HT Games
42 Dominoes is a popular and fast-paced domino game played with a standard double-six domino set. Here's how to play:
1. Players and Setup:
* 2-4 players can play.
* Shuffle the dominoes face down and deal 7 dominoes to each player. The remaining dominoes form the boneyard.
2. Starting the Game:
* The player with the highest double domino (e.g., double-six) starts the game by placing it in the center of the table.
* If no one has a double, the player with the highest domino starts.
3. Playing Dominoes:
* Players take turns matching their dominoes to the ends of the layout.
* Match either number on your domino to a number on the end of the layout.
* Example: If the layout ends with a 5, you can play a domino with a 5 on one end.
* If you can't play a domino, you must draw one from the boneyard.
* If you still can't play after drawing, your turn is over.
4. Blocking:
* Players can try to block other players by playing dominoes that force them to draw from the boneyard.
5. Going Out:
* The first player to play all their dominoes goes out.
* Once a player goes out, the round ends.
6. Scoring:
* Points for Going Out: The player who goes out receives points based on the number of pips on the remaining dominoes in their opponents' hands.
* Example: If your opponent has a 4-5 and a 6-6, they have 4 + 5 + 6 + 6 = 21 pips. You would get 21 points.
* Points for Not Going Out: If no one goes out, the player with the lowest number of pips in their hand receives points equal to the number of pips on their opponent's dominoes.
7. Winning the Game:
* The game continues until a player reaches a predetermined score (usually 42).
* The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Variations and Strategies:
* Blocking: Some versions allow players to block by playing dominoes with only one end matching the layout.
* Double-Double: In some variations, the player with the double-double starts the game.
* Double-Double Rules: Other variations have special rules regarding double-doubles, like allowing them to be played in any position or requiring them to be played on a specific side of the layout.
* Strategic Play: Think ahead and try to block your opponents or make moves that will help you go out quickly.
Enjoy your game of 42 Dominoes!