The Best Domino Games to Play

Quick rules for the most popular domino games — pick one and start playing.

Dominoes isn't a single game — it's a whole family of them, from relaxed matching games to competitive trick-taking. Here are the best ones to know, with a one-line summary and a link to full rules. New to dominoes? Start with how to play dominoes.

1. Mexican Train

The most popular modern domino game. Players build personal "trains" off a central hub; whoever empties their hand ends the round, and the lowest total score wins. Great for groups. → Mexican Train rules & scoring

2. Chicken Foot

A fast, social favorite where every double must sprout a three-tile "foot" before play continues. Low score wins. → Chicken Foot rules

3. Texas 42

The outlier: a four-player, partnership trick-taking game played like spades with dominoes. Bid, take tricks, and grab the count dominoes. → Texas 42 rules

4. Muggins (All Fives)

Score during play whenever the open ends total a multiple of five — and watch out for the "muggins" steal if you forget to claim. → Muggins / All Fives rules

5. Cuban Dominoes

Lively 2-vs-2 partnership play with a double-nine set; block the other team and count their pips. → Cuban dominoes rules

6. Block & Draw

The classic basics every player should know — match ends, go out, and score the opponents' leftover pips. → Block & Draw scoring

Which should you play?

If you want…	Play
A big, casual group game	Mexican Train or Chicken Foot
Strategy & partnerships	Texas 42 or Cuban dominoes
Scoring action every turn	Muggins (All Fives)
The simplest start	Block & Draw