DCS - Domino Challenge Series
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Cut-Throat Domino Rules

Official DCS rules for Cut-Throat dominoes. The 4-player variant that powers all DCS competition.

DCS competition uses Cut-Throat dominoes—a 4-player variant where every player competes individually. No partners. No mercy. Just you against three opponents.

Game Basics

Equipment

  • Standard double-six domino set (28 tiles)
  • 4 players
  • Scoring method (app handles this in official matches)

Objective

Be the first player to reach 250 points across multiple hands. Points come from:

  • Making the board unplayable while holding the lowest pip count
  • Going "Domino" (playing all your tiles)
  • Opponents' remaining tiles when a hand ends

Hand Setup

The Draw

  1. All 28 tiles are placed face-down and shuffled
  2. Each player draws 7 tiles
  3. Remaining tiles are set aside (not used that hand)
  4. Players view only their own tiles

First Play

The player holding the double-six plays first. If no one has the double-six, the highest double plays. If no doubles were drawn, the player with the highest tile goes first.

Gameplay

Playing Tiles

On your turn, you must play a tile that matches an open end of the board. The board starts with one tile and grows as players add to either end.

Matching rules:

  • The pip count on your tile must match one open end
  • Doubles are played perpendicular and count as spinners (can be played off 4 sides)
  • If you cannot play, you must pass

Passing

If you have no playable tiles, you must pass. You cannot pass if you have a legal play.

The Board

  • The board is linear with two open ends (until doubles create spinners)
  • Doubles can be played off all four sides, creating branching
  • There's no limit to board length

Ending a Hand

A hand ends when:

  1. Domino — A player plays their last tile
  2. Block — No player can make a legal play (board is "locked")

Scoring a Domino

When a player goes Domino:

  • That player earns points equal to the total pips on all opponents' tiles
  • Opponents score nothing

Scoring a Block

When the board is blocked:

  • The player with the lowest pip count wins the hand
  • Winner scores the difference between their pip count and each opponent's total
  • If there's a tie for lowest, those players split points

Scoring Example

Block scenario:

  • Player A: 8 pips (lowest)
  • Player B: 15 pips
  • Player C: 22 pips
  • Player D: 12 pips

Player A scores:

  • (15 - 8) + (22 - 8) + (12 - 8) = 7 + 14 + 4 = 25 points

Match Format

Standard DCS Match

  • First to 250 points wins
  • Average match lasts 8-12 hands
  • Ties at 250+ are played out until one player leads

Tournament Format

  • Round-robin or bracket (depends on tournament type)
  • Match results determine advancement
  • Point differential matters for tiebreakers

DCS-Specific Rules

Time Limits

Official DCS matches enforce time limits:

  • 30 seconds per play — Keeps games moving
  • Clock violations — Forced pass (first offense), point penalty (subsequent)

Dispute Resolution

  • All tiles must remain visible until played
  • Screenshot/recording may be required for online play
  • Disputes are resolved by DCS officials

Sportsmanship

DCS enforces a code of conduct:

  • No stalling or intentional slow play
  • No coaching during matches
  • Respectful communication required

Violations can result in match forfeiture, point deductions, or suspension.

Strategy Tips

Early Game

  • Count your doubles—you'll need to play them strategically
  • Avoid getting stuck with high-pip tiles
  • Watch what opponents are holding back

Mid Game

  • Track what's been played to predict opponents' tiles
  • Control the board ends when possible
  • Force opponents to pass when you're ahead

Late Game

  • Manage your pip count if a block seems likely
  • Go for Domino if you have a clear path
  • Sometimes blocking is smarter than extending

Ready to Compete?

Now that you know the rules, it's time to put them into practice: