How to Play Pictorial Dominoes: A Matching Game for Kids
Dominoes don’t have to be about numbers! With pictorial dominoes, kids can enjoy the same classic game using colorful images instead of dots. This makes the game more accessible for younger children while still building important skills like matching, memory, and turn-taking. Here’s how to play:
What You’ll Need
A set of pictorial dominoes (usually 28 pieces) and 2–4 players.
Set Up
1. Shuffle the dominoes. Place them face down on the table and mix them around.
2. Draw your hand
a. 2 players: draw 7 dominoes each
b. 3–4 players: draw 5 dominoes each
3. Keep your dominoes hidden, but let everyone see how many tiles you’re holding.
4. Form the pile. The rest of the tiles stay face down in the middle as the draw pile.
Starting the Game
- Each player looks for a double tile (a piece with the same picture on both ends).
- The player with the highest double goes first, placing it face up in the middle.
- If no one has a double, reshuffle and re-deal.
How to Play
1. Play moves clockwise around the table.
2. On your turn, match one of your tiles to an open end of the chain:
a. For example, if a cat is showing, you can add a tile with a cat on one side.
b. If you can’t play, draw from the pile until you find a match. If the pile is empty, skip your turn.
3. Play continues until:
a. One player uses all their tiles (they win the round), or
b. No one can make a move (the winner is the player with the fewest tiles left).
Tips for Kids
- Try to play your double picture tiles early — they open up more ways to play.
- Watch carefully! Sometimes there are matches hiding in plain sight.
- Don’t forget to cheer for others — dominoes are as much about having fun together as winning.
Why Kids Love Pictorial Dominoes
- Easy to Learn: No numbers needed — just match pictures.
- Educational: Strengthens observation, memory, and matching skills.
- Adaptable: Can be played alone (just matching tiles into chains) or with friends and family.
- Engaging: The colorful images keep kids interested and excited to play again.
👉 Pictorial dominoes are a perfect first game for kids, offering the same timeless appeal of classic dominoes in a way that’s simple, visual, and fun. Gather your tiles, pick your starting piece, and let the matching begin!
