the correct number of tiles from the table.
- Keep your tiles hidden from the other players.
- Leave the remaining tiles face down as the boneyard.
- Find the player holding the highest double.
The player with the highest double places it face up in the center of the table to start the round. For example, 6-6 starts ahead of 5-5.
If no one has a double, the player holding the tile with the highest total number of pips starts. Decide how to break a tie before playing, such as by choosing randomly.
How to Play Dominoes Step by Step
Play proceeds clockwise.
On your turn, place one tile next to either open end of the domino chain. The touching ends must show the same number.
For example, suppose the open ends of the chain are 6 and 3. You may play:
- A tile containing a 6 on the open 6
- A tile containing a 3 on the open 3
If you play a 6-2 tile on the open 6, the 2 becomes the chain’s new open end.
Doubles are commonly placed sideways so they are easy to see. In this version, however, a double does not create a branch or add extra playable ends.
What to Do When You Cannot Play
First, check every tile in your hand. A tile is playable if either of its ends matches one of the chain’s open ends.
If you do not have a match:
- Draw one tile from the boneyard.
- Play it immediately if it matches an open end.
- If it does not match, continue drawing one tile at a time.
- Stop when you find a playable tile or the boneyard is empty.
Under these rules, you may not draw when you already have a playable tile in your hand.
When the boneyard is empty, a player who cannot make a match must pass. Play then continues with the next person.
Drawing rules vary between domino games. Some groups allow only one draw per turn, while others keep the final two boneyard tiles out of play. Agree on the method before the round starts.
How a Round Ends
A round can end in two ways.
A Player Uses Every Tile
The round ends immediately when a player places their final tile. That player wins the round.
The Game Becomes Blocked
A round is blocked when:
- The boneyard is empty
- No player can match either open end
- Every player must pass
All players then count the pips remaining on their tiles. The player with the lowest pip total wins the blocked round.
If two or more players tie for the lowest total, no one scores under the beginner rules used in this guide.
How to Score Draw Dominoes
When a player uses every tile, add together all the pips remaining in the opponents’ hands. The winner receives that number of points.
For example, if one opponent has 8 pips and another has 11, the winner scores:
8 + 11 = 19 points
For a blocked round, use this formula:
Opponents’ remaining pips − winner’s remaining pips = round score
For example, suppose the blocked-round winner has 4 pips left, while the other players have 8 and 11:
8 + 11 − 4 = 15 points
Shuffle all the tiles before starting the next round. Continue playing until someone reaches an agreed target, such as 100 points.
Because domino scoring varies, everyone should agree on the scoring system before the first round.
Beginner Dominoes Strategy
Try to keep several different numbers in your hand. A varied hand gives you more opportunities to match the open ends.
Play high-pip tiles early when it is reasonably safe to do so. If the round becomes blocked, fewer remaining pips improve your chances of winning and reduce the points available to an opponent.
Pay attention when another player draws or passes. If a player cannot use an open 4, for example, that may indicate that they do not currently hold a tile containing a 4.
Doubles can become difficult to play later, especially when their number disappears from the open ends. Avoid holding several doubles until the end of the round.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Do not match a tile merely because it contains one of the numbers somewhere on the layout. Your tile must match one of the two open ends.
Do not create a branch from the middle of the chain. Basic Draw Dominoes uses one continuous line with two playable ends.
Remember to count both ends of every tile when calculating pips. A 6-4 tile is worth 10 pips, while a blank-5 tile is worth 5.
Finally, do not assume that every group uses identical rules. Confirm the starting, drawing, blocking, and scoring rules before beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to play a tile if I already have a match?
Yes, under the rules used in this guide. You may draw only when none of your tiles matches either open end. Some house rules allow optional drawing.
Can I play more than one domino during my turn?
No. A player normally places one tile and then passes the turn to the next player.
What happens if no one was dealt a double?
The player holding the tile with the highest total number of pips starts under these rules. Other groups may reshuffle or choose the starting player randomly.
What happens if players tie in a blocked round?
Under this guide’s beginner rules, no one scores. Shuffle the tiles and begin a new round.
Does a double create more places to play?
No. A double may be placed sideways, but it does not create a branch or additional open ends in basic Draw Dominoes.
Can four players play in teams?
Yes. Partners usually sit opposite each other. However, partnership scoring and strategy require additional rules. The instructions in this guide are designed primarily for individual play.
