Finding four people for 42 isn’t always easy, especially outside Texas. The good news: you can play 42 online in your browser or on your phone, against the computer or against real people. Here are the options worth your time, and what each one does best.
New to the game? Read the Texas 42 rules first, then come back and practice.
Quick Picks
| Option | Where you play | Opponents | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Game Arena | Browser | Real players | Free online games with friends |
| Follow Me 42 | Browser | Computer and ranked play | Learning, with optional Nello, Plunge and Splash |
| Domino Texas 42 (ConectaGames) | iPhone, iPad, Android | Real players and bots | Online matches on your phone |
| 42 Dominoes (Sergey Skosyrev) | iPhone, iPad | Computer | Offline practice with marks or points |
| Texas 42 / Texas 42 HD (MaroonEntertainment) | iPhone, iPad | Computer | Adjustable computer play styles |
Browser Sites
Board Game Arena.
One of the biggest board game sites online, and it has 42. The basics follow standard rules: bids from 30 up to 1 mark, trump by suit, doubles or no trump, and first to 7 marks wins. It’s a good choice for setting up a game with three friends.
Follow Me 42.
A site built only for 42, with a clear how-to-play guide. Nello, Plunge and Splash are available as optional house rules. Its ranked mode plays straight 42 with no special contracts, the same as most tournaments.
Phone and Tablet Apps
Domino Texas 42 by ConectaGames.
The app to get if you want real opponents on your phone. It has online matches against players across the US, in-game chat and weekly tournaments. It’s free with in-app purchases. On iPhone it rated 4.5 out of 5 from 46 ratings. On Android it rated 3.05 from 39 ratings.
42 Dominoes by Sergey Skosyrev.
A solo game against the computer. It scores by marks or points, has a hint button that suggests your best play, and highlights legal moves, which helps a lot while you’re learning which suit a domino follows.
Texas 42 and Texas 42 HD by MaroonEntertainment.
Also solo against the computer. You can set each computer player to a conservative, normal or aggressive style, which is good practice for reading different bidders.
For apps covering other domino games, see the best dominoes apps and where to play dominoes online.
What to Check Before You Play
- Marks or points. Most apps play to 7 marks. If your family plays to 250, look for a points option.
- Special bids. Nello, Sevens and Plunge are house rules, so not every app has them. See Nello, Sevens & Plunge.
- Forced bid. Some apps throw in the hand when everyone passes, and others make the shaker bid 30.
- Friends or strangers. Only some options let you set up a private table.
🁫 New to Bidding Games? Ease In First
If Texas 42 feels like a jump, brush up on the basics with the free dominoes cheat sheet before your first hand.
Download the Free Cheat SheetPractice Plan for New Players
- Play a few hands against the computer with hints on, to learn which suit each domino follows.
- Turn hints off and practice bidding. Before each bid, count your offs and check it against how much your bid lets you lose.
- Move to real opponents once you can track the five count dominoes without thinking. The Texas 42 strategy page covers what to watch.
Play 42 Online FAQ
Can you play Texas 42 online for free?
Yes. Browser sites and several free apps let you play without paying, though some apps have in-app purchases.
Can I play 42 online with friends?
Yes. Board Game Arena and the ConectaGames app both support games with real people.
Is there a Texas 42 app for Android?
Yes. Domino Texas 42 by ConectaGames is on Google Play.
Can I play 42 against the computer?
Yes. Follow Me 42 and the solo apps all have computer opponents.