How many dominoes do you start with in Chickenfoot?
Setup. The dominoes are first turned face down and shuffled. Then, each player picks seven dominoes to form their hand. With more than four players, the game requires an extended set.
How many tiles do you get in Chickenfoot?
Chicken Foot seems to have originated in Texas or Mexico. It is a version of Maltese Cross with a double 9 set of 55 tiles, or sometimes with a double 12 set of 91. The game begins in a cross format from the opening double, so that there are initially four free ends.
Do you have to play a domino in chicken foot?
If the player is unable to add a domino, then the player must draw a domino from the chicken yard and play that domino immediately if he is able to. Otherwise, he must pass. If there are no dominoes remaining to draw from, then the player simply passes.
Can you play Chicken Foot with 2 players?
The game must include at least two players but is better with four to eight players. It's played with one standard set of double-nine dominoes.
What are the basic rules of dominoes?
0:052:15How to Play Dominoes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlay proceeds clockwise to play you must place a matching Domino next to any of the four exposedMorePlay proceeds clockwise to play you must place a matching Domino next to any of the four exposed ends doubles are placed perpendicular to other Domino's when being played.
What is the easiest domino game?
the Block GameBlock or "the Block Game" for two players is the simplest basic domino variant and gives its name to the whole family of 'block games'. It requires a double-six set, from which each player must draw seven tiles; the remainder is not used.
How do you play Chickenfoot dominoes?
0:254:37How To Play Chicken Foot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEach round begins with a different double in the middle. The first round starts with the double 9MoreEach round begins with a different double in the middle. The first round starts with the double 9 the second round starts with the double 8. And so on down to the double 0. Starting the last round.
What happens when you run out of tiles in chicken foot?
The game continues, and players can build off of the chicken foot (once established) or make traditional plays on other dominoes in the game. Once the tiles run out from the chicken yard, players will only have the option to play or pass. The game ends when a player runs out of dominoes or if no player can make a move.
Can you use Mexican Train dominoes for Chickenfoot?
This is the complete combination set for playing both Mexican Train and Chickenfoot. This double 12 domino set includes nine glitter train markers and an electronic centerpiece with train and chicken sounds. Chickenfoot can be played with various size domino sets (double-9, double-12).
What is the table called in chicken foot?
This supply is generally known as the boneyard, though In Chicken Foot, the boneyard is often referred to as the chicken yard, and the tableau is often referred to as the farmyard.
How does the final round work in Chicken Yard?
The final round begins with the player who draws the double-blank. If there is a situation in which no player has drawn the tile required to begin the round, players take turns drawing from the chicken yard until it is found. In the case of the first round, the player who draws the start tile begins the round.
What happens if you don't play chicken yard?
If a player has no legal play, he must draw a tile from the chicken yard at his turn. If that tile can be played, the player may do so immediately. If no tiles remain in the boneyard, any player without a legal play simply misses a turn.
Why are the toes played against the double tile?
The toes are played against the double tile so that they are tilted away from the center of the tableau ( doing so is what makes it look like a chicken foot).
How many dominoes are there in Chicken Foot Dominoes?
It's played with one standard set of double-nine dominoes. For games with more players, a set of double-12, double-15, or double-18 dominoes may be needed. The goal of Chicken Foot Dominoes is to have the fewest points at the end of the final round. Illustration: The Spruce / Tim Liedtke.
Where did chicken foot dominos originate?
Chicken Foot Dominoes, based on the domino game Maltese Cross, appears to have originated in Texas or Mexico. It is part of the same family of games that includes Mexican Train and is also known as Chickenfoot Dominoes, Chicken Dominoes, and Chickie Dominoes.
What direction do you play Dominoes in?
The other end can be anything at all.) Play proceeds as follows: Play proceeds in a clockwise direction. Dominoes must be added to all four arms of the start tile before a second domino is added to any of the arms. If a player has no legal play, he must draw a tile from the chicken yard at his turn. If that tile can be played, the player may do so ...
