Kōl-ye-si is played by two or more persons, not exceeding ten. The set of dominoes is placed face down and shuffled, and part, if not all of the set, are placed end to end in an irregular line. One of the players acts as banker, Moul-tjyou (Chinese, Mat chiü "things' ruler").

The other players each draw 1 piece in turn from the line. They examine this piece and each put whatever stake they choose on the piece drawn. The Moul-tjyou puts down the same amount, whatever it may be, beside each player's stake and takes the next 2 pieces.

If his pieces are identical, a perfect pair, he at once wins all that has been staked. Otherwise the other players draw in turn either 1 or 2 pieces from the line. This done, they and the Moul-tjyou turn their pieces face up. They all count the spots on their dominoes. The remainders, after deducting the tens, count, and if the Moul-tjyou has an excess over that of any player, he takes the stakes, but if a player has an excess over that of the Moul-tjyou when the tens are deducted from the sum of the spots, that player wins the amount of the stake he has staked.

This is a common game in gambling houses. It is customary to keep a water jar there, in which the players voluntarily put a portion of their stakes before the result is disclosed, or, if unmindful, at the suggestion of some one interested in the house.

Notes:

1. Kōl-ye-si means kōl (hpai) or " domino" ye-si, the latter being the name of a game played with cards.