Dominoes Rules

How to Play Classic Domino Games

Dominoes is a classic tabletop game played around the world, but the rules aren’t always the same from one table to another.

Some games are fast and simple.
Others are longer and more strategic.
And many modern variants build on the same basic foundation.

This page explains the general dominoes rules that apply to most games, so you understand how dominoes works before diving into specific variants like Mexican Train Dominoes.

What Is Dominoes?

Dominoes is a tile-based game played with rectangular tiles marked with dots, called pips.

Each tile is split into two ends, and gameplay revolves around matching these ends to form a chain or layout.

The main objective depends on the variant, but usually involves:

  • Getting rid of all your tiles, or
  • Ending with the lowest number of pips

Domino Set Basics

Most domino games use one of the following sets:

  • Double-6 (28 tiles)
  • Double-9 (55 tiles)
  • Double-12 (91 tiles)

Each set includes all possible combinations from blank to the highest number.

For a full explanation of set sizes and which games use them, see Domino Sets Explained (Double-6 vs 9 vs 12).

How Many Players Can Play?

Dominoes can be played with 2 to 4 players in most classic games.

Some modern variants support larger groups:

  • Mexican Train works well with up to 8 players
  • Larger sets allow longer, smoother games

If you’re playing with a group, set size matters more than most people realize.

Basic Setup

While setup varies slightly by game, the basics are consistent:

  1. Shuffle the dominoes face down
  2. Each player draws a hand of tiles
  3. Remaining tiles form the boneyard
  4. The starting player is usually chosen by drawing the highest double

From there, gameplay begins clockwise.

Basic Gameplay Rules

On your turn, you must:

  • Play one matching domino, or
  • Draw from the boneyard if you cannot play

A legal move means matching the number of pips on an open end of the layout.

If you can’t play and the boneyard is empty, you pass.

Common Domino Variants

Once you understand the basics, you can play almost any domino game.

Some of the most popular variants include:

Each variant adjusts setup, scoring, or turn rules slightly.

👉 Start with Mexican Train Dominoes Rules if you want the most popular version today.

General Scoring Rules

Most domino games use pip-based scoring.

At the end of a round:

  • Players count the pips left in their hands
  • Those pips are added to a score (or awarded to the winner)
  • Lower scores are usually better

Some games, like All Fives, score points during play instead.

For clear examples, see Dominoes Scoring Explained.

Blocking and Ending a Round

A round can end in two ways:

  • One player plays their last domino
  • The game becomes blocked and no one can make a move

When blocked:

  • Players count remaining pips
  • The player with the lowest total usually wins the round

Blocking is a normal part of many classic domino games.

Choosing the Right Domino Set

The most common mistake beginners make is using the wrong set.

  • Small games → Double-6
  • Medium games → Double-9
  • Group games → Double-12

If you want one set that covers the most games, a Double-12 is the safest choice.

👉 See Best Mexican Train Domino Sets for reliable recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Dominoes is easy to learn because the core rules stay the same — even when the game changes.

Once you understand:

  • Matching ends
  • Drawing rules
  • Basic scoring

You can jump between variants without starting from scratch.

If you’re ready to play with a group, the next step is Mexican Train Dominoes, which builds on everything explained here.

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