All Fives Domino Game Rules

 

All Fives Domino Game Rules: A Complete Guide

All Fives is one of the most popular variations of dominoes, offering a blend of luck and strategy that appeals to players of all skill levels. Sometimes referred to as "Five-Up", this domino game is particularly engaging because it introduces a scoring element tied to multiples of five, adding a layer of strategy to every play. Whether you're new to dominoes or looking to master this specific version, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the rules, setup, scoring, and winning strategies for All Fives.

Objective of the Game

The objective of All Fives is to score points during gameplay by creating open ends on the board that are multiples of five (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.). Players also score bonus points at the end of the game based on the total pip count of their opponent's remaining dominoes.

The first player to reach the agreed-upon winning score—typically 100, 150, or 200 points—is declared the winner.

What You Need to Play

  • Domino Set: A standard double-six domino set is commonly used, but a double-nine or double-twelve set can be used for larger groups or extended games.
  • Players: 2–4 players. The game is best played with 2–4 participants, but more can join with a larger domino set.
  • Scorekeeping: Paper and pencil or a scoring app to track points.

Setup

  1. Shuffle the Dominoes:
    • Place all dominoes face down on the table and mix them thoroughly.
  2. Draw Dominoes:
    • For 2 players: Each player draws 7 dominoes.
    • For 3–4 players: Each player draws 5 dominoes.
    • The remaining dominoes form the boneyard (a pile of unused dominoes for drawing later).
  3. Determine the First Player:
    • The player with the highest double (e.g., [6|6]) starts the game. If no doubles are drawn, the player with the highest pip count begins. Play proceeds clockwise.

Gameplay

1. Starting the Game

  • The first player places a domino in the center of the table. If they have a double, they should play it first.
  • Play then proceeds clockwise.

2. Matching Dominoes

  • On their turn, players must match one of the open ends of a domino already on the table with a domino from their hand. Matches are based on the pip count (the number of dots).
    • Example: If the open end is a 6, the player can play a domino with a 6 on one side.
  • If a player cannot play a domino, they must draw from the boneyard until they can make a move or until the boneyard is empty. If no move is possible, the turn is skipped.

3. Scoring Points During Play

  • After placing a domino, the player checks the sum of the open ends on the board. If the sum is a multiple of 5 (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20), the player scores that number of points.
    • Example 1: If the board’s open ends are 6 and 4, the total is 10, and the player scores 10 points.
    • Example 2: If the board’s open ends are 5 and 5, the total is 10, and the player scores 10 points.

4. Playing Doubles

  • Doubles are placed perpendicularly to the line of play, creating two open ends with the same value.
    • Example: If a [6|6] is played, both ends count as 6, contributing 12 to the open-end total.
  • Doubles must be played immediately if possible, as they provide strategic scoring opportunities.

5. Passing the Turn

  • If a player cannot make a move and the boneyard is empty, they must pass their turn.

Ending the Round

A round ends when:

  1. A player plays their last domino (dominoes out), or
  2. No more moves are possible because all players have passed.

Scoring at the End of the Round

1. Scoring for Remaining Dominoes

  • At the end of the round, players calculate the total pip count of the dominoes left in their hands. The player who went out scores points equal to the sum of their opponents' pips, rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5.
    • Example: If Player A's opponents have 7, 11, and 3 pips remaining, the total is 21, which rounds down to 20 points.

2. If No One Goes Out

  • If the round ends with no moves possible, the player with the lowest pip count scores points equal to the total pips in their opponents' hands (rounded down to the nearest 5).

Winning the Game

The game continues across multiple rounds until one player’s total score reaches or exceeds the agreed-upon winning score (e.g., 100, 150, or 200 points). If more than one player reaches the winning score in the same round, the player with the highest score wins.

Strategies for All Fives

  1. Maximize Scoring Opportunities

    • Aim to play dominoes that create open-end totals of 5, 10, 15, or 20. Look ahead to anticipate how your move will affect the board’s open ends.

  2. Control the Board

    • Playing doubles strategically allows you to create multiple scoring opportunities or block opponents from scoring.

  3. Minimize Pip Count

    • Try to keep low-value dominoes in your hand to reduce the penalty if an opponent goes out.

  4. Observe Opponents

    • Pay attention to the numbers your opponents are playing and avoid opening ends that help them score.

  5. Use the Boneyard Wisely

    • If you need to draw from the boneyard, do so early in the game when there are more dominoes to choose from, increasing your chances of finding a useful match.

  6. End the Round Strategically

    • If you’re close to going out, focus on reducing your hand's pip count while denying opponents scoring opportunities.

Common Variations of All Fives

Double-Nine or Double-Twelve Sets

  • Larger sets allow for more players or extended games but may require adjustments to the winning score.

Blocked Game

  • In some variations, the game ends immediately when no player can make a move, regardless of the boneyard.

No Rounding

  • Instead of rounding down to the nearest 5, players score the exact total of the open ends during gameplay.

Why You’ll Love All Fives

  • Engaging Gameplay: The combination of strategy and scoring keeps players thinking ahead and reacting to the board.
  • Inclusive Fun: All Fives is easy to learn, making it great for family game nights and gatherings.
  • Customizable Rules: The game adapts well to house rules and variations, ensuring a fresh experience every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if the boneyard is empty?

  • If no one can make a move and the boneyard is empty, players skip their turns until the round ends.

2. Can doubles be played at any time?

  • Yes, doubles can be played whenever they match an open end. They create strategic opportunities for scoring.

3. What if there’s a tie at the end of the game?

  • If two players reach the winning score in the same round, the player with the highest total score wins. If scores are still tied, play an additional round as a tiebreaker.

Final Thoughts

All Fives is an exciting domino game that blends simplicity with depth. The scoring mechanic tied to multiples of five makes it unique, while the strategic placement of doubles and control of the board adds layers of strategy. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive gamer, All Fives offers endless fun and challenges. Gather your friends, shuffle those dominoes, and enjoy this timeless classic!

Have you played All Fives before? Share your favorite tips, house rules, or memorable moments in the comments below! 🎲

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