Domino is a game of skill and strategy. You must be able to predict your opponent’s next move and block them as needed. You also need to know the rules of each game and how to draw dominos.
The first domino played is called the set, down, or lead. After this, players may buy tiles from the stock (see “Passing and Byeing” below).
Origin
Dominoes are a family of games that require patience, concentration, and skill. They are also great for team building. There are many variations of the game, from blocking to scoring. There are even domino puzzles, in which you have to match the ends of a line of tiles or form a certain total.
Dominoes first appeared in the early 18th century in Italy and France. They arrived in England toward the end of that period, possibly brought over by French prisoners of war. Dominos were made from sheep or cattle bone and had a rounded surface with dots. The word “domino” probably evolved from Latin’s dominus (master of the house), but it may have referred to a hooded mask worn by monks or carnival performers.
Rules
There are a number of rules and regulations associated with domino that are designed to ensure that the game runs smoothly. These include rules on misplays and scoring.
Depending on the game-type and setting, players may agree to different rule variations. For example, in some games the player with the highest double begins play. In others, the first player to a set point or an agreed upon number of points wins the game.
Another common scoring method involves counting the pips on each end of a domino exposed sideways or in the line of play. This score is added to the winner’s total. Some games also use a “spinner” double that can be played on all sides and is counted as two ends. However, most games only count one end of a double as an end for the purpose of scoring.
Variations
There are many variations of domino, but all games involve placing tiles on the playing board to build lines that score points. A basic game requires a double-six set, which contains 28 tiles with a combination of numbers from zero to six. Additional sets, such as a double-nine or double-twelve set, are also used for specific games. Before the game begins, the tiles are shuffled and arranged into a face-down stack, known as the boneyard.
The players then draw a number of tiles, typically seven. During their turn, players must play a tile that matches one of the touching ends on the layout. If they cannot play a tile, they must pass. The player with the lowest total pip count at the end of the game wins.
Materials
The domino effect is a type of dynamic that occurs when multi-stable building blocks switch from their high energy state (standing up) to their lower energy state (laying down). The mechanism is similar to the way your nervous system sends electrical impulses to the long bodies of individual nerve cells.
A typical domino set contains 28 wooden tiles, which feature assorted black spots. The tiles are evenly weighted and robust, and are manufactured from premium quality New Zealand pine wood. The set also comes with a luxury carry bag for convenient storage and travel.
Domino templates decrease setup times and allow players to create longer, straighter lines of dominoes. These are particularly useful for groups of people playing domino together, such as at a family gathering or a party.
Scoring
The scoring system for domino is an important aspect of the game. The player who has the most points at the end of a hand or game wins. The scoring method involves counting the number of pips on the exposed ends of each domino. Some large domino sets use more readable Arabic numerals to make this process easier.
The count may also include the value of a double, which is called a spinner. Depending on the rules of a particular game, a spinner is a domino that can be played off its exposed ends from all four sides. In some games, a spinner is required to be used as the lead tile. The count of the exposed ends must always add up to a multiple of five.