Game Overview
Starship KAGA dominoes is played using standard double-six dominoes, though a double-nine set is recommended for five or more players. This is an individual game—no teams are allowed. The game follows the standard rules of draw dominoes with specific adjustments for drawing limits and scoring.
Setup and Tile Draw Rules
The number of tiles drawn at the beginning of the game and during play varies based on the number of players:
Using a double-six set (28 tiles):
- 2 Players: Each player draws 7 tiles initially. During play, a player may draw up to 3 tiles before knocking and passing their turn.
- 3 Players: Each player draws 6 tiles initially. A player may draw up to 2 tiles before passing.
- 4 Players: Each player draws 5 tiles initially. A player may draw only 1 tile before knocking and passing.
Using a double-nine set (55 tiles) for more players:
- 5 Players: Each player draws 7 tiles initially, up to 4 tiles per draw.
- 6 Players: Each player draws 6 tiles initially, up to 3 tiles per draw.
- 7 Players: Each player draws 5 tiles initially, up to 2 tiles per draw.
- 8 Players: Each player draws 5 tiles initially, up to 1 tile per draw.
Gameplay
- Play follows standard draw dominoes rules.
- If a player cannot make a move, they must draw tiles according to the limits above before knocking and passing their turn.
Scoring
- Points are only awarded to a player who successfully plays all of their tiles.
- If all players still have tiles remaining and no further moves can be made, the game is declared a scoreless tie.
- When a player wins by using all of their tiles, their score is calculated by summing the total number of pips (dots) on the remaining tiles of all other players.
These house rules promote strategic play, rewarding those who successfully deplete their tiles while preventing incremental scoring from stalled games.
