What Is Cutthroat?
A competitive free-for-all domino game popular in the Southern U.S. and Caribbean. No partners—everyone plays for themselves.
Cutthroat Dominoes is the ultimate test of individual skill. There are no teammates to bail you out—every decision is yours, and every point you score (or give up) is on you.
The game uses the same multiples-of-5 scoring system as Partners, but the dynamics are completely different when everyone's gunning for themselves.
Players
2-4 players, each playing individually. No teams, no partners—pure competition.
Equipment
Standard double-six set (28 tiles). Tiles dealt vary by player count.
Time
20-45 minutes depending on target score. Fast hands, faster thinking.
Skill Level
Intermediate to advanced. Requires reading opponents and strategic blocking.
Setup & Deal
What You Need
- A standard double-six domino set (28 tiles)
- 2-4 players (each plays individually)
- Pencil and paper to track scores
Tiles Per Player
| Players | Tiles Each | Boneyard | Play To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Players | 14 tiles | None | 150 points |
| 3 Players | 9 tiles | 1 tile (remove 0-0) | 200 points |
| 4 Players | 7 tiles | None | 250 points |
With 2 players, each holds more tiles so hands take longer but score accumulates slower. With 4 players, more people scoring means points pile up fast—250 allows for comebacks.
Playing The Hand
First Hand
The player holding the double-six [6-6] starts the first hand and must lead with it.
Subsequent Hands
The winner of the previous hand starts the next and may lead with any tile they choose.
Playing Tiles
- Play proceeds clockwise around the table
- Match one end of your tile to an open end of the layout
- Doubles are played at right angles to the line
- If you can play, you must play
- If you cannot play, you pass (knock the table)
The Spinner
The first double played becomes the spinner. It can be played on all four sides, creating up to four open ends.
- The first two tiles must be played on the sides of the spinner
- Then the ends can be opened, creating a cross pattern
- Only the first double is a spinner—other doubles play normally
Ending The Hand
The hand ends when:
- A player plays their last tile ("dominoes"), or
- All players pass in succession (blocked game)
Scoring
Scoring During Play
After each tile is played, add up the pips on all open ends. If the total is a multiple of 5, you score that many points immediately:
| End Total | Points Scored | Example Play |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 pts | Play [3-2] on a 0 |
| 10 | 10 pts | Play [5-5] to start |
| 15 | 15 pts | Ends show 6-6 and 3 |
| 20 | 20 pts | Ends show 6-6 and 4-4 |
| 25, 30, 35 | Same as total | Maximum: 35 points |
Counting doubles: A double at the end counts both its pips (so [6-6] = 12) until another tile is played on it.
End-of-Hand Scoring
When someone dominoes, they score the total pips remaining in all opponents' hands, rounded to the nearest multiple of 5.
In a blocked game, the player with the lowest pip count wins. They score the total of opponents' pips minus their own, rounded to the nearest 5.
In Cutthroat, everyone's your opponent. When you domino, you score ALL remaining pips from ALL other players—that's why going out first is so valuable.
Strategy Tips
Lead with a Scorer
If you win a hand and lead next, start with [5-5] or [6-4] to score 10 points immediately. This also makes your double the spinner if you play [5-5].
Pose Your Strongest Suit
When leading, play into your strongest suit—the number you have the most of. This gives you control and forces others to play tiles that set you up.
Block Aggressively
With no partner to help, you need to look out for yourself. If you can force a pass, do it—especially to the player closest to winning.
Dump Heavy Tiles Early
If you're stuck with high-pip tiles when someone dominoes, you're handing them a gift. Play your heaviest tiles when you have the chance.
Read the Table
When someone passes, note what number they're missing. Use that information to block them or keep the board unfavorable for them.
FAQ
2, 3, or 4 players. Each player competes individually—there are no teams or partners.
2 players play to 150, 3 players to 200, and 4 players to 250. This balances game length across different player counts.
Remove the double-blank [0-0] from the set. Each player draws 9 tiles, leaving nothing in the boneyard.
You must pass (knock the table). Since there's typically no boneyard in Cutthroat, you can't draw—you just wait until you can play again.
Soon! Dominologist launches Q2 2026 with Cutthroat, ranked matchmaking, and competitive ladders.