How to keep score in dominoes
Nearly every domino game uses one of three scoring methods. Once you know which one your game uses, keeping score takes seconds.
1. Count the pips left in hand
Used in Draw and Block dominoes and Mexican Train. When a hand ends, players add up the dots (pips) on the tiles they still hold. In Draw and Block, the player who went out scores everyone else's total. In Mexican Train, each player keeps their own count as penalty points and the lowest total wins.
2. Score during play
Used in All Fives (Muggins). Each time the open ends of the layout add up to a multiple of five, the player who made it scores that number. Leftover pips are added at the end of the hand, rounded to the nearest five.
3. Score as a team
Used in Caribbean dominoes (Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban styles). Partners share one score. The team that dominoes, or holds the fewest pips when the game locks, scores the pips left in the other hands.
| Game | How you score | Usual target |
|---|---|---|
| All Fives | Multiples of 5 during play, plus leftover pips | 250 (or 150, 61) |
| Mexican Train | Pips left in your own hand; lowest wins | 13 rounds |
| Caribbean | Team takes the pips left on the table | 200 or 500 |
| Draw & Block | Winner takes opponents' leftover pips | 100 (or 61, 150) |
How to count pips quickly
- Pair tiles that make 10 (a 6-4 or a 5-5) and count by tens.
- Count doubles first: they're easy to spot and worth the most.
- A blank half counts as zero, and a double-blank is zero unless your house rules say otherwise.
- In any counter on this site, tap the domino icon next to a score to pick the tiles and have the pips added for you.
Paper score sheet or phone?
A pencil and pad works until someone miscounts or the sheet goes missing. Domino Scoreboard keeps a running total, shows who is leading, lets you undo mistakes and saves the game on your phone, so closing the page doesn't lose the scores.
Frequently asked questions
Is Domino Scoreboard free?
Yes. Every counter on the site is free to use, with no account and nothing to download.
Do I need to install an app?
No. It runs in your phone's browser. If you want it one tap away, use "Add to Home Screen" in your browser's share menu.
Will my scores be saved if I close the page?
Yes. Scores are saved on your device as you go, so you can close the tab, lock your phone or refresh and pick up where you left off. They stay on that phone and browser only.
Which counter should I use?
Use the counter for your game: All Fives if you score multiples of five during play, Mexican Train if you play 13 rounds and lowest score wins, Caribbean for 2 vs 2 team games, and Draw & Block if the winner takes everyone's leftover pips. For anything else, use the simple counter above.
Can we play in teams?
Yes. The Caribbean counter is built for two teams. In the other counters, type team names instead of player names.