Dominoes

How to play Dominoes

This is the draw game, the classic way to play dominoes with two people, using a double-six set of 28 tiles. Each tile has two ends with 0 to 6 spots, called pips. You and the computer each take 7 tiles, and the other 14 stay face down in the boneyard. Score 100 points first to win the game.

• In the first round, whoever holds the highest double (two ends the same, like 6 and 6) plays it to start. If neither of you has a double, the highest tile starts. After that, whoever won the last round leads with any tile.
• Take turns adding one tile to either end of the line. The tile must match the number at that end: a 5 can go next to a 5.
• Tap a tile in your hand to play it. Tiles that fit are outlined. If a tile fits both ends, choose Left end or Right end.
• If nothing in your hand fits, choose Draw to take tiles from the boneyard until one does. If the boneyard is empty, choose Pass.
• The round ends when someone plays their last tile. They score the total pips left in the other player's hand.
• If neither of you can play, the round is blocked. Whoever has fewer pips in hand scores the other player's pips.
• The computer's last tile stays marked in the line until you play.

Choose how strong the computer is above the table: Easy, Medium or Hard. Undo takes back your last turn and the computer's reply. Hint suggests a tile.

Tips

• Play your heavy tiles early. If the computer goes out first, every pip left in your hand counts for it.
• Get rid of doubles when you can. A double only matches one number, so it's the hardest tile to place later.
• Keep a spread of numbers in your hand, so you have something for whatever the computer leaves at the ends.
• When the computer draws, it had nothing for either end. Try to leave those numbers at the ends again.

Keyboard

Tab to your tiles and use the arrow keys to move between them. Press Enter or Space to play the tile you're on. H shows a hint and Ctrl+Z undoes.