What is a chicken foot?
This formation of 3 tiles played on the double tile is called a Chickenfoot. Once the new Chickenfoot has been completed by playing 3 tiles diagonally on one side of a double tile, players may return to adding tiles to any of the chicken toes until someone plays another double.
How many tiles are there in Chickenfoot?
The double Chickenfoot is made at the beginning of each hand by playing 6 tiles diagonally, 3 on each side of the set tile. Chickenfoot are made throughout the hand by playing 3 tiles diagonally on one side of a double played during the game. Tiles played diagonally on the double tile are called “Chickentoes.”.
How to play 9-9?
Set: Player holding the 9-9 makes the first play of the game. Subsequent games would begin with the next-lowest double tile (8-8, 7-7, 6-6 and so on, the last game beginning with the 0-0 tile). If no one holds the correct double tile to begin that particular hand, players may agree to either 1) go to the next-lowest double or 2) reshuffle all the tiles and draw new hands. Play continues to the left. The next 6 players must be made on the 9-9 tile, 3 tiles played diagonally on each side of the 9-9 tile. This formation is called a double Chickenfoot. To do this, players must match a tile from their hand of the 9 suit to the 9-9 set tile. If 6 tiles have not been played on the 9-9 set and a player does not hold a tile from the 9 suit in his hand, he may draw one tile from the chicken yard. If he draws a tile with a 9 end, he plays it on the set tile. If he does not draw a tile from the 9 suit, he must pass his turn to the player to his left. After 6 tiles have been played on the 9-9 set tile, plays can be made on any of the 6 Chickentoes by matching tiles end to end, until someone plays a double tile. Once a double tile has been played on one of the Chickentoes, the next three plays must be made on the double tile before plays can be made anywhere else in the layout. This formation of 3 tiles played on the double tile is called a Chickenfoot. Once the new Chickenfoot has been completed by playing 3 tiles diagonally on one side of a double tile, players may return to adding tiles to any of the chicken toes until someone plays another double. The game ends once a player plays all the tiles in his hand or when the game ends in block because none of the players are able to make a play and there are no tiles in the Chickenyard to draw from. Players must count the dots on the tiles remaining in their hand (1 point per 1 dot) and record their score. Remember that the player caught having the 0-0 gets 50 points. For the next hand, tiles are reshuffled and each player draws the same number of tiles from the chicken yard as he or she did at the beginning of the previous hand played. The second hand begins with the 8-8 tile; the third hand with the 7-7 tile and so on. For a longer game players may choose to continue playing by starting another hand with the 1-1 tile following the hand that began with the 0-0 tile as set. Subsequent hands would begin with the next highest double played as set (2-2, 3-3, and so on up to the last hand beginning with the 9-9 tile).
What is a double chickenfoot called?
Tiles played diagonally on the double tile are called “Chickentoes.”. A Chickenfoot or a double Chickenfoot must have all the Chickentoes before any other plays can be made. Also unique: 50 points are added to your score at the end of a hand if you are left holding the 0-0 tile.
How does the chickenyard game end?
The game ends once a player plays all the tiles in his hand or when the game ends in block because none of the players are able to make a play and there are no tiles in the Chickenyard to draw from. Players must count the dots on the tiles remaining in their hand (1 point per 1 dot) and record their score.
What happens if you don't draw a tile from the 9 suit?
If he does not draw a tile from the 9 suit, he must pass his turn to the player to his left. After 6 tiles have been played on the 9-9 set tile, plays can be made on any of the 6 Chickentoes by matching tiles end to end, until someone plays a double tile.
How many toes do you need to fill in a chicken foot?
This diagram shows how the three toes of the chicken foot must be filled in before tiles can be played elsewhere.
Where did the game Chickenfoot originate?
Introduction. Chickenfoot is a fun dominoes game that originated in Texas. What makes the game unique is that you can place dominoes diagonally on one side of a double to form a “chicken foot”. Details below.
