First of all, 5&3 is the most intelligent game played with domino tiles. It should has its own category, not under generic dominoes group. 5&3 has only one thing common with other domino games.
And it's the way tiles are placed on the table, matching two open ends. Strategy in this game is completely different from regular dominoe game, and if you follow what you know about domino game , you are sure to loose. Let's talk about.
1. The most basic strategy in any popular domino games is to block the opponent and send him/her to the boneyard, to draw more tiles. Or, in case of classic Block game, force the opponent to pass the turn. This is the more sure way to win the round and the whole game.
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Not so in 5&3. You have to avoid sending your opponent to the boneyard, since if he/she does it, his/her hand may get many precious stones to increase the scoring points.
2. In regular domino game, you want to keep open ends to secure your next move.
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Not so in 5&3. You would be better off by blocking yourself what will give you the chance to draw more stones from the boneyard.
3. In regular domino game one of the goals is to get rid of heavy stones as soon as possible.
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Not so in 5&3. It's to you advantage to keep as many 6s, and 5s in your hand since these tiles
will bring high scores during a round. It doesn't matter if you get cought with many heavy tiles.
The winner of the round will get only 1 point for it. So, load yourself with as many tiles as you can. Block yourself, throw yourself to the boneyard.
4. When playing 5&3 watch where and when you place your 6-6 and 5-5 tiles. Avoid exposing them if you do not have a good reason and a good response after your opponent score high (8 points).
5. In 5&3 games YOU HAVE to calculate your moves at least 3 steps ahead: Yours-Opponents-Yours.
If you just play because you may, you are not going to win many games in 5&3.
6. In many respects 5&3 is similar to backgammon, cribbage and similar racing games.
In my opinion it's one of the finest games ever.
7. When you come closer to 61 point, and your opponent is somewhat behind, do whatever you can, by lowering the counts on the table, to not let him/her to come closer to the ending point.
8. Do not score because you can. Keep the distance, and remember, always assume your opponent
has 6-6 or 5-5 and is ready to score big. The same apply to any scoring scenario with lower stones.
9. When well behind and the opponent has only few points to make a win, place your bones carefully so he/she cannot score and win.
10. Playing defensively is not to let your opponent to score, and offensively is to score no matter what, hoping the opponent has no good response. It's risky but the board position should give you a hint on how to play: either defensively or offensively.
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I am sure this game has many more fine points that can be discovered. The only way to do it is to play more and more.
Happy 5&3ing,
Dominolog (Andy)