Play Dominoes like a pro.
Domino is an incredible game. Both adults and children can play and enjoy it, and it’s an excellent choice for a family game night at home. To get better at the game and increase your chances of winning, you’ll need to know these tips and tricks!
There are several strategies you can use to improve your odds of success. The more you apply them during the game, the greater your advantage over your opponents.
1. Play your doubles early.
It’s recommended to play your doubles at the beginning. Usually, there are fewer opportunities to play them since they have the same suit value on both sides. Do this early to avoid getting stuck with only doubles in hand.
2. Play your heaviest tiles first.
It’s impossible to know for sure who will win in the end, so it’s best to play your heaviest tiles early. That way, if the round gets blocked, you won’t be left with a higher score than your opponents.
3. Keep a variety of suits in hand.
It’s essential to maintain as many different suits as possible. This is the best way to keep your playing options open and avoid having to pass your turn if you can’t make a move.
4. Pay attention to your opponents’ weak spots.
Notice which suit values they lack when they’re forced to pass a turn or draw from the pile. Pay close attention to the layout of the board, the tiles already played, and the ones you hold. This strategy will help you figure out your opponents’ possible tiles, making it easier to block their next moves.
5. Keep track of the tile count.
It’s important to keep an eye on all the open ends on the board. For example, in “fives” domino, points are scored when the total on the board equals a multiple of five.
6. Figure out how to alter the board.
Evaluate the tiles in your hand and adjust the board layout by calculating the difference between the suit values on each side. For example, if there’s a three and a five on the open ends, the board count will shift by 2. You can increase the board total by attaching the lower value to the open end, or reduce the total by combining the higher value with the open end.
7. Use blocking strategies whenever possible.
When the chances of scoring points start to decrease, use as many blocking strategies as you can toward the end of the game. Preventing your opponents from scoring is just as important as scoring yourself.
8. Use math to determine possible hands.
Understanding the math behind the game (such as calculating the odds of drawing doubles) can give you an advantage. For example, out of 55 double-nine tiles, ten of them are doubles, including the double blank. The odds of drawing a double when picking a single tile are 10/55, or about 18%.
9. Use blank tiles to your advantage.
Blank tiles can be used as wildcards. They can connect to any tile regardless of number—even to other blanks. It’s always better to play a blank tile than to miss a turn.
10. Try to score as many points as possible early in the game.
The first player to reach 100 points wins. The goal is to score as many points as possible as early as you can. This will help boost your chances of winning in the long run.
