Domino Block

A blocked chain of tiles can end a round before anyone empties a hand. In a match of Domino Block, two players draw seven pieces each, and three or four players take five. The remaining set stays in the reserve, called the bazaar. The opening tile comes from the lowest available double, beginning with 1-1, since 0-0 can't be used for the first play. No doubles in hand changes the lead tile to the lowest total, such as 0-1.

How to play?

Place a tile against a matching number on either end of the layout. A hand without a match sends play to the bazaar for one draw at a time until a playable piece appears or the reserve is empty. No match after the reserve runs dry means the move is skipped. Empty your hand to end the deal. Add the pips left in every opposing hand to the winner's score. A lone 0-0 left at the finish adds 25 points. Block both ends with tiles still unplayed to create a fish. The lowest hand wins that lock, taking the difference between the other hands and that total. Play continues across deals until someone reaches about 100 points.