You have no idea how many board games there are in the world that millions of people are crazy about. They sit down at the table with the whole family or a large and cheerful company and plunge into their favorite game with childlike enthusiasm, forgetting about everything else. One of these games is dominoes. But there are those who don’t know how to play dominoes, but would really like to learn, so below we will tell you about the rules of this game.
Classic dominoes: rules of the game
Learning to play dominoes is not difficult. To do this, you need to have a sense of humor, be able to count in a column, and work in pairs. And, of course, you need to know the basic rules of dominoes and have dominoes of any shape — with white dots on a black field or vice versa.
28 dice are mixed on the table. Important: if a player has more than 5 dominoes of the same type or duplicates (0:0…6:6), then, according to the rules, the game starts over. After that, players are dealt seven dominoes each.
Here’s the main thing you need to know:
1. How many players can take part in the game?
From two to four people: two get 7 dominoes each, the rest go to the «bank», three and four get 5 each.
2. Who goes first?
The one who has a double — a domino with the same number of dots on both halves with the highest value (usually 6-6). If there is no such double, the player starts with any other double in descending order of value.
3. When does the «fish» appear?
A «fish» in the game is when the same numbers (dots) fall out at the ends, and there are no more such values either in the hands or in the «bank».
4. How to count points?
When one of the players lays out all his dominoes, the game ends and the scoring begins. All dominoes remaining in the hands of other players are summed up. And, of course, the winner is the one who scored the least amount of points at the end of the game.
Strategies and tips for winning
At first glance, the rules of dominoes seem quite simple, but to win, you need to use not only luck but also strategy. Here are some tips to help you become a true master of this exciting game.
Think about every step: don’t rush into decisions
Although the rules of dominoes allow you to act quickly, you should always remember that haste is not your best friend in this game. As you continue to play, you will see that not all moves are equally useful. Therefore, sometimes it is more advisable to leave a domino for later, especially if you have a feeling that it will come in handy at a more favorable stage. It may be a domino with a high number, which is better to leave for the next turn, when there are more options for playing it. This strategy allows you to maintain flexibility and not rush into decisions, which can be a decisive factor.
Keep track of your moves: attention is the key to victory
To win at dominoes, it is important not only to keep track of your dominoes, but also to be attentive to the moves of your opponents. Often they try to put their dominoes on the board, hiding their plans, but you can always see what they are trying to do. If, for example, one of your opponents is constantly trying to build combinations of low number dominoes, it may mean that they are lacking in high number dominoes. This knowledge gives the player the opportunity to block his move or even leave him in a difficult position. The ability to read the game of other participants is a strategy that allows you to win.
Use large values: there is strength in size
Sometimes, even in such a simple game as dominoes, it is important to have the right strategy. For example, dominoes with large numbers (6-6, 5-5, and so on) can be very powerful. If they fall into your hand, it is a great opportunity for a profitable move. They not only allow you to play them at the right time, but also give you a chance to discover new opportunities on the field. And even if at first it seems that a domino is not suitable for the current situation, in a few moves it can become irreplaceable.
Don’t forget about your dominoes: balance of strategies
Another important point to keep in mind is understanding how to handle the dominoes in your hand. Some players prefer to «get rid» of those with low values at the very beginning of the game so as not to leave them at the end. This approach allows you to get on the field faster, but it is risky if you get dominoes with medium or high numbers, which are then more difficult to play. Others, on the contrary, may leave the big ones for a later turn, when there are more options for using them on the field. It’s important to remember that strategies change with each new move, and depending on the dominoes in hand, each player must adapt their tactics to the situation.
Block your opponent: always have a plan B
Sometimes the best strategy is to block your opponents' moves. For example, if you have the opportunity to block an important domino on the board, it is better to do so, even if it does not bring immediate benefits. If the other player’s move is blocked, he will be forced to remove the domino from the «bank», which will give the other participant or you an advantage. The ability to block an opponent’s move is one of the key tactics that can lead to victory.
Flexibility and adaptability: don’t be afraid to change your strategy
Although there are general strategies for domino rules, it is important to remember that the game can change with each move. If at the very beginning you decided to focus on «easy» values, and suddenly the situation on the field requires a different strategy, don’t be afraid to change it. Flexibility in choosing a strategy allows you to adapt to changes on the field, which increases your chances of winning.
Conclusion
Dominoes is not just a way to spend time playing, it’s a whole tradition. It is a game that attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. It always has room for lightness, fun, and healthy competition. Each move can be not only strategic, but also unexpected, because there is always room for chance in dominoes. Despite its apparent simplicity, this game allows you to have fun, enrich communication, and add a little excitement to the atmosphere.
The rules of dominoes are so simple that you can master them in a few minutes. But real skill comes with experience. So if you suddenly have the urge to play, don’t wait. It’stime to start playing and enjoy every moment!
