Dendoku

Story Behind the Invention

From Inspiration to Creation

To start the game, each player draws a tile from the bag of tiles. The player drawing the highest numbered tile plays first. If two or more players are tied, each of the tied players draws again until one player has the highest numbered tile.

All tiles are returned to the bag and the bag is shaken to mix the tiles.

The player who plays first now draws 5 tiles from the bag and places them on their rack.

The remaining players starting with the player to the left of the first player do the same.

The first player begins play by choosing a tile from their rack and placing it on any square on the board. Hint: It is advantageous throughout the game to play a tile you have multiples of to increase your chances of playing a tile later in the game.

They then draw a tile from the bag to restore their number of tiles to 5.

Players should always have 5 tiles before and after their turn to play until all tiles have been drawn from the bag.

A player with only 4 tiles must draw a tile when it becomes apparent to any player.

The next player in turn then plays the tile of their choice on any open square on the board. Hint: Avoid placing a tile adjacent to or on the same line as a tile already played in a section of 9 squares, or the following player will be in position to score.

Players continue to play tiles on open squares on the board, being wary of giving the following players the opportunity to score points. Once a section has 2 or more tiles in it, it is possible to score by completing a line of 3 tiles.

A tile may not be placed: a) When a tile of the same number occupies a square in the same section of 9 numbers. b) When a tile of the same number occupies a square in the same row of 9 numbers vertically or horizontally.

When a square cannot be played on due to a conflict with a tile already played in that section or row, a black blocker tile is placed indicating a dead square.

Play continues until no player is able to play any of their remaining tiles.

Players scores are then totalled, deducting 20 points for each remaining tile on their rack.

Player with the highest total wins!

In case of ties, the player with the fewest remaining tiles is declared the winner.

Approximate playing time: 30-45 minutes.