What happens if you don't have a matching domino in Chicken Yard?
If the player doesn’t have a domino of matching value, they must pick up one domino from the chicken yard.
How many dominoes do you need to play a game of dominoes?
Place the dominoes face-down on the table and mix them up. If 2 people are playing, each player selects 9 dominoes. If 3 or 4 people are playing, each player selects 7 dominoes. Keep your dominoes in front of you but hidden from your opponent (s).
What is Chicken Foot Dominoes?
Chicken-Foot dominoes is a variation of the traditional “trains” Dominoes game. Players must build from each other’s tiles by matching the number of pips from one tile to the next.
A Brief History of Chicken Foot Dominoes
There are several variations of Dominoes, including Mexican Train Dominoes and Maltese Cross Dominoes. Some believe that the Chicken Foot version originated in Texas or Mexico around the late 1980s.
Area of Play
To begin, turn all dominoes face-down and mix them up. Players draw dominoes for their hands based on the number of players:
Chicken Foot Game Rules
To start the game, each player looks at the dominoes in their hand without showing them to the other players.
How to Keep Score in Chicken Foot Dominoes
Players total their scores by adding up the number of pips from their remaining tiles. After all ten rounds, the player with the lowest cumulative score wins!
Frequently Asked Questions
When playing Chicken Foot dominoes, three tiles are placed at the end of a double, making the pattern of tiles look like an actual chicken foot.
Other Games Similar to Chicken Foot Dominoes (Our Guides)
If you enjoy playing Chicken Foot Dominoes, be sure to try these other games at your next game night:
What is chicken foot?
Chicken foot is a domino placement game that is similar to Mexican Train. Chicken Foot adds a little spice by requiring three dominoes to be played on any double before any other space can be played. The placement of the three dominoes creates a formation reminiscent of an old hen’s hock.
How many dominoes are left in a chicken yard?
In a two player game, the last two dominoes are left in the chicken yard. In a game with three or more players, the last single domino is left in the chicken yard. The next round begins with the subsequent double. The final round is played with the double zero.
What happens if you can't play a domino in Chicken Yard?
If a player cannot play a tile, they must draw one from the chicken yard. If that domino can be played, that player must place it. If the domino drawn is unable to be played, that player passes. Doubles are always placed perpindicularly. When a double is played, there must be three dominoes added to it in order to create a chicken foot.
How many dominoes do you need to play a double?
When a double is played, there must be three dominoes added to it in order to create a chicken foot. Dominoes may not be placed anywhere else until the chicken foot is created. Play like this continues until the round is over. There are two ways to end a round. First, if a player plays all of their dominoes, the round is over.
What is the chicken yard in dominoes?
This is called the chicken yard, and it is used as a draw pile during the game.
What happens if you don't match in domino?
If they are unable to match, they draw from the chicken yard. If that domino matches, it must be played. If it does not match, that player passes. The next player repeats the process. This continues until there is at least one train per player at the table.
How many points do you get if you play all your dominoes?
If a player is able to play all of their dominoes, they earn zero points. The rest of the players earn points equal to the total value of all their dominoes. If the game becomes blocked, and no one was able to play all their dominoes, all players add up their total domino value.
How many people can play Chickenfoot?
Although it is a game for 2 or more players, there are no teams; each person acts independently. The game typically is played with Double-9 dominoes (meaning there are up to 9 spots, or pips, on the ends of each domino), while other variations include Double-6, Double-12 and Double-15.
How many dominos do you need to play in a game?
In a standard game, the player with the required double domino for each hand simply plays that domino to begin the hand. If no player has the necessary double domino to start the hand, then every player must draw one domino. This process repeats until someone draws the double domino required to begin. (Players should pay close attention to the tiles in their hands to make sure they are not overlooking the double which needs to be played.)
What are the rules of chickenfoot domino?
