Quick answer

To play Double 12 dominoes, shuffle all 91 tiles face down, and each player draws 12 tiles for a two-player game or 10 tiles for three to four players. The player with the highest double starts, and play proceeds clockwise. The goal is to empty your hand first; if the game blocks, the lowest total pip count wins. For easier reading, use number dominoes that replace dots with large, color-coded numbers.

Set up the Double 12 game correctly

A Double 12 set contains 91 tiles, from double blank to double twelve. Place all tiles face down and mix them thoroughly. For two players, each draws 12 tiles; for three or four players, each draws 10 tiles. Keep your tiles hidden from others. The remaining tiles form the boneyard (draw pile) and stay face down within reach. If you are using Number Dominoes, the large numbers make sorting and counting faster, especially when you have many tiles.

Determine who starts and how turns work

The player with the highest double in hand starts by placing it face up in the center. If no one has a double, each player draws one tile from the boneyard until a double is found; that player starts. Play moves clockwise. On your turn, match an open end of the layout by placing a tile with the same number of pips. Doubles are placed perpendicular to the line and create two new open ends. If you cannot play, draw one tile from the boneyard. If that tile is playable, you may play it immediately; otherwise, your turn ends. In some variations, you must draw until you can play or the boneyard is empty.

Score rounds and handle blocked games

A round ends when one player plays all their tiles (domino) or when the game is blocked (no one can play and the boneyard is empty). If a player dominoes, they score the total number of pips left in all opponents' hands. If the game is blocked, the player with the lowest total pip count scores the difference between their count and each opponent's count. In some variations, the lowest count wins the round and scores the sum of all other players' pips. With number dominoes, tallying is quicker because you add the large numbers instead of counting dots. Record scores and play to a target, often 100 or 150 points.

Double 12 sets support several games beyond the standard block game. Mexican Train is a popular variation where each player builds their own train of dominoes from a central hub; the first to play all tiles wins. Chickenfoot is another variation where doubles are played in a cross shape and require matching tiles on all open ends. Both games use the full Double 12 set and are great for family play. The Mexican Train Deluxe set includes a centerpiece with sound effects and a train whistle, making it easy to start and end games. For beginners, standard block dominoes is the simplest way to learn number matching and scoring.

Step-by-step: How to play Double 12 number dominoes

  1. Shuffle and deal: Mix all 91 tiles face down. Deal 12 tiles each for two players or 10 tiles each for three to four players. Keep tiles hidden. Checkpoint: No tiles should be visible to opponents.
  2. Start with the highest double: The player with the highest double places it first. If no doubles are dealt, players draw from the boneyard until a double appears. Common mistake: Starting with a non-double tile; always begin with a double.
  3. Take turns matching numbers: On your turn, play a tile that matches an open end. Doubles are placed sideways, creating two new open ends. If you cannot play, draw one tile; if it is playable, you may play it immediately. Checkpoint: Only one draw per turn unless your house rules say otherwise.
  4. End the round and score: The round ends when a player plays all tiles or the game is blocked. The winner scores the total pips left in opponents' hands, or the lowest count wins in a blocked game. Common mistake: Forgetting to count the pips on doubles, which count as double their number.
  5. Play to a target score: Record scores after each round. The first player to reach 100 or 150 points wins the game. Adjust the target based on available time. Next step: Try Mexican Train or Chickenfoot for variety using the same Double 12 set.

Product facts

  • Number Dominoes - Premium Double 12 Set: Number Dominoes - Premium Double 12 Set uses large, color-coded numbers instead of traditional dots, making recognition and counting easier. Faster play and simpler scoring, especially for players who find dot counting difficult.
  • Mexican Train Deluxe Traditional Double 12 Domino Set with Dots: Mexican Train Deluxe Traditional Double 12 Domino Set with Dots includes a centerpiece with button-activated sounds (barnyard rooster crowing or train whistle) and supports Mexican Train and Chickenfoot. Adds audio cues for starting and ending games, and the included hub simplifies setup for train-style variations.