Play Dominoes like a pro.
Dominoes is an amazing game. It can be played and enjoyed by adults and children alike, and is an excellent choice for a game night at home. To get good at the game and increase your chances of winning, you'll need to know these tips and tricks!
There are several tips and strategies you can use to improve your odds of success. All of them can give you an advantage over your opponents the more you use them during the game.
1. Play your doubles early.
It is advisable to play your doubles early. Normally, there are fewer opportunities to play them, since they have the same suit values on both sides. Do this from the beginning to avoid getting stuck with doubles only.
2. Play your heaviest chips first.
It is impossible to know for sure who will win the game at the end; therefore, it is best to play your heaviest checkers first. That way, if the round is deadlocked, you won't end up with a higher score than your opponents.
3. Keep a variety of suits on hand.
It is essential to keep as many different clubs in your hand as you can. This is the best way to keep your playing options open and avoid having to pass on a turn if you can't make a play.
4. Pay attention to your opponents' weaknesses.
Watch the values of the suits they are missing when they are forced to pass on a play or draw from the stack. Pay close attention to the layout and the chips that have been played, as well as the ones in your hand. This strategy will help you determine the possible checkers your opponents have, which makes it easier to block their next moves.
5. Be aware of the chip count.
It is important to take into account all the open ends on the board. For example, in the game of fives, points are scored when the board count equals a multiple of five.
6. Figure out how to alter the board.
Evaluate the tiles in your hand and change the layout of the board by calculating the difference between the values of the suits on each side. For example, if there is a three and a five at each end, the board count will change by a value of 2. Increase the board count by connecting the bottom suit to the open end. Or, reduce the point count by combining the topmost suit with the open end.
7. Use blocking strategies whenever possible.
When the chances of scoring points begin to diminish, use as many blocking strategies as possible near the end. Preventing your opponents from scoring points is as important in the game of dominoes as scoring them yourself.
8. Use mathematical calculations to determine possible hands.
Understanding the mathematical principles involved in the game (to determine your chances of choosing double tiles) can give you an advantage. For example, out of a total of 55 double nines, ten may be doubles, including double blanks. The odds of choosing a double when choosing a single tile are 10/55 or approximately 18%.
9. Use the blanks to your advantage.
Blank tiles can be used as "wild cards". They can be attached to any checker regardless of the number, even other blank checkers. It is better to play a blank tile than no tile at all.
10. Try to score as many points as possible at the beginning of the game.
The first player to score 100 points is the winner. The goal is to try to get as many points as possible as quickly as possible. This will help increase your chances of winning at the end.
