The game of Fives (or All Fives) is a popular variation of dominoes focused on scoring points by making the open ends of the layout sum to a multiple of five. Here are the basic rules:
Players: Typically 2 to 4 players.
Domino Set: Double-six dominoes are commonly used, but you can use larger sets for more players.
The rest form the boneyard (unused pile).
Objective
Score points during play and at the end of a round by ensuring the sum of the open ends of the layout equals a multiple of 5 (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, etc.).
First Play: The player with the highest double (e.g., double-six) starts the game. If no one has a double, players draw from the boneyard until one is found.
Subsequent Plays: Players take turns adding dominoes to the layout, matching one open end to an existing end on the layout.
Example: If one end of the layout is 4, you can play any domino with a 4 on it.
Scoring:
After each play, calculate the sum of the open ends.
If the sum is a multiple of 5, the player earns that number of points.
Example: If the layout has open ends 4 and 6, the total is 10, and the player scores 10 points.
Doubles are played crosswise and count as the value of both ends (e.g., a double-6 adds 12 to the total).
Passing: If a player cannot play a domino, they must draw from the boneyard until they find a playable piece or the boneyard is empty. If no domino can be played, the player passes their turn.
The round ends when one player uses all their dominoes or no one can play.
The winner of the round scores points equal to the sum of the pips (dots) on the remaining dominoes in all other players' hands, rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5.
Winning the Game
Players agree on a target score (e.g., 100 or 200). The first player to reach or exceed the target score wins.
Tips for Strategy
Aim to create layouts that maximize your scoring potential.
Block opponents from scoring by playing tiles that disrupt their plans.
Keep track of the dominoes played to predict what your opponents might have.
