How to Play Texas 42

The classic trick-taking domino game — bidding, tricks, and scoring.

Texas 42 ("42") is unlike most domino games: it's a trick-taking game, closer to spades or bridge than to a matching game. It's played with a standard double-six set by four players in two partnerships, and it's a beloved tradition across Texas.

Setup

Four players sit in two teams, partners across from each other. Shuffle the 28 tiles face down and each player draws 7 tiles. There is no boneyard — every tile is in play.

Bidding

Starting left of the shaker, each player bids once for how many points their team will take, minimum bid 30 (up to 42, then "marks" for higher stakes). The highest bidder names the trump suit (0–6, or doubles/no-trump in some house rules) and leads the first trick.

Tricks & the count

Each "trick" is one tile played by every player; the highest tile of the led suit (or trump) wins it. There are 7 tricks, and the points break down to 42 per hand:

Source	Points
Each trick won	1 (×7 = 7)
5-0, 4-1, 3-2 (each)	5
6-4 and 5-5 (each)	10
Total per hand	42

The bidding team must capture at least as many points as they bid, or they go "set" and the opponents score instead. Games are typically played to 250 points (or 7 marks).

FAQ

Is Texas 42 hard to learn?

If you've played a trick-taking card game like spades, it clicks quickly. The bidding and the "count" dominoes are the main new ideas.

How many players do you need?

Four, in two partnerships. Variations exist for other counts, but four is standard.