The 2026 Arizona State Domino Championship

No. Every match is a one-on-one match. There are no partners, players are playing against one other person only for each game. 

Players will be randomly paired in Round 1. After each round, starting with Round 2, players will be paired based on their win/loss record.  For example: players with similar records (e.g., 2–0 vs. 2–0, or 3–2 vs. 3–2) will face off in the next round. 

All players compete in all 7 rounds. There is no eliminations in the preliminary phase.  Everyone plays a minimum of 7 games. Players will not face the same opponent more than once during the 7 Preliminary rounds. Each round features a new matchup based on win/loss records.

At the conclusion of the 7 preliminary rounds, the Top 16 players with the highest number of match wins will advance to the Sweet 16 Championship Bracket. Players will be ranked according to the number of wins from 1-16. 

Tiebreakers:

First Tie-Breaker is Total points scored over the 7 Preliminary Rounds. The Second Tie-Breaker is Point differential. If tied for 16th, after two tie-breaking rules then a playoff to 100 points determines who advances. For seeding ties only, a Bone Draw may be used.

The Sweet 16 is the 16 players with the best record. Players are seeded #1 through #16 based on their final Preliminary Round standings.  #1 plays #16, #2 plays #15, and so on. All finals matches are played head-to-head (1v1). First to 200 points wins. 

In the Final Four, players will compete in a best 2 of 3 head-to-head  series, with each game played to 200 points. All standard tournament rules remain in effect. The first player to win two games advances, or in the case of the championship match, is declared the 2026 Arizona State Domino Champion

No. At the start of each match, players shuffle together, draw 7 dominoes, and form a boneyard with the rest. Hands must be played as drawn—no re-draws, even with 4+ doubles. The game starts with the lowest double; (Double Blank). If none, the lowest domino plays first. 

To ensure accurate scoring throughout the tournament, players will use colored chips to represent their points.  Each player will receive chips as they score. Chips are distributed immediately after a valid scoring call, and must reflect the exact point value earned that turn. 

Blue = 50 pts, Red = 10 pts, White = 5 pts.

Score by making the open ends total a multiple of 5 (5, 10, 15, etc.). Call out your score to earn chips. It takes 10 points to get on the board, and you must score at least 10 on your final play to win—no winning with just 5.scoring call, and must reflect the exact point value earned that turn. 

If you don’t announce your score aloud, you don’t get the points—even if they were valid. No one else can claim those points.

No. If your score call is incorrect, you receive zero points for that play. Be accurate and speak clearly every time. Example: You say, "Ten, oops I mean 15." No points will be awarded although you corrected yourself. Too late shoulda said it correctly the first time.

No. Missed or unannounced points are forfeited and cannot be claimed by your opponent.

The play is voided, the domino is returned to your hand, and you must make a valid play or draw from the boneyard.

Yes. The first bogus play results in a verbal warning. A second bogus play during the preliminaries means you forfeit that game.

You must correctly count and announce the total pip value of the dominoes left in your opponent’s hand—rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5.

You earn no points if your call is incorrect or not made at all. Accuracy and calling your score aloud are required.

Both players add up the pip values of the dominoes in their hands. The player with the lower total scores the full value of their opponent’s hand—rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5.

No. If you haven’t already scored 10 points during the game, you cannot earn points from dominoing or locking the board alone.

The menu is yours. Simply order any single item off the menu along with a non-alcoholic drink. (One item per player, any additional orders must be paid for by the player separately).