Dominoes
Dominoes is a classic gathering game that is easy to learn, endlessly fun, and made for good conversation. A single set of tiles gives you dozens of games, from the simple block game to lively Mexican Train, and every hand keeps your mind counting and planning. Best of all, it brings people to the table, so a rainy afternoon becomes a warm few hours with family or friends.
What you need to start
- A standard set of double-six dominoes (28 tiles) for two to four players
- A flat table and comfortable chairs for everyone
- A pencil and pad, or a simple app, to keep score
- One to three friends or family members to play with
At a glance
Your learning path
Three stages, taken at your own pace. Start at the top, get comfortable, then move down as you grow. There is no rush, and no wrong place to begin.
Start here. These four short lessons walk you through the whole game one step at a time: the rules of the classic block game, how you draw and match tiles, how the scoring works, and a full beginner's game from start to finish.
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Dominoes is one of the most rewarding games to enjoy after 50. Every hand keeps your mind busy counting pips, matching ends, and planning your next move, which is wonderful gentle exercise for memory and focus. It is a deeply social game too, built around a table full of friends or family and plenty of friendly talk. The tiles themselves are a pleasure, smooth and satisfying to handle and shuffle. And it is a true classic gathering game, easy for grandchildren and lifelong friends alike, so a simple box of dominoes turns any afternoon into good company.
Your first month, week by week
Learn the classic block game. Deal out the tiles, keep the rest in the boneyard, and practice matching ends until one player runs out. Just play for fun and get comfortable handling and shuffling the tiles.
Start keeping score and learn to count the pips left in everyone's hand at the end of a round. Play a few rounds to a target, such as one hundred points, so you get used to how winning and scoring work.
Try the scoring game of All Fives, where you score whenever the open ends add up to a multiple of five. This adds a fun new layer of thinking to every tile you play.
Learn Mexican Train, the most popular group game, and invite family or friends over for a lively evening. By now you can teach the basics to anyone new at the table.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Playing without a plan; look at the open ends and think one or two moves ahead before you set a tile down.
- Forgetting to count; keep track of how many pips are still in your hand and which numbers have already been played.
- Holding your heavy tiles too long; if a round may end soon, play your high double-six and other big tiles early so you are not caught with them.
- Not blocking your opponents; when you can, leave the open ends on numbers you know they cannot match.
- Playing your doubles too late; doubles can be hard to get rid of, so look for chances to place them while the board is still open.
- Ignoring the boneyard; remember which tiles are still undrawn, because it hints at what your opponents may be missing.
Make it easier on your body
Simple ways to keep dominoes comfortable and safe with arthritis, low vision, or limited mobility.
- Use domino racks or holders that stand your tiles upright, so arthritic hands do not have to grip a long row of dominoes.
- Choose large-size, high-contrast jumbo dominoes with bold pips that are easy on aging eyes.
- Play seated at a comfortable table with a supportive chair, so a long game is never a strain.
- Add a lazy-susan turntable or spinner tiles so everyone can reach the board without stretching or standing.
- Try a free online domino app when you would rather play from home or cannot gather a group in person.
- Set up good, even table lighting so every pip is clear and no one has to squint to read the tiles.
Words you'll hear
- Bone (tile)
- Another name for a single domino piece; each one shows two numbers, one on each half.
- Boneyard
- The pile of face-down tiles left over after the deal, which players draw from when they cannot make a move.
- Double
- A tile with the same number on both halves, such as the double-six; doubles are often placed crosswise on the line.
- Pip
- One of the dots on a domino; the pips are what you count for matching ends and for scoring.
- Train
- A line of matching tiles built out from the center, as in Mexican Train, where each player grows their own train.
- Block game
- The classic, simplest form of dominoes, where you match ends and the round ends when someone plays out or the game is blocked.
Where to find your people
- Senior centers, which often host regular domino afternoons and welcome newcomers.
- Local domino clubs and leagues, where you can find regular partners and friendly competition.
- Community halls, churches, and libraries that run casual game nights open to all.
- Online domino apps, where you can play and chat with people any time of day from home.
- Family game nights, where dominoes is an easy game to teach children and grandchildren.
Start learning Dominoes
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