Sebastopol Dominoes Game

The player holding the double-six places the first domino. Play proceeds to the left (clockwise). Each player adds a domino to an open end of the layout, if he can. The four edges of the double-six must be filled before any other tiles may be layed down. This initial five-tile formation is called a "star". After creation of the star, play proceeds in the standard way, with dominoes added to the open ends. The difference is that in Sebastopol, there are four open ends rather than two.

For example, in the illustration to the right, four tiles have already been played onto the four edges of the double-six. The four open ends are the 1, 2, 4, & 5. As is customary, the layout may flow in any direction, turning as necessary, and doubles may be placed crosswise or inline, as you prefer.

A player that cannot make a move must pass. Since all tiles are in play, the game can never be blocked. The player that dominoes (plays his last tile) first wins the hand.