Hallettsville Rules of Play

1. Have fun! 

2. Texas style “42” rules will serve as a guide for the tournament.  However, the decision of the judge(s) is final.  

3. We allow players of all ages, so long as they have the basic understanding of the game and know how to play.  

4. Draw for 1st shake.  High domino gets the first shake.  In best 2/3 rounds, the losing team will draw for first shake.  

5. After the shake, the other 3 players may draw their dominos in any order.  The shaker must wait and draw his/her dominos last.  

6. Dominos must be placed in a 3-4 or 4-3 arrangement.  

7. This is NOT forced bid, so if the first 3 players pass, the last player may also pass.  The shake then rotates to the next player.  

8. The only bids allowed are bidding in a suit (blanks- sixes), follow me or doubles are trump.  We do not allow Splash, Plunge, Sevens or Low.  

9. You must declare what your trump is once you win the bid.  You do not have to lead out with a trump first however.  

10. Any bid 42 or greater must be stacked in the middle of the table.  You can single or double stack, bidder’s choice.   You can bid 84 out of the gate, you do not have to wait for someone to go 42 first.   You can only go 3 marks if someone goes 2 marks before you.   

11. When you are bidding we ask that you simply say “pass” or the number you’re bidding.  It’s considered table talking if you say “I pass, but I can help my partner” for example.  

12. Touching Dominos.  If you touch a domino, you must play that domino.  You cannot put in back down and play a different one.   If the first domino causes you to renege, it will cost you the mark(s).  Take your time and focus on which domino you intend to play.  

13. If any player reneges, this will cost their team the mark(s).  A renege is when a player does not follow suit when they were supposed to do so.   

14. If a domino is accidentally knocked over and exposed to anyone else at the table, you’ll need to leave it faced up and play it as the first possible opportunity without reneging.  If a domino is accidently exposed during the bidding, you will need to simply reshake the hand again.  

15. Bidding out of turn.  If you accidentally bid out of turn, you’ll have to keep that bid once the bidding restarts.  You cannot raise your bid once it’s been said.  

16. When someone bids 42 or greater, you are not allowed to look under a domino once it’s been played.   

17. Observers are not allowed to make comments or give away any information while watching a game.   You may watch a game with the player’s consent and remain quiet and objective when doing so.  

18. The bidder may declare they have the rest, but if the opponent can show any possible way they could be set if they lay down prematurely, the setting team will get the mark(s).  Best practice is to declare when you are the only one with trumps and your other dominos are dominos.  

19. Please do not slam, throw, toss or play your domino in a manner that could be construed as a signal to your partner.  Please play your dominos in the same manner each time.   

20. Any form of signaling, table talking, physical signaling, and unethical play will not be tolerated and may result of disqualification from the tournament.  We ask that all players use integrity and play a fair and honest game.  

21. Bidding with dominos faced down.  We do not allow this practice.  You must place your dominos faced up and facing you before you place your bid.  We do not allow table talking either.   Example: if a team is way down and tells each other to go 2 marks- 3 marks.   

22. Egregious/inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.  This includes fighting, name calling, cursing, yelling, etc.  We ask that everyone show the upmost sportsmanship and respect to one another and to the tournament organizers.   

23. Pausing/Hovering during play.   This is when someone takes a long time to play trump and/or hovers over two or more dominos, indicating to their partner that they have more than one trump with them.   Example: The bidder bids in sixes and plays 6-6, his/her partner takes a long time to play and hovers over 2 different dominos, debating on which to play.   This would tell the bidder that they have more than one trump in their hand.  

24. Bidding Conventions.  A good term for this is “Signal Bidding”.  If you and your partner have a secret meaning to your bids, we consider this cheating.   Example: if you and your partner agree that every time you go 30, it means you have the double 5.  Another example, if you agree that every time you bid 32, you have 4 doubles.  Another example, if you agree that every time you go 34 you have the double 5 and double 6.   We want fair and honest play for all teams participating.  

25. No food or drinks on the table during play.  No tabacco products in the hall, like smoking and/or vaping.   Also, no cell phone use during play.  

26. Both members of the team need to be present for check in or at least let us know that the other team member is on their way.   

27. Showing your hands when not following suit.  If you trump in on a trick or throw count on a trick, you’ll need to show the table the rest of your hand to show that you did not renege.  Please put your dominos faced up so the opponents can verify that you did not renege.   

28. If you have a question about the rules during play, please pause the game and let the judge(s) know to come make a ruling.  Please calmly explain the situation, who the bidder was, what the bid was, what the trump is, etc.   The judge(s) will make a ruling after hearing both parties.   Ultimately, the decision of the judge(s) is final and both teams must adhere to their final decision. ​