Dominoes is one of those games that looks deceptively simple — and that's precisely its charm. Whether you're introducing it to children or rediscovering it as an adult, a good set of dominoes rewards patience, strategy, and a little luck.
The basics
A standard double-six set contains 28 tiles, each marked with two numbers from 0 (blank) to 6. Players draw tiles and take turns matching the open ends of the chain. The first player to place all their tiles wins — or, if the game blocks, the player with the fewest pips remaining.
Setting up
Shuffle the tiles face-down. Each player draws 7 tiles (for 2 players) or 5 tiles (for 3–4 players). The player with the highest double starts.
Scoring
In the popular "5s and 3s" variant, you score points whenever the open ends of the chain add up to a multiple of 5 or 3. It adds a satisfying layer of arithmetic to every turn.
Choosing a set
Plastic tiles are fine for casual play, but a traditional wooden or resin set has a weight and tactility that makes the game feel like an occasion. Our miniature take-anywhere dominoes set is ideal for travel or gifting, and our domino tile holders keep hands comfortable during longer games.
A good dominoes set is a gift that lasts decades. That's the Jesters standard.