All Fives, often called "Down for Five" or "Multiple Fives," is a classic domino game that blends simple rules with strategic depth. It is a blocking game where players score points by making the open ends of the layout total multiples of five. This guide provides a complete walkthrough of how to play dominoes using the All Fives rules, from the initial shuffle to the final calculation of scores.
Understanding the Dominoes Setup and Equipment
The foundation of any good game starts with the right equipment. All Fives is typically played with a standard set of double-six dominoes, which contains 28 tiles. Each tile features two ends, each marked with a number of spots (pips) ranging from zero (blank) to six. The game requires at least two players but can accommodate up to four, though the dynamics change significantly with more participants. For scoring purposes, having a cribbage board is helpful but not mandatory, as players can keep running totals on paper or mentally.
Establishing the Line of Play and Initial Hands
To begin, all tiles are placed face down and shuffled. Each player draws a specific number of tiles: two tiles for two or three players, three tiles for four players, and five tiles for five or more players. The remaining tiles form the "boneyard" or "stock." The game starts when the player holding the highest double (usually double-six) places it in the center of the table. This tile becomes the "spinner," and subsequent tiles must be played perpendicular to it, forming a cross shape. The line of play extends from either end of the spinner, and players must match one of the open numbers on their tile to an open end on the layout.
Scoring Mechanics and the "Five" Strategy
The core objective of All Fives is to score points by making the exposed numbers at the ends of the layout add up to a multiple of five. For example, if one end shows a 2 and the other shows a 3, the total is 5, which scores one point. If the ends are a 6 and a 4, the total is 10, scoring two points. The strategic element lies in "blocking" your opponents. You must play a tile that keeps the total away from multiples of five if you cannot score, or you play aggressively to hit a multiple of five to gain points. Because the numbers on the ends can be manipulated in various ways, controlling the flow of the open ends is critical to maintaining a high score.
Gameplay Flow and Blocking Tactics
Play proceeds clockwise around the table. If a player cannot make a move that matches the open ends, they must draw a tile from the boneyard. If the drawn tile can be played, they may do so immediately; otherwise, their turn ends. A crucial strategic concept in All Fives is the "block." This occurs when the open ends of the layout show numbers that sum to a multiple of five, but the player holding the necessary matching tile cannot play it because it is stuck in their hand or the boneyard is empty. When a block occurs, the current player scores the points for the layout, and the round ends. This creates moments of tension where players must decide whether to hold onto a key tile or play it to force a score.
Endgame Procedures and Winning the Round
The round concludes under specific conditions. The most common endgame scenario is when a player successfully "bones out" by playing their very last tile. When this happens, that player immediately scores a bonus of 3 points, regardless of the current layout total. Alternatively, the round ends if the boneyard is empty and a player cannot draw a tile; in this case, the player with the lowest number of pips on their remaining tiles scores the difference. If the game reaches a predetermined number of rounds or a target score (commonly 61 or 121 points), the player with the highest cumulative score is declared the winner of the overall match.
