How to Play Dominoes (Block Game)
Dominoes is one of the world's oldest tile-based games, with roots tracing back to 12th-century China. The Block game variant uses a standard double-six set of 28 tiles, where each tile has two ends marked with zero to six pips. Players take turns matching one end of a tile to an open end of the chain. The first player to empty their hand wins, or if both players are blocked, the player with the lowest total pip count in hand wins.
The Tiles
A double-six set contains 28 unique tiles: every combination from [0-0] through [6-6]. Each tile can be played in two orientations - you may need to flip a tile so its matching end touches the chain. At the start, each player draws 7 tiles. The remaining tiles form the boneyard. The player with the highest double (or highest tile if no double) plays first, placing that tile as the starting piece.
Matching and Playing
On your turn, you must play a tile from your hand that matches one of the two open ends of the chain. The open ends are the leftmost and rightmost values. For example, if the chain ends are 3 and 5, you can play any tile that has a 3 or a 5. Place your tile so the matching end touches the chain. If you cannot play, you must pass (draw from the boneyard until you can play, or pass if the boneyard is empty). In the Block game, passing means your turn ends with no play.
Scoring (Multiples of 5)
This variant adds scoring: when the sum of the two open ends is a multiple of 5 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30), the player who just played scores that many points. For example, if the ends are 3 and 2, the sum is 5 - you score 5 points. If the ends are 6 and 4, the sum is 10 - you score 10 points. The first player to reach a target score (e.g., 100) wins, or the first to empty their hand wins the round and scores the opponent's remaining pips.
Winning
The first player to play all their tiles wins the round. If both players are blocked (no legal moves and boneyard empty), the player with the lower total pip count in hand wins. In scoring play, points are tallied each round. This free online Dominoes game lets you play against an AI opponent. Click a tile in your hand to select it, then click the left or right end of the chain to play it there. Plan your moves to score on multiples of 5 and block your opponent!
Strategy Tips
Save high-value tiles when possible to avoid getting stuck. Try to create scoring opportunities (multiples of 5) when you play. Block your opponent by playing tiles that limit their options. If you hold the [6-6] or [5-5], consider when to play them - they can open or close the chain strategically.
Looking for more? Check out our guide: 10 Best Free Strategy Games.
Controls
Desktop: Click a domino in your hand, then click placement
Mobile: Tap a domino, then tap where to place it