Rules of Express Dominoes

Express Dominoes is an exciting variant of the classic board game Dominoes, combining strategy, speed and a touch of fun. Ideal for family gatherings, games nights with friends or even party entertainment, this game offers an entertaining and accessible experience for everyone.

Aim of the game

The objective is to place all the tiles on the table before the other players and accumulate points. The player who wins a round scores points according to the number of tiles their opponents have not been able to place.

Elements of the game

To play Express Dominoes, you need 28 rectangular tiles, each divided into two sections showing numbers from 0 to 6.These tiles cover all possible combinations with these numbers.

Number of players

It can be played with 2, 3 or 4 players, and also in pairs.

Start and flow of the game

In Express Dominoes, at the start of a round, each player receives 7 dominoes and can only play with those, with no possibility to draw from the pot.

The round starts with the player who has the highest double tile (in a game of 4, the double 6 will always start). If no one has a double, the player who has the highest scoring tile starts.

The player who starts the round is known as the "hand", a key concept in the strategy of Dominoes, since the player or pair in this position generally has the advantage during the round. This player places their tile in the centre of the table and, from there, the game continues anticlockwise.

Gameplay

During their turn, each player must place a tile on one of the two open ends on the table, making sure that the dots match.The double tiles are placed crosswise to make them easier to identify.

Once the player places their tile, their turn ends, and the next player goes.

If a player can’t go, they must pass. If no player can place a tile, the game ends and whoever has the fewest points wins.

End of the round

The round continues with players placing their tiles until one of the following situations arises:

Domino: When a player places their last tile, they announce “Domino”. If playing as an individual, you add up the points of all your opponents. When playing in pairs, the points of all players are counted, including those of the partner.

Close: Sometimes, none of the players can continue with the game. In this case, it is said that the game is closed. Players count the points on their remaining tiles. The player or pair with the fewest points wins and the points are added up according to the established rules.

In the event of a tie, the player or pair who has been "hand" or is closest to the player who was "hand" wins.

Following rounds

In subsequent rounds, the starting player is whoever is next in turn. This person can start with whichever tile they like, it doesn’t have to be a double.

End of the game

The game ends when a player or a pair reaches 100 points as stated in the rules.

What are you waiting for? Gather your friends or family to enjoy an exciting game of Express Dominoes! Fun is only a tile away!