Glossary
Dominican Domino Terms - 5 Words You Hear at the Table
If you understand the table language, you catch the mood and the score talk much faster. These are the words new players hear first.
2 min read
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Updated 2026-03-30
Dominican domino has its own table language, and it moves almost as fast as the fichas. If you know the words, you stop feeling like the room skipped a chapter without you.
01.
Five table words you will hear often
These words come up constantly in casual games, club matches, and tournament talk.
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Capicua: a winning finish that matches both open ends.
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Tranque: a blocked hand where no side can continue the chain.
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La mano: the right to open the next hand.
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Paso redondo: you play, all three opponents pass, and the turn returns to you.
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Polona: a high-impact bonus or blowout term that varies by table, so confirm the local meaning first.
02.
Why the exact meaning can change
Dominican domino language is alive, local, and table-specific. Some clubs keep very strict definitions while patio games use the same word a little differently.
The safest move before a serious match is to confirm bonus names and values with everyone at the table.
FAQ
Does polona mean the same thing everywhere?
No. Polona is one of the terms that changes the most by table, so confirm the exact meaning and points before the first hand starts.
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Put it into practice
Once you finish the guide, take it to the table with a quick practice match or a real game night so the lesson turns into muscle memory.