Dominoes is not a single game — it is a family of games built around the same elegant tiles. From the strategic depth of Block play to the festive chaos of Chickenfoot, there is a variant for every group size, skill level, and mood. This guide covers the most popular variants and what makes each one unique.

The Two Foundational Variants

Draw Dominoes

The most common variant and the one most beginners learn. Players match open ends and draw from the boneyard when they cannot play. Simple, fast, and satisfying.

Best for: 2–4 players, beginners, quick games.

Block Dominoes

Identical to Draw except there is no boneyard draw — if you cannot play, you pass. This transforms the game into a sharper strategic contest where blocking is a primary weapon.

Best for: 2 or 4 players, strategy-focused players.

Scoring Variants

All Fives (Muggins)

Players score points during the round whenever the sum of all open ends is a multiple of five. End-of-round pip scoring applies too. This dual scoring system makes every play a math puzzle.

Best for: 2–4 players, players who enjoy in-game scoring.

Bergen

Players score 2 points when both open ends show the same number (a “double header”) and 3 points when both ends show the same number and one is a double (“triple header”). A fast-scoring game with simple rules.

Best for: 2–4 players, a quick alternative to All Fives.

Five-Up

Similar to All Fives, but all doubles are spinners (playable on four sides). More open ends means more scoring opportunities and more complex board states.

Best for: 2–4 players, experienced All Fives players.

Train Variants

Mexican Train

Played with a double-twelve set. Each player builds a personal “train” (line of tiles) from a central hub. A communal Mexican Train is available to everyone. If you cannot play on your own train, you must mark it as open for others.

Key features:

  • Double-twelve set (91 tiles)
  • Hub-and-spoke layout
  • Personal trains + one shared train
  • Multiple rounds (one per double)
  • Lowest cumulative score wins

Best for: 4–8 players, families, party settings.

Chickenfoot

Also uses a large set (double-nine or double-twelve). When a double is played, the next three plays must extend from that double, forming a three-pronged “chicken foot” shape. Normal play resumes once the foot is complete.

Key features:

  • Forces interaction around doubles
  • Blocked play until the chicken foot is complete
  • Multiple rounds
  • Lowest score wins

Best for: 4–8 players, casual/party play.

Trick-Taking Variants

42 (Texas 42)

Invented in Texas as a domino alternative to card games, 42 is a four-player partnership trick-taking game. Players bid on how many points they can win in a hand. Tiles are led and followed like cards, with a trump suit determined by the bid.

Key features:

  • 4 players in two partnerships
  • Bidding and trick-taking
  • 42 points per hand (7 tricks + 35 in count tiles)
  • Feels like a card game played with tiles

Best for: Exactly 4 players, card game enthusiasts.

Moon

A simpler trick-taking game sometimes called “Shoot the Moon.” Players bid and play tricks with a double-six set, trying to win count tiles. Less complex than 42 but shares the same core mechanic.

Best for: 3–4 players, a lighter trick-taking experience.

Other Notable Variants

Matador

Tiles are not matched by like numbers. Instead, the two adjacent halves must sum to seven (with blanks acting as wild “matadors” playable to any end). A quirky twist that changes the entire matching mechanic.

Best for: 2–4 players, players wanting something different.

Bendomino

Uses curved tiles that create a winding layout on the table. A tile can only be played if it physically fits without overlapping existing tiles. Adds a spatial puzzle element to the matching game.

Best for: 2–4 players, casual and family play.

Straight Dominoes

A generic term for the simplest matching game — play tiles to match open ends, highest double leads, first to go out wins the round. No scoring during play. Often used as a teaching game.

Best for: Complete beginners, children.

Variant Comparison Table

Variant Players Set Key Mechanic Scoring
Draw 2–4 Double-six Boneyard draw End-of-round pips
Block 2–4 Double-six No draw, pass End-of-round pips
All Fives 2–4 Double-six Multiples of 5 During play + pips
Bergen 2–4 Double-six Matching ends During play + pips
Mexican Train 4–8 Double-twelve Personal/shared trains Lowest cumulative
Chickenfoot 4–8 Double-nine/twelve Forced chicken foot Lowest cumulative
42 4 Double-six Trick-taking + bidding Tricks + count tiles
Matador 2–4 Double-six Sum to 7 End-of-round pips

Choosing the Right Variant

  • Just learning? Start with Draw Dominoes.
  • Want more strategy? Try Block or All Fives.
  • Hosting a party? Mexican Train or Chickenfoot shine with bigger groups.
  • Love card games? 42 is a domino trick-taking masterpiece.
  • Want something unusual? Give Matador or Bendomino a spin.

No matter which variant you choose, the core appeal of dominoes — matching tiles, reading opponents, and making every play count — remains at the heart of every game.