HOW TO PLAY CUBAN DOMINOES
A beginner-friendly guide to sitting down at a double-nine table and understanding the game.
1. The table
Cuban dominoes is normally played by four players in two partnerships. Your partner sits opposite you. In Mesa Cubana, South and North play together while East and West form the other team.
The game uses a 55-tile double-nine set. Each player receives 10 tiles, and the remaining 15 tiles stay out of play for that hand.
2. Starting a hand
For the first hand, the opening player is chosen at random. That player may lead any tile. Turns then continue around the table, with each player trying to match a tile to one of the two open ends.
3. Making a play
To play a tile, one half must match an open end. For example, if an end shows a 6, you may play any tile containing a 6. If your tile matches both open ends, you choose which end to play on.
If none of your tiles can play, you pass. In Mesa Cubana, passing is automatic; there is no draw pile.
4. Winning a hand
A hand normally ends when a player puts down their last tile. That player's partnership scores the pips remaining in both opponents' hands.
A hand can also become blocked (trancado). If all four players pass consecutively, the remaining hands are counted. The lightest hand determines the winning partnership, subject to the tie rule described on the full rules page.
5. Winning the game
Points carry from one hand to the next. In Mesa Cubana, the match ends when one partnership reaches 100 points.
6. What to watch while you play
The goal is not simply to unload your own tiles. Watch which numbers have been played and, especially, which numbers cause players to pass. A pass tells you that player could not match either open end at that moment.
Think about your partner too. If you notice they can play a number comfortably, keeping that number open can help your team while making life harder for your opponents.
7. Learn by playing
The fastest way to understand the table is to play a few hands. You can continue as a guest, practice against three bots, or create a private table for friends.
Want the exact rules for dealing, opening, blocked hands and scoring? Read the full rules →