About Dominoes

The draw game with a double-six set, you against the computer. Each of you takes seven tiles; the other fourteen lie face down in the boneyard. Take turns laying a tile against one of the two open ends of the line — its number has to match the end it goes on. Can't go? Draw from the boneyard until you can, and pass once it is empty. The first to lay their last tile wins the round and scores every pip left in the other's hand.

If neither of you can go, the round is blocked and the lighter hand wins it. So it pays to lay heavy tiles early, keep doubles from getting stuck, and hold a spread of numbers you can follow. The computer plays a steady game: it keeps open the numbers it holds most of, sheds its heavy tiles, and remembers which numbers it has seen you draw on — and plays them.

A match is three rounds, the lead changing each round. The daily match is the same three deals against the same computer for everyone, ranked by your points less the computer's; free play deals fresh tiles every time.

Tips to win

• Lay your heavy tiles early — they cost you most if you are caught with them
• Get doubles down while they still fit: a double can only go on its own number
• Keep a spread of numbers so you can follow whatever end is left
• If the computer drew on a number, leave that number showing