Double-six dominoes: a fun strategy game for the whole family
Why a set of dominoes contains exactly 28 tiles, and what you need to know to play it well.
28 tiles, not one more
A double-six domino set contains 28 tiles, each divided into two halves carrying 0 to 6 pips. That number is not arbitrary: it is every possible pair between 0 and 6, each combination existing in a single copy. The 3-5 is unique, and so is the 6-6.
That is more useful than it sounds: since every tile is unique, seeing a domino go down means knowing it will never come round again.
How a game unfolds
Each player draws a starting hand; the remaining tiles form the boneyard. The chain is built on the table, and on your turn you place a tile one of whose two values matches a free end of the chain. You match a value to a value — not a total to a total.
If you cannot place anything, you draw. You only pass when the boneyard is empty. The first player to get rid of all their tiles wins the round.
Three simple habits
Count what has gone. Each value appears on exactly seven tiles. Once you have seen six of them, the seventh is either in the boneyard or in an opponent's hand — and that alone often decides your next move.
Do not hoard your doubles. A double can only be placed on its own value. Kept too long, it ends up stuck in your hand.
Close the game when your hand is light. Blocking the table ends the round: that is good for you only if your remaining tiles are worth less than everyone else's.
Frequently asked questions
How many players?
2 to 4 players, individually or in teams of two.
Are the rules the same everywhere?
The principle is, but scoring and end-of-round conditions vary from region to region. Best to agree before you start.
Is it a good game for children?
Yes: matching two identical values is understood very early, long before counting points.
Discover our wooden double-six dominoes, the XL version in double nine, or all our traditional games.