Complete Block Dominoes Rules Reference | PlayBlockDominoes.com

1. Tile Distribution

• 2 Players: Each draws 7 tiles, 14 remain in boneyard
• 3 Players: Each draws 6 tiles, 10 remain in boneyard
• 4 Players: Each draws 7 tiles, 0 remain in boneyard

2. Determining First Player

The player holding the highest double tile starts the game:

• If someone has 6-6, they start
• If no 6-6, then 5-5 starts, and so on
• If no doubles are held, the player with the heaviest tile (highest pip count) starts

3. Opening Play

The starting player places their chosen tile in the center of the playing area. This establishes the "layout" or "line of play" that all subsequent tiles must connect to. The opening tile can be placed in any orientation.

Turn Sequence & Tile Placement

• Play proceeds clockwise from the starting player
• Players must play a tile that matches one of the open ends of the layout
• New tiles must be placed end-to-end, with matching numbers touching
• Tiles can only be added to the two open ends of the line
• Doubles are traditionally placed crosswise to the line of play

Drawing Rules (2-3 Players Only)

When a player cannot make a legal play:

• Player must draw tiles from the boneyard until they can play
• If the boneyard is empty and player still cannot play, they must pass
• In 4-player games with no boneyard, players pass immediately if they cannot play
• Player announces "Pass" clearly to the other players

Game Continuation

Players continue taking turns, adding tiles to either end of the layout. The game develops into a single line of connected dominoes, with occasional branches from doubles creating a more complex pattern.

Ways to Win a Hand

Scoring System

• Winner's Score: Sum of all pips in losing players' hands
• Typical Game Target: First to reach 100, 150, or 250 points (agreed before play)
• Tournament Scoring: May use different point targets or hand-based scoring
• Tie in Blocked Game: No points awarded, deal passes to next player

Tournament Regulations

• Tiles must be shuffled face-down before each hand
• Players should not look at tiles until drawing is complete
• Time limits may be imposed for competitive play (typically 30-60 seconds per turn)
• Tiles should be played with authority - once placed, they cannot be moved
• Verbal declarations of passes must be clear and audible

Common Variations

• Spinner Rules: Some games allow tiles to be played on all four sides of the initial double
• Matador: Special rules where certain tiles can be played against any number
• Partnership Play: Four players in two teams with special communication rules
• All-Fives: Points scored during play when line ends total multiples of five

Strategy Considerations

While luck plays a role in domino drawing, skilled players employ various strategies including tile counting, opponent hand analysis, blocking tactics, and endgame optimization. Understanding probability and maintaining awareness of played tiles significantly improves winning chances.