Who would have thought that two teenage boys looking for a way to play cards, without cards, would spark a new game of dominoes that would eventually become the official state domino game of Texas?
William Thomas (12) and Walter Earl (14), forbidden to play cards by their parents, created a card-like game with dominoes in 1887. As they shared it with friends, neighbors and family in Trapp Spring (now part of Garner), the popularity blossomed over the next century, culminating in Governor Rick Perry signing HCR 84 on June 17, 2011, making 42 the official State Domino Game of Texas.
San Saba has a lot to offer for visitors and residents. But one thing is clearly lacking – A Texas 42 tournament. We have a few groups that meet regularly, but nothing organized and certainly nothing designed to draw folks from out of town. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday, a group meets at San Saba’s First Baptist Church at 6 p.m. to play 42 and Mexican Train. Another group meets at the Senior Center at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays to play 42.
But this year, we’re putting San Saba on the Texas 42 map. So come join the fun, support Texas 42, support the community and let’s show the tour what we’re made of. If we get a good turnout, we’ll be scheduling these regularly.
The tournament will be held on the SE corner of 16 and 190, for the first of what we hope to be regular National 42 Players Association sanctioned tournaments. The N42PA is sending Jim Smith to bring the dominoes and be the tournament director. If you are a member, then you get points in the official standings. For those interested in joining, go to https://n42pa.org to register. You’ll find schedules, leader boards and official rules there as well.
It’s not necessary to be a member to win the prize. You just need to win!
The tournament rules are simple, no nelo, splash, plunge or sevens – just straight 42. No force bid, but shake shifts to next player with four passes. Once a domino is touched, it must be played or the trick forfeited. All levels of expertise welcome, as are spectators. Tournament rules can be found on the N42PA site as well.
• As noted above, we’ll be playing in the Bard & Hallow building, 404 E Wallace St., San Saba, Texas 76877.
• Friday, September 15, registration from 6-6:45 p.m. Play starts at 7 p.m. Entry fee is $20/ team. Play will be round robin.
• Saturday, September 16, registration from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Play starts at 9 a.m. Fee is $40/ team. Play will also be round robin, but with a playoff to determine winners.
• All fees go to winners. Single players welcome! We’ll team you up.
Rooms are available at Dofflemyer for those coming from out of town. Contact Rhonda Waidmann at 805-200-6178.
We look forward to seeing you there. Spread the word. Bring a friend!