Domineering Strategy: 5 Tips

Domineering is won by counting. Rules first? See how to play.

1. Make safe moves

A vertical slot walled in on both sides can never be used by Horizontal. Each one is a move you can play whenever you like, so build them while taking away your opponent's.

2. Destroy, don't just occupy

The best placement covers squares your opponent needed, breaking two of their pairs at once, while leaving your own future pairs intact.

3. Centre first

Early dominoes in the middle cut the board into regions. Edges are where safe moves form later, so don't spend them yet.

4. Count before the split

When the board breaks into separate areas, count each area's spare moves for both sides. The sum decides the game; play in the area where your move changes the count most.

5. Save the safe ones

Never play a safe move while a contested one exists. Safe moves are your reserve for the end, when the opponent has run out.

The hard computer searches three to eight plies, valuing safe moves highly; normal two; easy plays at random.

Last updated 2026-10-21