Equipment:

• Double Nine Dominoes Set: 55 tiles, each marked with a combination of two numbers ranging from 0 to 9.

• Playing Surface: A flat surface where tiles can be easily placed and arranged.
  

Setup:

1. Shuffle the Tiles:

   • Place all 55 tiles face down on the playing surface and shuffle them thoroughly.

2. Draw Tiles:

   • Each player draws a set number of tiles to form their hand:

     • 2 Players: 9 tiles each

     • 3-4 Players: 7 tiles each

     • 5-6 Players: 5 tiles each

   • The remaining tiles form the boneyard or draw pile.

3. Determine the Starting Player:

   • The player with the highest double (tile with the same number on both ends) starts the game.

   • If no player has a double, the tiles are reshuffled and redrawn.
     

Objective:

• The objective is to be the first player to play all your tiles, or to score the fewest points based on the remaining tiles in your hand when the game ends.
  

Gameplay:

1. Starting the Game:

   • The starting player places the highest double tile in the center of the playing area.

2. Taking Turns:

   • Players take turns in a clockwise direction.

   • On your turn, you must play a tile from your hand that matches one end of the domino chain (the line of tiles already played).

   • If you cannot play a tile, you must draw one tile from the boneyard. If the drawn tile can be played, you may do so immediately. If not, your turn ends.

3. Playing a Tile:

   • Match one end of the tile in your hand to a corresponding end of a tile in the chain.

   • Place the tile so the matching numbers touch.

   • Doubles are placed perpendicular to the chain, creating a branch or cross.

4. Drawing from the Boneyard:

   • If you cannot play a tile and the boneyard is empty, you must pass your turn.
     

Special Rules:

1. Blocking:

   • If the game becomes blocked (no player can play a tile and the boneyard is empty), the game ends. The player with the fewest points in their hand wins the round.

2. Scoring:

   • At the end of a round, players score points equal to the total value of the remaining tiles in their hand.

   • Doubles count as the sum of their numbers (e.g., double 5 counts as 10 points).
     

Ending the Game:

• The game can end in one of two ways:

  1. A Player Plays All Tiles: The player who plays all their tiles first wins the round.

  2. Blocked Game: If no player can make a move and the boneyard is empty, the player with the fewest points wins the round.
     

Winning:

• The game is typically played in rounds, with a predetermined number of rounds or a target score (e.g., 100 points).

• The player with the lowest total score at the end of all rounds wins the game.
  

Strategy Tips:

1. Play Doubles Wisely: Doubles can open multiple branches, so use them strategically.

2. Block Opponents: If you can foresee a move that blocks your opponents, take it.

3. Manage Your Hand: Keep a balance of high and low-value tiles to control your score if the game becomes blocked.