Dominoes strategy tips for Draw, Block and All Fives
Dominoes looks simple, but strong players control the ends of the line and track which numbers are gone. These tips work in Draw, Block and All Fives.
1. Which tiles should you play first?
Play heavy tiles early. High tiles like the double-six and the 6-5 cost the most if you’re caught holding them, so get rid of them unless you need them to control a number.
2. Keep a variety of numbers
Try to hold tiles with different numbers so you can always match an end. A hand full of one number is easy to block.
3. Count what’s been played
Each number appears on seven tiles. When most tiles with a number are gone, an open end with that number is close to a block, and whoever holds the last one controls it.
4. Notice passes and draws
When a player passes or draws on a number, they don’t have it. Keep that number open to force them to pass or draw again.
5. Set up scores in All Fives
Look for plays that make the open ends add up to a multiple of five, and avoid leaving an easy score for the next player. A double on an end counts both halves, which makes doubles powerful for scoring.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Holding the double-six until the end of the round.
- Playing your last tile of a number without thinking about the block.
- Leaving the next player an easy five or ten in All Fives.
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