Different moves for each side
Your domino must cover two vertically adjacent empty cells. The computer's domino must cover two horizontally adjacent empty cells. Neither side may use the other's orientation.
Domineering
Keep a legal vertical placement available after the computer runs out of horizontal placements.
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How to play
Keep a legal vertical placement available after the computer runs out of horizontal placements.
- You place a domino across two vertically adjacent empty squares.
- The computer replies across two horizontally adjacent empty squares.
- The first player with no legal placement loses.
Strategy tips
- Protect vertical corridors while cutting horizontal lanes.
- A move near the center can claim options in several future regions.
- Evaluate each disconnected region differently for vertical and horizontal play.
Complete guide
Rules, scoring, and strategy
Domineering resembles Cram but gives the players different orientations. You place vertical dominoes and the computer places horizontal dominoes; the first player without a legal placement loses.
A region has different value by player
A narrow vertical lane may contain several moves for you and none for the computer, while a horizontal lane does the opposite. Counting empty cells alone therefore misses the position's asymmetry.
Cut the opponent's lanes
A well-placed vertical domino can break a long horizontal corridor in two while preserving your own column. Central cells often affect more potential placements than edge cells.
Evaluate the next turn, not just your count
Creating many vertical options is useful only if the computer cannot consume the supporting cells first. Compare both orientation maps after each candidate placement.
Questions players ask
Which orientation do I play?
The human player places vertical dominoes; the deterministic computer places horizontal dominoes.
Is Domineering the same as Cram?
No. Cram lets both players use either orientation, while Domineering assigns one orientation to each player.
Who loses a Domineering round?
The player whose turn begins without a legal placement loses.
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