French dominoes rules
French is the cross game. Instead of one long line with two ends, the opening double becomes the centre of a cross and the board grows in four directions. More open ends means more legal moves, and a hand that would be blocked in Partner often keeps running here.
Opening the cross
The first double is posed at the centre. The arms of the cross open off it, and once they are established there are four ends available rather than two.
Playing
On your turn you match any open arm. Turn order is anti-clockwise as usual, and the same rule applies: if you can play, you must.
Knocking and blocking
You knock only when none of the open arms can take a bone from your hand. With four ends live, knocking says a great deal about what you are holding.
Settling the hand
Going out wins the hand. If everyone knocks, the lowest pip count wins, exactly as in the line game.
Play French and take the south seat.