How to play Block Dominoes

The objective

Your goal is simple: match numbered ends and be the first to play every domino. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

A double-six domino set.

How to set up

1. Shuffle the dominoes face down and draw an agreed hand size.
2. The player with the highest double commonly begins.

How to play: step by step

1. Place a matching end against an open end of the layout.
2. Play proceeds clockwise, one domino at a time.
3. Pass when you have no legal match.
4. First player out wins; if blocked, the player with the fewest remaining pips wins.

Beginner strategies

• Keep a variety of numbers available.
• Notice which numbers make opponents pass.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Matching corners instead of open ends.
• Forgetting to count remaining pips in a blocked game.

Frequently asked questions