Common Domino Terms Defined
Dominoes rules are usually simple — but the terminology can trip people up, especially when switching between different games.
This page explains the most common dominoes terms, using plain language and examples, so you always know what a rule is actually referring to.
If you’re new to the game, this pairs well with Dominoes for Beginners.
Domino
A domino is a single rectangular tile.
Each domino has:
- Two ends
- A number of dots (pips) on each end
Dominoes are sometimes called “tiles,” especially in written rules.
Pips
Pips are the dots on a domino.
They are used to:
- Match tiles during play
- Calculate scores at the end of a round
For example, a 6–4 domino has 10 pips.
👉 Pips matter most in Dominoes Scoring Explained.
Double
A double is a domino with the same number on both ends (for example, 6–6).
Doubles often have special rules:
- In Mexican Train, doubles must be satisfied
- In Chicken Foot, doubles create branches
- In All Fives, doubles affect scoring totals
👉 See Mexican Train Dominoes Rules
👉 See Chicken Foot Dominoes Rules
Boneyard
The boneyard is the pile of dominoes that are not dealt to players at the start of a game.
Depending on the variant:
- Players may draw from it
- Or it may not be used at all
👉 Used in Draw Dominoes Rules
👉 Not used in Block Dominoes Rules
Hand
Your hand is the set of dominoes you are holding.
At the end of a round:
- The pips left in your hand usually determine your score
Layout
The layout is the chain or structure of dominoes on the table.
It can be:
- A straight line (classic games)
- A branching structure (Chicken Foot)
- Multiple trains from a hub (Mexican Train)
Train
A train is a line of dominoes extending from a central point.
Trains are most important in:
- Mexican Train Dominoes
There are two main types:
- Personal trains (belong to one player)
- The Mexican Train (shared by all players)
👉 See Mexican Train Dominoes Rules
Open Train
An open train is a train that any player may play on.
In Mexican Train:
- A personal train becomes open when a player draws
- Train markers are used to show this
👉 See Mexican Train Accessories
Closed Train
A closed train can only be played on by its owner.
Closing your train is usually a priority in Mexican Train gameplay.
Hub
The hub is the central piece used in Mexican Train to:
- Hold the starting double
- Organize outgoing trains
Hubs help keep the layout neat but are optional.
Blocking / Blocked Game
A blocked game occurs when:
- No player can make a legal move
- And (if applicable) the boneyard is empty
When this happens:
- The round ends
- Scores are calculated based on remaining pips
👉 See Dominoes Scoring Explained
Pass
To pass means skipping your turn because you cannot play.
Passing rules vary:
- Allowed in Block Dominoes
- Only allowed after the boneyard is empty in Draw Dominoes
Go Out
To go out means to play your last domino.
This usually:
- Ends the round
- Gives the player a score of zero
Round
A round is a single game played until someone goes out or the game blocks.
Many domino games consist of multiple rounds with cumulative scoring.
Game
A game usually refers to:
- A series of rounds
- Played until a target score is reached
Score Pad
A score pad is used to track cumulative scores across rounds.
Some players also use apps or whiteboards.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand dominoes terminology, the rules become much easier to follow — even when switching between games.
Most confusion comes from unfamiliar words, not complicated gameplay.
If something doesn’t make sense during a game, checking the terminology usually clears it up instantly.