Chickenfoot Domino Rules. To be the player with the lowest score at the end of the game. Rules: Two different formations are made: the double Chickenfoot and the Chickenfoot. The double Chickenfoot is made at the beginning of each hand by playing 6 tiles diagonally, 3 on each side of the set tile. Chickenfoot are made throughout ...
What is a chicken foot?
This formation of 3 tiles played on the double tile is called a Chickenfoot. Once the new Chickenfoot has been completed by playing 3 tiles diagonally on one side of a double tile, players may return to adding tiles to any of the chicken toes until someone plays another double. Game End / Scoring.
How to play 9-9?
Player holding the 9-9 makes the first play of the game. Subsequent games would begin with the next-lowest double tile (8-8, 7-7, 6-6 and so on, the last game beginning with the 0-0 tile). If no one holds the correct double tile to begin that particular hand, players may agree to either 1) go to the next-lowest double or 2) reshuffle all the tiles and draw new hands. Play continues to the left. The next 6 players must be made on the 9-9 tile, 3 tiles played diagonally on each side of the 9-9 tile. This formation is called a double Chickenfoot. To do this, players must match a tile from their hand of the 9 suit to the 9-9 set tile. If 6 tiles have not been played on the 9-9 set and a player does not hold a tile from the 9 suit in his hand, he may draw one tile from the chicken yard. If he draws a tile with a 9 end, he plays it on the set tile. If he does not draw a tile from the 9 suit, he must pass his turn to the player to his left. After 6 tiles have been played on the 9-9 set tile, plays can be made on any of the 6 Chickentoes by matching tiles end to end, until someone plays a double tile. Once a double tile has been played on one of the Chickentoes, the next three plays must be made on the double tile before plays can be made anywhere else in the layout. This formation of 3 tiles played on the double tile is called a Chickenfoot. Once the new Chickenfoot has been completed by playing 3 tiles diagonally on one side of a double tile, players may return to adding tiles to any of the chicken toes until someone plays another double.
What is a double chickenfoot called?
Tiles played diagonally on the double tile are called “Chickentoes. ”. A Chickenfoot or a double Chickenfoot must have all the Chickentoes before any other plays can be made. Each player draws an equal number of tiles from the “chicken yard.”. For example: If 2 play, each draws 20 tiles; if 8 play, each draws 6 tiles.
How many tiles are there in Chickenfoot?
The double Chickenfoot is made at the beginning of each hand by playing 6 tiles diagonally, 3 on each side of the set tile. Chickenfoot are made throughout the hand by playing 3 tiles diagonally on one side of a double played during the game. Tiles played diagonally on the double tile are called “Chickentoes.”.
How does the chickenyard game end?
The game ends once a player plays all the tiles in his hand or when the game ends in block because none of the players are able to make a play and there are no tiles in the Chickenyard to draw from. Players must count the dots on the tiles remaining in their hand (1 point per 1 dot) and record their score.
How many points are added to your score at the end of a hand?
50 points are added to your score at the end of a hand if you are left holding the 0-0 tile.
How many people can play Chickenfoot?
Although it is a game for 2 or more players, there are no teams; each person acts independently. The game typically is played with Double-9 dominoes (meaning there are up to 9 spots, or pips, on the ends of each domino), while other variations include Double-6, Double-12 and Double-15.
What does chickenfoot mean in a double?
Whenever someone plays a double tile, that person may announce “chickenfoot” to notify the other players that playing on that double is mandatory before any other plays can be made. However, there is no penalty for a player who does not say “chickenfoot” after playing a double.
How many hands are in a domino game?
Score is kept on a cumulative basis, as each game consists of a certain number of hands. The number of hands in a game is equal to the number of domino suits (numbers/colors). Double-6 dominoes have 7 suits (0-7), so there are 7 hands to play. Double-9 dominoes have 10 suits (0-9), so there are 10 hands to play. Double-12 dominoes have 13 suits (0-12), so there are 13 hands to play. Double-15 dominoes have 16 suits (0-15), so there are 16 hands to play. While low hand scores are important, only the cumulative score matters. The player with the lowest final score wins the game.
