Game

Dominoes: how to play

This is the standard double-six set of 28 tiles, played one on one against the computer. Each side gets seven tiles and the other fourteen form the boneyard. You can choose Easy or Normal, and the computer's tile count and the boneyard count are always visible above the chain.

Controls

Playable tiles are highlighted in your hand. Click or tap one to place it, or reach it with Tab and press Enter or Space. If it fits at both ends, Left and Right buttons let you choose the side. When nothing fits, a button draws one tile from the boneyard at a time, or lets you pass if it is empty.

Rules

  • The player holding the highest double starts; that tile opens the chain.
  • Each tile must match the pips at one end of the chain.
  • With no playable tile you draw until you can play; with an empty boneyard you pass.
  • Emptying your hand wins. If both players pass in a row the game is blocked and the lower pip total wins; equal totals draw.

Tips

  • Play high tiles early: if the game blocks, every pip left in your hand counts against you.
  • Doubles fit only one number, so use them while that number is open.
  • If the computer draws or passes on a number, it probably has none; steer the chain toward it.

Easy and Normal levels

On Easy the computer picks at random among its legal tiles. On Normal it prefers doubles and high-value tiles, tries to keep a balance of numbers in its hand and, when you are down to two tiles or fewer, puts even more weight on getting rid of heavy tiles.

Counting tiles

There are exactly seven tiles that contain each number, doubles included. When many of one number are already on the chain, few remain, which tells you what the computer can still hold. Tiles also carry a text label with their values for screen readers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I draw while holding a playable tile?

No. Drawing is offered only when none of your tiles fits an end.

How much does a win pay?

100 virtual coins. They have no monetary value.

Does changing level restart the game?

Yes, choosing a different level deals a new game.