The Deal
When playing "Single/Cut Throat," the size of the hand varies with the number of players:
- 4 players: 7 tiles each
- 3 players: 9 tiles each (Double Blank is taken out)
- 2 players: 14 tiles each (It may be stipulated before the start of the game that 7 tiles are used and the rest stay in the pack/yard to be drawn when needed, but everyone has to agree to this term, plus the Field Judge.)
Cut Throat
In this game, each player plays independently for themselves, without a partner (every man/woman for themselves).
The Play and Scoring
The first player to achieve 6 wins advances to the next round, provided that another player has zero.
If everyone wins a hand before anyone reaches 6, the score returns to zero for each player.
The first hand begins with the player who has the Double Six dominoes in their hand; this player must begin by playing Double Six.
We ask individuals to be considerate of fellow players, friends, spectators, vendors, and sponsors by keeping the games at a steady speed. Therefore, you are only allowed 30 seconds to play each domino.
To Start the Game
Scoring
The winner stays, but the loser is eliminated.
Object of the Game
The aim is to win six times in succession — "to give your opponent Six Love (6-0) without the next player winning one," which advances you to the next round.
So long as one side keeps winning, they add wins to their total, or the quickest player to reach six consecutive wins also advances.
If a player plays all their dominoes, that player wins the hand.
The player with the most wins in each set of six advances.
Exception
When the game reaches 1-1, instead of starting over, there is a playoff hand. The winning player goes up 2-0.
Winning the Hand
The first player to play their last domino wins.
If the game becomes BLOCKED, meaning everyone still has at least one domino but no one can play, whether by intended or unintended play, it is an automatic loss. The player with the lowest number/count wins.
Points are calculated by adding the number of dots on each side of the dominoes remaining in each player's hand.
Shuffling
Shuffling is the act of thoroughly mixing the dominoes face down on a sturdy table before each hand.
Before each game:
- The loser shuffles.
- If the winning player is not satisfied with the shuffle, they may request a reshuffle.
- The winner always has the option to shuffle, provided they have not looked at the dominoes before requesting a shuffle.
- ABSOLUTELY NO swapping or reshuffling after anyone has looked at their dominoes.
Re-Shuffle
A player may request a reshuffle only when:
- A domino has been exposed during the shuffle.
- A player pulls too many dominoes and looks at one or more of them.
- A player receives 6 or 7 Doubles.
- Everyone has been present at the table during the shuffle.
Draw
Each player draws/pulls seven dominoes to start each game.
Players are not allowed to:
- Tell another player what dominoes they have.
- Tell another player what dominoes they need.
- Ask questions once the game starts.
If a player draws/pulls too many dominoes, they must allow the opposite player who is short to draw one facedown domino from them. They cannot look at the dominoes or push out any domino.
If it is deemed intentional, the player will lose one game.
Slamming
Slamming is allowed, but please use your discretion.
It must occur at the edge of the table and must not disrupt or break up the game.
If you expose anyone else's dominoes or your own:
- The player will lose one game if deemed intentional.
- If the player has not won a game yet, the first game they win will be taken away.
Pose
The first domino played is Double Six for the first game.
After that, the winning player's pose is used, and they may place the domino horizontally or vertically.
In STRAIGHT-style Jamaican Dominoes, only two sides of the dominoes are used to match.
Gameplay
Play continues anti-clockwise.
Each turn consists of playing one domino to extend one of the two ends of the layout, ensuring that matching values touch.
The Hand
"The Hand" refers to all the dominoes in a player's hand or on the table that are designed to fit all seven dominoes.
If a player has a turn and their dominoes are revealed by accident or on purpose, and those dominoes can be played on either end, the other player has the option to:
- Call it out/play it, or
- Take one game away from that player.
Misplayed Domino
If a misplayed domino is caught before the next person plays or passes, the opposing player has the option to:
- Play it on either end if the domino can legally be played, or
- Require the player who made the error to keep the domino until the first opportunity to legally play that same domino.
If it is deemed intentional, the player will lose one game.
Therefore, all hands should remain off the table.
Pass
If the player does not have a domino that matches either end of the table, they must Pass.
The turn passes to the player on the immediate right (counter-clockwise).
Most domino players either:
- Say "Pass," or
- Knock on the table.
Just say "Pass!"
Blocked Game
Each player must immediately reveal their dominoes when no one can play at either end and the game comes to a complete stop, even though players still have dominoes remaining and no domino matches either end of the layout after all dominoes have been drawn.
The player with the lowest total count from all remaining dominoes wins the game.
If two opponents tie for the fewest numbers/spots, the hand is declared a tie, regardless of what the other players have.
The next game will then be played for two, beginning with the Double Six pose.