Double Nine Dominoes Rules and Guide

Guide to playing Double Nines and Matador Dominoes.

Dominoes rules

The block game, which is one of the commonest domino games, is played as follows, usually by two persons, although more can play. Shuffle the dominoes face downwards and then let the players draw for the lead, unless, as is frequently done, the one holding the double six or the highest piece in play takes it. This decided, the leader takes the number of dominoes agreed upon, which may be the whole 28, as after him does the other player.

Double Nine Variations
These they look at themselves, but must keep from the view of the other player. The leader then places a domino on the table, and the other player must fit to one of its ends one having the same number of pips as are at that end, e.g. 3 must be fitted to 3. If the player plays double 3 or any other doublet, which is placed crosswise, he is allowed another turn, while if he cannot fit a domino he loses his turn. Conditions are the same if three or four people play.

A variant of the game is to leave a certain number of dominoes, generally 14, in the pool or centre of the table. These are drawn upon by a player who cannot fit one from his own hand. As he draws when they are face downwards, if he draws one that is unsuitable he increases his holding and thus suffers a disadvantage. The pool is not drawn upon after only two dominoes remain in it. A game is usually for 100 points, these being made by the winner of each round counting the pips that remain in his opponent’s hand or hands.

Rules to Matador Double Nine Dominoes

Another popular domino game is called matador in which the rules are different. In this, instead of fitting the dominoes with ends like to like, e.g. 4 to 4, each player in turn must fit one to make up a total of 7. Thus, if the line of dominoes on the table have 2 and 4 at the ends, he can play one having 5 or one having 3, or he can play a matador, as four of the dominoes are called. These are double blank, and three that total seven, 6.1, 5.2 and 4.3. If he cannot play he must draw from the pool, losing his turn if he cannot find one suitable. If a domino having one end blank is played, no dominoes can be fitted to it, except one of the four matadors. When no further play is possible the winner i.e. the player who has fewest pips on his remaining dominoes, scores the number held by his opponent or opponents.

Buy Double Nine Dominoes Online HERE