How to calculate the number of dominoes in a chicken yard?
This is the guideline to follow to calculate the amount of tiles drawn: 42 ÷ [# of players], rounded to the nearest whole number, is the number of tiles with which each player begins the game.
What does it mean when you say "Chickenlittle"?
If the “Chickenlittle Rule” is in effect, a player must say “Chickenlittle” to announce to the other players that he/she has one last domino remaining. The player should say this as his/her next-to-last domino is being played, but at least before the next player has played. (This is very similar to the card game Uno, where players must announce that they have only one card left by calling out “Uno.”) If a player calls “Chickenlittle,” and play continues once more around the table, then that player can lay down his/her last domino (if it can be played) and win the hand.
What is the alternate way to begin each hand in dominoes?
There is an alternate way to begin each hand, if all of the players agree. The player with the highest available double may play it. That is, in the case of Double-9 dominoes, if the double-9 () tile initially has not been drawn by any player, then the double-8 () tile may be played. If no player has the double-8 tile, then the double-7 () tile is played, etc.
When should chickenlittle rules be changed?
It should be decided by the players, before beginning a game, whether or not the “Chickenlittle Rule” will be in effect during the game. Whether or not the rule is used should not be changed during the game.

About Chicken Foot Dominoes
Setting Up The Game
- Shuffle the dominoes, face-down, on the table. Each player takes seven dominoes and stands them on edge so that they can see the faces (the side with the pips) but their opponents cannot. The remaining dominoes are left on the table face down. This supply is generally known as the boneyard, though In Chicken Foot, the boneyard is often referred to ...
The Start Player and The First Tile
- The player who drew the highest double starts the first round by placing that tile in the center of the table. For example, if you're using a set of double-nine dominoes, the double nine is the highest double. Each later round starts with the player who has drawn the next-lowest double. For example, the player who draws the double-eight in the second round starts that round. The final …
Gameplay
- All dominoes must be played on one of the tableau's arms, with ends matching as in most domino games. (Example: If the start tile is a double-nine, the end of the domino the first player places near the start tile must be a nine. The other end can be anything at all.) Play proceeds as follows: 1. Play proceeds in a clockwise direction. 2. Dominoesmust be added to all four arms of the star…
Double Tiles
- Any time a player adds a double tile to the tableau, it is placed crosswise against the arm. The player doing so must announce "chicken foot," indicating that the following special rules are now in play. These rules are as follows: 1. The next three tiles played mustbe played as "chicken toes," completing the chicken foot, before a tile can be played anywhere else. 2. The toes are played a…
Ending The Game
- When one player places his final domino, or when no player has a legal play, the game ends. At this point, scores are calculated. The players each receive points equal to the total number of pips remaining in their hand. The double-blank tile is worth 50 points. The player with the fewest points wins. If there is a tie, the player who scored the most zero-point rounds wins. If there is still a tie …
Introduction
Starting The Game
- Place the dominoes face-down on the table and mix them up. If 2 people are playing, each player selects 9 dominoes. If 3 or 4 people are playing, each player selects 7 dominoes. Keep your dominoes in front of you but hidden from your opponent(s). Leave the rest of the dominoes face-down on the table in the “chicken yard”. In the first round, the player with double-nine places that …
Playing The Game
- The next player to the left must then place a matching domino next to the first domino. For example, if the first player started the game with double-nine, the next player must play a domino that has a nine on it. If the player doesn’t have a domino of matching value, they must pick up one domino from the chicken yard. If they still can’t play, they pass. The first double played in the ga…
Winning and Scoring
- The round ends when someone runs out of dominoes, or when everyone passes because the game is blocked. Each player scores the number of points in their hand. Double-blank is worth 50 points. The object of the game is to score as few points as possible. The game ends after 10 rounds are played. (Remember, the first round started with double-nine. Th...