Domino (from French domino, meaning “cape”) is a game in which players try to get the pieces that match the value of one another. It is played with a set of tiles that range from six pips on each end to none or blank ends, and has many different variations.
Rules
When playing domino, the tiles are shuffled and face down, and players decide who will make the first play. The player whose domino has the highest double usually starts.
If no double is drawn, the person whose domino has the highest number of pips (spots) starts. The play proceeds clockwise around the table.
Each tile is matched to a matching domino at one of its ends. In a standard set of 28 tiles, each end has either pips or spots from zero to six.
A single domino may be positioned in any of the three directions as long as both its matching sides are touching fully. It can also be placed cross-ways across the end of the chain.
The game is won when a player places his last domino. He receives a score equal to the total number of dots on his opponents’ unplayed dominoes, rounded to the nearest multiple of five.
Variations
There are a wide range of domino sets available and many variants can be played using them. It is important to understand that different games can have very different rules, so it is always best to check the game you are playing with your friends for clarity.
In the West, most commonly played domino variants are the standard or “Block” and the “Draw” games. Both games can be played with a single set of 28 dominoes (double six) – but if you are planning to play these games with more than two players or with multiple sets of dominoes, you will need to consult the rules for your particular game.
In all domino variants, the key to winning is to block. This means playing out the larger numbered dominoes quickly. While this may seem obvious, it can be a crucial strategy in certain situations. Generally speaking, the double-six set of dominoes is favored for this reason because of its manageable number of tiles, rounding out at 28.
Materials
When it comes to domino game sets, there are a lot of different materials that can be used. Some of these include wood, plastic, and even paper.
Most of the sets that you see today are made from synthetic materials like ABS, resins, or plastic. These are more sustainable than ivory or bone but still retain some of the look and feel of those traditional dominos.
These dominos are often marked with the number zero to six, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. Some also have color dots, allowing them to be easier to match up.
In addition to being a fun and exciting way to spend time with family, dominoes can also be a good tool for learning spatial skills. This is because it requires thinking in numbers, recognizing patterns, and putting a strategy into place.
Scoring
During a game, players draw tiles from a central stock. They then place one or more of these on the table, lining them up end to end to form a domino chain that gradually increases in length.
Depending on the rules, the goal of the game is to lay down the best possible hand of tiles. In most games, a series of 13 rounds is played. At the end of each round, players score based on the number of pips or dots on their hand.
The scoring system is a bit complicated, but the best bet is to use the standard formula: pip count x pips per tile x 5 tiles minus the number of tiles in your opponents hand, rounded up to the nearest multiple of five (5). It’s a good idea to use the smallest possible number of tiles for this calculation, because it will make for a more accurate count. It’s also a good idea to include multiple players for maximum competition.