How many tiles are in the set?

Twenty-eight, from 0-0 up to 6-6. Each number appears on seven tiles.

Do I have to draw if I can play?

No. You only draw from the pile when no tile in your hand matches an open end.

How do I choose which end to play on?

If a tile fits both ends, the game asks you to choose. Pick the end that leaves numbers you hold and your rivals lack.

How to Win at Dominoes: Simple Winning Strategy

Dominoes mixes the luck of the draw with simple but powerful strategy. You play against one, two or three computer rivals, matching tiles to the open ends of the line. Emptying your hand first scores the pips left in the other hands, and the first to 100 wins. These tips help you win rounds and lose fewer points when you cannot.

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Play heavy tiles early

Tiles with lots of pips, like the 6-6 or 6-5, are the most expensive ones to be caught holding. When you have a choice between two playable tiles, lean toward the heavier one early in the round. If a rival goes out first, they score the pips in your hand, so getting rid of big numbers limits the damage.

Keep a variety of numbers

The more different numbers you hold, the more likely you can play on whatever ends are open. Before you play, look at what would remain in your hand. Avoid leaving yourself with several tiles that all share one number, because a single change at the ends can force you to draw. Doubles are the hardest tiles to place, so play them while their number is open.

Watch what rivals cannot play

When a rival draws from the pile or passes, they have no tile matching either open end. Remember those numbers. Later, try to leave those same numbers showing at the ends of the line, which forces them to draw again. Keeping a rival stuck while you shed tiles is the strongest play in the game.

Count the tiles

There are seven tiles of each number in the set. If you can see five 4s on the table and you hold the sixth, only one more 4 exists. Counting like this tells you when an end is about to become blocked, and whether playing a number will lock it up for everyone. Small hands win blocked rounds, so count pips too.

Handle blocked rounds

When nobody can play, the player with the lowest total in hand wins the round. As the pile runs low, think about how the round could block. If your hand is light, playing a tile that closes off a number can end the round in your favour. If your hand is heavy, keep the ends open and keep shedding.

Questions

How many tiles are in the set?: Twenty-eight, from 0-0 up to 6-6. Each number appears on seven tiles.
Do I have to draw if I can play?: No. You only draw from the pile when no tile in your hand matches an open end.
How do I choose which end to play on?: If a tile fits both ends, the game asks you to choose. Pick the end that leaves numbers you hold and your rivals lack.

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