Quick Rules
Chicken Foot is played with a double-nine set of 55 dominoes. You play against three computer players, and each of you starts with 11 tiles. The tiles left over are called the chicken yard.
- Starting double. Round 1 starts with the 9–9, round 2 with the 8–8, and so on down to the 0–0 in round 10.
- Fill the starting double first. Four tiles must be played on it, one on each side, before you can play anywhere else.
- Match the numbers. On your turn, play one tile whose number matches an open end on the table.
- Can't play? Draw one tile from the chicken yard. If it fits, you must play it right away. If not, you pass.
- Chicken foot. When anyone plays a double, it is placed crosswise, and the next three tiles must go on it to make the "toes" of the foot.
- End of a round. The round ends when someone plays their last tile, or when nobody can play and the chicken yard is empty.
- Scoring. You get the number of dots left in your hand. The 0–0 counts as 50 points.
- Winning. After 10 rounds, the player with the lowest total wins.
Grew up with different rules? Open Settings to choose six tiles on the starting double, a 25-point 0–0, or a shorter 5-round game. See rule variations for what each one changes.
Help While You Play
- Hint. On your turn, tap Hint to see a good tile to play and where, with a one-line reason. Use it as often as you like.
- Why? Next to each computer move, tap Why? to see the reason for it.
- Show All Hands. When a round ends, see every player's tiles and what was left in the chicken yard.
- Replay This Deal. Play the same round again with exactly the same tiles.
- Computer level. Choose Easy, Normal or Hard in Settings.
Tips for Winning
- Get rid of heavy tiles early. Tiles with lots of dots cost you the most if you are caught holding them.
- Watch the 0–0. It is worth 50 points at the end of a round, so play it as soon as you can.
- Save a double for the right moment. When another player is down to one tile, playing a double forces everyone to fill the chicken foot first, which can stop them from going out.
- Keep a variety of numbers. A hand with many different numbers gives you more chances to match.
- Count what has been played. If most tiles with a certain number are already on the table, ends with that number are likely to stay blocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this game free?
Yes. You can play as many games as you like for free, with no account and no download.
Does the computer cheat?
No. The computer players can't see your tiles, each other's tiles, or what is in the chicken yard. They only know what anyone at a real table would know: the tiles on the table, how many tiles each player holds, and who had to draw or pass. You can check this yourself. At the end of every round, tap Show All Hands to see every player's tiles and the tiles left in the chicken yard. Every game also has a deal number, shown above the table. Type it in Settings, or tap Replay This Deal, to play the exact same tiles again and see how a different choice works out.
How do the Easy, Normal and Hard levels work?
Easy computers usually play any tile that fits, so they are relaxed opponents while you learn. Normal computers play sensibly: they get rid of doubles and heavy tiles first, and play a double to slow down anyone about to go out. Hard computers also remember what has been played and notice which numbers a player is missing when they have to draw or pass. No level ever sees your tiles. Change the level in Settings; it starts with your next game.
What is the deal number?
Every game gets a number, like Deal #48213, shown above the table. The same number always deals the same tiles in every round. Type a number into Settings to play that deal, or share it with a friend so you can both play the same tiles and compare scores.
Can I play with my family's house rules?
Yes. In Settings you can choose four or six tiles on the starting double, count the 0-0 as 50 or 25 points, and play the full 10 rounds or a shorter 5-round game. Your choices are saved and used from your next game.
Why can't I play a tile that matches?
If a double is still waiting for tiles, it is the only place you can play. The starting double needs four tiles (or six, if you chose that house rule), and any other double needs three. The message above the table tells you how many are still needed.
Do I have to play if I have a tile that fits?
Yes. If any of your tiles can be played, you must play one. You only draw when nothing fits.
Why is the 0-0 worth 50 points?
It is a common house rule that makes the double blank a dangerous tile to keep. Some families count it as 25 instead, and you can choose that in Settings.
What happens if nobody has the starting double?
Everyone takes turns drawing one tile from the chicken yard until someone draws it. That player places it in the center.
Does the game save my progress?
Yes. Your game is saved in your browser after every move. Close the page and come back later, and you can pick up where you left off on the same device.
The tiles on the table look small. Can I make them bigger?
Yes. Use the + button in the corner of the table to zoom in, and Fit to see the whole table again.
More questions about the rules? See How to Play Chicken Foot and the rule variations.
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