How to Play Block Dominoes

Block Dominoes is played with a standard double-six domino set containing 28 tiles. Each tile has two ends marked with dots (pips) ranging from 0 (blank) to 6.

Initial Setup:

• Every player draws 7 dominoes, whatever the player count
• 4 Players: all 28 tiles are dealt, none left over
• 2-3 Players: the leftover tiles are set aside and stay out of play

Starting the Game:

The player with the highest double domino (6-6, 5-5, etc.) plays first. If no one has a double, the player with the highest value domino starts. The first domino is placed in the center of the table.

Playing Tiles:

• Players take turns adding dominoes to either end of the line
• The number of pips on the connecting ends must match
• Dominoes are placed end-to-end in a single line
• Doubles are placed perpendicular to the line

When You Can't Play:

If you cannot match either end of the domino line, you pass your turn. Block Dominoes has no drawing — any tiles set aside at the deal stay out of play, so passing is your only option. If every player passes in succession, the hand is blocked.

Winning Conditions:

• Domino Out: First player to play all their tiles wins
• Blocked Game: If no one can play, the player with the lowest pip count wins
• Scoring: Winner scores the total pips remaining in opponents' hands

Opening Strategy:

• Play doubles while they still fit: a double matches only one number, so it gets harder to place as the hand goes on
• Keep track of which numbers have been played
• Try to play tiles that give you multiple future options

Mid-Game Tactics:

• Block opponents by playing tiles that limit their options
• Save tiles with common numbers for later in the game
• Pay attention to the numbers opponents pass on
• Try to steer the open ends toward numbers opponents have passed on

Endgame Considerations:

• Count remaining tiles to predict what opponents might have
• Shed heavy tiles early: if the hand blocks, every pip left in your hand counts against you
• Consider blocking the game if you have the lowest pip count

Counting:

Each number from 0 to 6 sits on exactly seven of the 28 tiles. Count one number at a time to begin with, usually the one on an open end, and work up from there. Our beginner strategy article works through a hand from the deal with the tiles shown, and the counting article does the arithmetic.

• Playing doubles too late: Doubles can be harder to play as the game progresses
• Not counting tiles: Failing to track what's been played puts you at a disadvantage
• Ignoring opponents' passes: When an opponent passes, they hold neither open-end number — remember which
• Hoarding high-value tiles: These become liabilities if you can't play them
• Not considering blocking: Sometimes preventing opponents from playing is more valuable than advancing your own position