How to keep score in Caribbean dominoes
Caribbean dominoes is a partnership game. The two players on a team sit across from each other and share one score. A hand is won by the team that gets rid of its tiles first, and that team collects the points still left on the table.
- Four players, double-6 set. All 28 tiles are dealt, 7 each, so there's no boneyard.
- If you can't play, you pass.
- The hand ends when a player dominoes (plays their last tile) or when the game locks, called a tranque.
- The winning team scores the pips left in the other hands.
- The first team to the target score wins the game.
Example: Your partner dominoes. One opponent holds 6-5 and 4-2 (17 pips), the other holds 3-1 (4 pips), and you're left with the 2-0 (2 pips). Counting every hand on the table, your team scores 17 + 4 + 2 = 23.
Whose tiles count?
Most Puerto Rican and Dominican tables count every tile left on the table, your partner's included. Some groups count only the losing team's tiles. Agree before you start. The counter takes whatever total you enter, and the domino icon lets you tap the tiles instead of counting.
Tranque (locked game)
If nobody can play, the game is locked. Everyone shows their hand. The side holding the lowest count wins the hand and scores the pips on the table. Some tables compare the lowest single hand, others compare team totals.
Bonuses: capicúa and chuchazo
- Capicúa: going out with a tile that could be played on either end of the line.
- Chuchazo: going out with the double-blank.
Bonus values vary from table to table. 25 is a common starting point, so that's the default here. You can change it, or set it to 0, when you set up the game. Some tables also pay for a pase corrido, a play that makes all three other players pass. Add those points to the hand total.
Pollona
A pollona means winning the game while the other team still has zero points. It's the ultimate bragging right, and some groups count it as two game wins. The counter calls it out when it happens.
What score do you play to?
| Style | Common target |
|---|---|
| Dominican | 200 |
| Puerto Rican | 500 (200 for a quicker game) |
| Casual / quick game | 100 or 150 |
Puerto Rican and Dominican dominoes rules: what changes
The core game is the same everywhere: four players, two teams, a double-6 set, 7 tiles each and no drawing. The differences are mostly house rules:
- Target score: Dominican games usually go to 200. Puerto Rican games often go to 500.
- First lead: the player with the double-6 usually leads the first hand. After that, many tables let the winner of the last hand lead, while others pass the lead around the table.
- Counting: whether your partner's tiles count toward the hand.
- Bonuses: which ones you play (capicúa, chuchazo, pase corrido) and how much each is worth.
Cuban dominoes is usually played with a double-9 set and 10 tiles each. The same team scoring works, so this counter handles it too.
Using this counter
- Name your two teams, pick the target score and set the bonus value.
- After each hand, tap the team that won and enter the points. Tap the domino icon to pick the leftover tiles.
- Tap Capicúa or Chuchazo to add a bonus.
- When a team reaches the target, hit Rematch to keep a running count of games won.
Caribbean dominoes scoring FAQ
How many points do you play to in Caribbean dominoes?
Usually 200 in Dominican-style games and often 500 in Puerto Rican-style games. 100 or 150 works for a quick game.
Does my partner's hand count when we win?
At most tables, yes: the winning team scores every tile left on the table. Some groups count only the losing team's tiles.
What is a capicúa in dominoes?
Going out with a tile that could be played on either end of the line. Many tables award a bonus for it, often 25 points.
What is a pollona?
Winning the game while the other team still has zero points. Some groups count it as two wins.
What is a tranque?
A locked game where nobody can play. The side with the lowest pip count wins the hand and scores the points on the table.